The secrets of winning a hair industry competition

Entering hairdressing industry competitions can be a big investment of time, energy and money; not only for the competitor but also for the company supporting them.

However, the learning process, the PR potential and the skills gained make it well worth the investment - especially if the entrant walks away with a prestigious title.

We caught up with Wella Trend Vision Award winner Jake Unger and his mentor Akin Konizi of Hob Salons to find out about the risks and benefits of entering the competition, and to get an insight into Jake's winning entry.

Jake Unger Hob Academy Educator and Wella's International Trend Vision Award Winner 

How did you enter e.g. was it your decision or were you advised to by Hob Salons?

This year was my third year entering, but it was always something I wanted to achieve. With Hob Salons it is great as they are so supportive and really encourage you to reach your full potential so with this in mind, we just went for it!

Tell us a little bit about your entry - what do you think made it stand out?

From the 1st round, I felt that I could go far in the competition as I loved my photo; it was the 1st time photographically that I had produced something I was truly proud of! Then, in the regional heat I wanted to change the hair cut to show that I had more to offer, so I did something completely different, which I really didn't like, but there must of been something the judges liked. This for me was the biggest learning point! For the final I made the decision to do something that I was proud of and that I felt was beautiful. This is what I believe made me stand out from a UK point of view, that I was again happy to change the look but in my presentation really explaining the reason why I had changed it and what I had learnt. For the international final, I was really happy with what I produced and believe the beautiful simplicity allowed the hair to really stand out.

How much help or coaching did you receive for your entry and how valuable was this?

Hob Artistic team and Akin Konizi really help and support me in anything I set my mind to. Akin has been an incredible mentor to me, really pushing me out of my comfort zone. He made me realize that everything has to be exact - so working on the finish, working on the optimal length in different areas and working on Elle my Model, perfecting her walk and presence was all vital.

What have you learned from the competition?

The biggest thing is to stay true to yourself and what you believe in, not to do something just because you think that's what they want to see. Also, I think it is important not to rest on what you have done in previous round, but instead to always look to improve and better your work. 

What have been the best things about winning the competition?

I worked for three years to win the UK final, so just to win that was unbelievable! To then go on and compete with the whole world for the global title, and to win it, was unforgettable! This whole experience has been a dream come true and to get the opportunity to travel while doing something I love is an amazing feeling!

What advice would you give to other people considering entering the Trend Vision Award?

It would have to be to always stick to what you believe in! Really live your trend. Try and think of the trend as a person, who they are, what they do, what they wouldn't do, where they go.... It is the preparation and planning that will help set you apart from the competition.

What next for you?

For me, 2011 was a year I will never forget. As part of Hob Education, I am very lucky to be teaching in our incredible Academy in Camden, while I also have a busy column on the salon floor which I love! In the next few years I would like to become a member of the Fellowship's FAME Team and I would definitely love the chance to enter the British Hairdressing Awards and maybe become secure the Newcomer of the Year title. I really hope this is just the beginning for me!

Akin Konizi Hob Salons' International Creative Director and HJ's 2008, 2009 and 2011 British Hairdresser of the Year

Entering competitions can be a big investment. Did you encourage Jake to enter and why do you think it is important for young hairdressers like him to enter?

We have always supported Wella's Trend Vision Award - it is a fantastic business tool and also very inspirational and motivational to our staff. For this reason, we were very encouraging in regards to Jake entering. He has been with Hob Salons since starting out in the industry at just 16 years old, and we truly believed that he is a major talent. It is great to recognise youngsters as early as possible, encouraging and supporting them to fulfil their goals.

How would you describe Jake's entry?

Jake's entry was very on-brand for Hob Salons but at the same time Jake has amazing ideas and pushed it to the limit, producing a very geometric, very precision based cut that was also beautiful.

In what ways did you help Jake once he had decided to enter e.g. time off, tips and advice?

Both technically and also with any advice he needed for haircuts, colour, models and skills for delivering his presentation. We worked with him every step of the way, encouraging him to be the best he can and supporting him throughout the entire process.

What has the competition taught Jake - what changes have you seen in him?

It's taught Jake that through hard work anything is achievable. This competition has really seen him grow in confident and it seems to have pushed him to the next level as an Educator. The great thing about him is that it hasn't gone to his head at all, he is still the same guy he was before - very humble and looking forward to the next challenges coming his way.

How proud did you feel when Jake won?

Extremely proud! Jake has been with us since he was 16 so this was a special moment, not only him, but the whole team who have nurtured his talent throughout his time at Hob Salons.

What advice would you give to other salon owners considering competition for their staff e.g. would you recommend they make the investment?

I think it is absolutely worth the investment but before doing so, their staff must be enrolled and enthusiastic! There is no point putting people into a competition that is not their own idea or that they don't want to do. Enthusiasm is so important and they have to be ready!

What do you think winning Trend Vision can do for his career?

I think it can give Jake a great profile and a great platform to showcase his skills and push him forward to reach.