Top college crimpers have won first place in a national competition.
The students from New College Durham’s hair and beauty course won the National Champions title at the final of the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) competition in Blackpool.
A team of 15 students competed at the event after winning at the regional heat in February.
Lindsay Deswert, AHT Competition Director for the North East area and Hair Lecturer at New College Durham, said: “We’re thrilled with the results and the students are still buzzing with excitement! It’s the first time the college has been placed first in the national competition and we are delighted that all the students’ hard work and efforts have paid off. It’s a real accolade for New College Durham and the North East area.”
The team based their work on the theme of war history, and created fantasy hair and make-up with three dance models styled in the theme of ‘poppy girl’, ‘News of the World’ and ‘war plane’. The winning stylists for this were Beth Moralee, Elham Khalilzadeh and Christine Embleton.
Leanne Willis, European Hairdressing Champion, said: “This is the best team we have seen in years, the presentation and styling was flawless, the entire showcase was very emotional as the musical piece was dramatic and in tune with the whole theme.”
Students from the college also won first place in the ‘History Theme’ category and first place in the 14 years + category with face painting for their ‘Under the Sea’ theme.
The winning students were given a silver trophy, certificates and £100 each.