Hair and beauty contest reaches Channel Islands

Hair and beauty students from the Channel Islands have taken part in a national competition for the first time.

The Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) regional competition held its first contest across the islands with students showcasing their skills at Highlands College in St Saviour, Jersey, on Wednesday.

Pupils from Jersey and Guernsey took part in eight categories for hairdressing, nail art and make-up with the winners of each section moving onto a national final in Blackpool on 12 May.

Pawel Kulon, head of hair and beauty at Highlands College, said it was a "ground-breaking" moment to be part of the competition for the first time.

Mr Kulon said there were 60 students from Jersey and 20 from Guernsey entered in the regional competition.

He added the atmosphere was great and the standard produced by the students was "absolutely unbelievable".

"I do believe it is a kind of ground-breaking thing because for the first time ever, we've got the right to access the UK national stage," Mr Kulon said.

"That means a lot for our students because that means they can compete with their colleagues on the national stage and showcase their skills, passion and talent on a bigger stage."

The winners included Phoebe Palmeri in the first year blow wave category, Sara Correia for 14-16 evening style and Naomi Stangroom for fantasy hairdressing.

Veronica Sousa won the commercial nail art tortoiseshell category while Shannell De Silva won the feminine cut and finish prize.

Other categories contested were editorial style make-up Vogue category which was won by Vicky Wagner, feminine fashion blow wave - won by Emma Jarvis - and a team event to create an image based on the theme of Moulin Rouge, which the duo of Lexie Dickson and Georgie Marsh won.

Phoebe, Shannell and Emma are from Guernsey while the other category winners are from Jersey.

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