Salon international competitions back for 2014

After huge success last year, HJ will once again be running its Salon International competitions; Barber of the Year and Student Creative Team of the Year. This year also sees the launch of a new competition, Afro Stylist of the Year, which will also culminate in a live final at Salon International 2014. Launched in recognition of the growing interest in Afro hairdressing – and the wealth of often unrecognised talent within this creative and highly skilled sector of the industry – HJ’s Afro Stylist of the Year award is open to all stylists trained to NVQ level 2 or equivalent experience. HJ’s Barber of the Year competition is also back for 2014, celebrating talent within the world of barbering and men’s hairdressing. The competition is open to all qualified barbers in the UK of NVQ level 2 or equivalent experience. Last year’s winner Darryn Pitman is certainly glad he entered. Said Darryn: “To win the title of HJ’s Barber of the Year 2013 meant the world to me. I am very proud to have the recognition for all the hard work put in to every client, every day of my hairdressing life.” Also returning in 2014 is HJ’s Student Creative Team of the Year award, designed to celebrate the talent and inventiveness of today’s aspiring hairdressers and make-up artists. Entrants are initially asked to submit a picture of a model with their hair, make-up and styling inspired by a celebrity of their choice. Entrants must be studying towards their NVQ level 1 or 2. Last year’s winners were Grant Williams from Reed Hair and make-up artist Claire Lushington. The talented students created a look which combined curls, braids and feathers for a look inspired by Charlize Theron’s wicked queen in Snow White and the Huntsman. “It’s not just about the winning,” Grant told HJ, “It’s about the experience too, and what you learn along the way. I learnt so much from all of the other contestants, and from the judges.” The Clothes Show Young Hairdresser of the Year in association with HJ also comes to Salon International this year. The competition is open to hairdressers under 30, qualified to at least NVQ Level 2 with a maximum of five years’ experience, and the prizes on offer are amazing! Not only will the winner receive a trophy and certificate to commemorate their achievement and £1,000 cash, they will also get to style hair for a Clothes Show Live 2015 photoshoot, working with a top clothes stylists and a leading photographer. Shortlisted finalists in each competition will be selected from photographic entries and asked to recreate their look live at Salon International in October, in front of specially selected judging panels. To enter any category, all you need to do is send us a picture. Neither the model or photographer have to be professional, as long as the image shows the hair clearly.

Enter now!