Hair and beauty students from Guernsey Institute and Jersey's Highlands College are pitting their salon skills in first-ever Channel Islands heat, to qualify for a national competition.
The students - 57 from Jersey and 20 from Guernsey are going head-to-head in an inaurgal Association of Hairdressers & Therapists (AHT) regional competition since it was founded in 1963.
For the first time, Channel Islands students have been invited to compete in a regional round - showcasing their creativity and technical expertise in hairdressing, makeup and nail art skills.
The winners will be invited to the national event in Blackpool on 12 May 2025.
The two islands are more used to competing against each other on a sports field rather than a salon, but Sally Warburton-Ward, Head of Hair & Beauty at The Guernsey Institute, says this is an important opportunity to show what they can do:
"This experience will allow our young people to not only showcase the skills they’ve developed this year, but also build confidence, gain exposure within the industry and, importantly have fun and make some amazing memories.
"The AHT competition is a great way to support our learners to foster creativity, experience healthy competition and be provided with a motivational platform to advance their career aspirations."
Pawel Kulon, Highlands College's Head of Hair & Beauty, says friendly competition will be good for the students.
“Seeing our students compete at this level for the first time is a testament to the quality of education and training we offer in Jersey.
"This is more than just a competition, it’s a chance for our learners to be inspired, connect with industry professionals, and elevate their aspirations.”
Guernsey Institute Hairdressing competitors
Judges include AHT National competition Director Denise Johnson, President for Hairdressing and Barbering Robert Rousseau, and Lead Judge for Beauty, Make-up and Nails Esther Magauran along with local makeup artist Grace Le Masurier and spa therapist Clair Howell (beauty) and Nathan Thomas, Director of Bohemia.gg (hairdressing).
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