Future stars named uk hairdressing student of the year

Joe Slinger (NVQ level 3) and Mathilde Heather (NVQ level 2) have been named the UK’s hottest student hairdressers. The pair, along with four other hopefuls, sent their models down the catwalk in front of a live audience and a panel of the industry’s harshest critics at Salon International.

The catwalk show, sponsored by City & Guilds and L’Oreal, was the finalists’ last opportunity to convince the judges that they should win the Hairdressing Council’s UK Hairdressing Student of the Year. After a long hard journey that began with over 500 contestants, the finalists were judged on their portfolio, a written assignment, a 10-minute interview and finally, a styling practical on a model for the catwalk. Entrants were nominated by their colleges or training providers and tested on their knowledge, experience and practical ability.Sue Bleasdale, a senior tutor and competition coordinator at Ansdell College, who entered winner Jo for the award said she always knew that he was a real talent.“Joe has been a success at all stages,” she says. “He deserves what he has achieved. He has worked so hard and is completely dedicated – an excellent role model for other students.” Joe and Mathilde’s latest success has won them a L’Oreal Training Course, a day at a top salon, an Ipod, a selection of valuable hairdressing textbooks and an invitation to tea at the House of Commons. City & Guilds product manager Jacky Jones said the competition was more fierce that ever before. “This year the competition was tougher than ever. We were inundated with entrants and the standard of portfolios was amazing," she adds.“I think it comes down to the quality of training and expertise of tutors in the industry at the moment. It is so competitive. Nowadays hairdressers need to work really hard to stay ahead of the game.”