British barbering celebrated at the first barber connect event

The art of barbering was celebrated in two awards ceremonies on 12 May, as the British Barbers Association (BBA) held its third Student Barber of the Year final and the first BBA Masters Awards in Cardiff.

The Student Barber of the Year competition was split into three categories - Classic, Trends and Styling, showcasing the versatility of the rising stars of British barbering. Sponsors for the event were Denman International, Andis, Jack Dean and the Pro Edge Comb. Hosting proceedings was celebrity barber and the BBA's style director, Chris Foster  and BBA director Mike Taylor(pictured).

First prize in the Classic category went to Steven Chapman, with Matt Wray and Carly Appleton taking second and third place respectively.

In the trends category, pole position went to Jordan Evens, with James Betts and Sammy Jo Mudge taking second and third places.

Axl Stone won the styling category with runners up Louise Bowling and Oli Newman.

Calderdale College was presented with a special trophy for encouraging the most students to enter the competition.

Hotly anticipated were the winners of the first BBA Master competition, as voted for by the organisation's 3,000 members. The Classic Masters Award was presented to  Adam Mir of Taylor Taylor in Sheffield; Filip Cerri of Daniel Granger Hairdressing in Northampton was named Creative Master 2013.

Both events were held as part of the first Barber Connect exhibition, which saw barbers from across the UK descend on the St David's Hotel, Cardiff for a day of inspirational seminars, demonstrations, products and services.