Coleg Gwent students have proved themselves in the style stakes by winning places in the UK finals of a competition with their hair and beauty skills.
It was another successful year for hair and beauty students from Coleg Gwent’s City of Newport and Crosskeys Campuses, who won six silver and two bronze medals competing in regional Welsh heats of the AHT (Association of Hairdressers and Therapists) competition.
“We’re delighted that Coleg Gwent students have done so well in the AHT competition yet again,” said Head of School for Creative Industries at City of Newport Campus, Nichola Watkins. “They came up with some fantastically creative styles which really showcased their full range of skills against tough competition from other Welsh students. We wish them all the best of luck for the UK finals.”
Under the expert gaze of a judging panel and racing against the clock, students took to the floor to compete in hair, make-up, body painting and nail categories.
Key competition themes such as Ladies Hair Up, Bridal Hair, Fashion Designers (body paint), Current Trends (nail), Bridal Make-Up and Classic 1960s Make-Up, ensured students impressed with flamboyant styles and dazzling detail.
Llanwern High School pupil Lauren Thomas and St Julian’s School pupil Sophie Bartlett, both studying hairdressing at Coleg Gwent’s City of Newport Campus as part of the College’s School Links partnership, took second and third place with their interpretation of the Ladies Evening Style Hair Up schools category.
Hairdressing student Lois Jones, 26, from City of Newport Campus, celebrated winning second place in the bridal hair team event.
City of Newport Campus beauty therapy student Dominique Willis, 19, was awarded a silver medal in the bridal make up team event, whilst Jessica Williams, 18, from City of Newport Campus, Crosskeys Campus theatrical make-up student Alicia Thorne, secured silver and bronze medals for classic 1960s make up looks.
Under a strict time limit of three hours, Crosskeys Campus theatrical make-up student Charlotte Ballinger triumphed with a top-to-toe ‘fashion designers’ look inspired by women’s ‘power suits’ to take second place in the body painting category.
“I was overjoyed to win a silver medal, I just didn’t expect it at all,” said Charlotte, aged 19, from Newport. “It was a brilliant experience working under pressure, and I can’t wait for the final!”
Crosskeys Campus beauty student Viktorija Skinkyte, 22, proved her knowledge of current trends with a second place in the nails category, featuring an intricate red and gold design on pointed shaped nails.
The finals of the competition will take place in Blackpool on Monday March 18.