How to enter young hairdresser of the year
Following the success of last year's Young Hairdresser of the Year competition, HJi has once again teamed up with the Clothes Show Live to find the Young Hairdresser of the Year 2008.
Young Hairdresser of the Year is a nationwide competition that aims to recognise up-and-coming British hairdressing talent, and reinforce the importance of fashion and hair fusing together.
The competition is open to hairdressers who are qualified to NVQ level 2 or equivalent, who are under the age of 30, and have a minimum of three but a maximum of five years' experience.
To enter, all you need to submit is a colour photograph of a look you have created that reflects the current commercial trends. This can be an image or collection that you have shot previously.
However, if you are doing a hair photo shoot for the first time you might need some help and advice so we've put together this simple checklist of some of the key things that you will need to think about.
1. Find the right model
If you don't have the budget to hire a professional model, it doesn't have to be a problem, you'll just need to be resourceful. Last year's Young Hairdresser of the Year Kate Hubbard used a junior from her salon Royston Blythe as her model, while HJ's 2007 Newcomer of the Year, Anna Chapman, used My Space to source hers. If you don't find anyone appropriate don't forget the old favourite 'word of mouth': L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winners Mack Hairdressing used a client's sister for their winning entry.
2. Make sure you are happy with your photographer
A specialist hair photographer will turn a good image into a fantastic eye-catching image. Hiring the best photographers in the business can be expensive, but there are options available that do not have to blow the budget. You could contact your local college, where students will happily offer their services in exchange for new images for their portfolio.
3. Choose great clothes to complement the look
"It's especially important with hair shoots to have the right styling, because you don't want to detract from the hair. A good stylist will have strong relationships with fashion PRs and go to the big catwalk shows," according to clothes stylist Amanda Bernard. However, clothes stylists come at a cost, if you are working on a budget and choosing your own wardrobe make sure you look at plenty of magazines and websites to get a clear idea of the current trends. Don't forget to have plenty of options: what works in the flesh doesn't always work on camera.
4. Don't forget the make-up
It might not be at the forefront of your mind; but great make-up that complements your look can make all the difference to your photo shoot. Make-up artist James O'Riley says you should be prepared to try something new but ensure that the make-up never detracts from the hair.
Once you're happy with your look, take another look through the Young Hairdresser of the Year competition rules and regulations, just to make sure you haven't missed anything.
Then download your entry form and return it to Dan Eversfield, Hairdressers Journal International, Quadrant House, The Quadrant, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5AS.
More Advice on Successful Competition Entries
Darren Ambrose's top tips for entering hair competitions
British Hairdressing Awards 2007 winners' advice
Color Challenge winner says 'be brave and go for it!'
