Judging by the photos there's a real difference in standards

Yesterday, I was invited to judge the first ever Great Lengths Hair Awards at the oh so exclusive Home House in London. 

The first couple of times I was asked to judge hair competitions I found it terrifying. I felt out of my depth and worried about getting it wrong. Now I love it! There are always the odd differences in opinion - that's taste for you! - but invariably the cream rises to the top.

This was a really interesting one to judge because extensions are such a huge part of the hairdressing industry, so it is great to see them recognised - not just with creative awards but with business ones too.

It also really hammered home something that I have been hearing a lot about competitions recently: that there is a huge chasm between the really good work and the more mediocre entries.

It makes me think that the crucial thing is to make sure that those entries that don't have the same flair get to see and learn from the stronger ones.

At last year's British Hairdressing Business Awards, it was really nice to see Michael Van Clarke (who, you might remember, won just about everything) offer to share his entries with anyone who was interested.

I spoke to Michael recently and he says quite a few people have taken him on his offer and that's exactly how it should be. 

Entering competitions isn't all about winning; it's about pushing yourself, doing the best that you can and then learning from it and improving for next time.

So well done to everyone whose work I cast my eye over yesterday. The next challenge is to work even harder and take it to the next level.