Don't miss the young hairdresser of the year competition

If you are under 30 and love entering competitions, then get set to enter The Clothes Show Young Hairdresser of the Year contest. Presented by HJi and supported by Your Hair magazine, the competition is in its third year.

Download your Young Hairdresser of the Year entry form | Young Hairdresser of the Year rules and regulations

Kate Hubbard from Royston Blythe who won the award in its first year recalls: "I was absolutely ecstatic when my name was read out - I couldn't believe I'd won! I go to The Clothes Show every year and am thrilled to be the first ever winner of this award. The other entrants were all brilliant, so it was an honour to have won."

Kate has gone on to win a host of awards, and was a member of last year's FAME team. So what advice would she give to youngsters thinking of entering competitions? "It is really important to enter competitions as it's good experience; it makes you focus and it is a learning experience whether you win or not," she says.

"I would say to anyone thinking of entering The Clothes Show Young Hairdresser of the Year - go for it, it's fun and if you put enough effort in, you could win."

To enter, stylists need to send in a fashion-led image, which is then judged by a panel of judges. Finalists will be invited to the NEC in Birmingham to take part in a live final, where they will recreate their photographic image. Download your entry form.  

Megan Zarrabi from hob salons in London is the current holder of the title. "It was fantastic to win and has gone a long way in boosting my confidence and self-belief," she says. "Part of my prize was to do a photo shoot with HJ and Your Hair magazines. To see my model on the front cover was amazing. The recognition from winning has helped me develop my portfolio, which is key when entering other awards.

"Winning helped me become a young ambassador for Speakeasy4schools which helps inspire school and college students wanting to enter the industry. I've also been invited to be a judge for various competitions as well. Without a doubt it has developed my profile in general."

Megan offers these three tips for stylists hoping to be the Young Hairdresser of the Year

• Be well prepared - this is key to getting everything right on the day.
• Make sure your look is on-trend yet wearable and commercial. Look to the catwalk and celebrity icons for inspiration.
• Be confident onstage when you are styling your model and throughout your presentation.

Download your Young Hairdresser of the Year entry form | Young Hairdresser of the Year rules and regulations