Hair and Beauty students from Newcastle College have reached the national finals of a prestigious competition after winning big at the North East heats.

The annual Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) Regional Competition was held earlier this month at the Federation Brewery, Gateshead, and more than 370 students from 12 colleges across the region competed in 21 categories.

Newcastle College students came first in four categories, with eight top four finishes in total.

The competition was sponsored by Wella, and the learners’ entries were judged by industry experts including Robert Rousseaux, WorldSkills UK Senior Judge; Ester Rousseaux, Head Beauty Judge; Andi Hayes and Josh Barford from KING B Barbers; Marie Scroggins, Ex ND Make-Up Director; and VTCT Associates.

Ruth Salt, National Key Account Technician at Wella, said: “We are proud to be the main sponsor of the AHT Annual Student Competition. Education is at the heart of everything we do at Wella and the AHT competition supports our vision.

“This prestigious competition showcases students from across all sectors of the hair and beauty industry, from those just starting to those in their final years of study; allowing each other to embrace, inspire and celebrate their achievements.’’

Lindsay Gaskill, Teaching Learning and Assessment Coach at Newcastle College, and AHT North East Chair and Competition Director, said: "Competitions are key to student progression and are an important opportunity for our students to develop their skillset and stretch themselves to demonstrate they can succeed in industry and are work-ready.”

Congratulations to the following Newcastle College students who earned a top four finish in their categories, and will now be competing at the national finals in May:

Jake Fowler | 1st place | Glamorous Drag 
Annalise James | 1st place | 1960s Make-up 
Thomas Bolden | 1st place | Gender Transformation 
Thomas Bolden | 1st place | Editorial Make-up 
Jess Miller | 2nd place | Editorial Make-up 
Tuan Hung Dang | 3rd place | Bridal Hair (41 in category) 
Coby Turner Scott | 4th place | Bridal Hair 
Layla Hickey | 4th place | Bridal Make-up

Explore Hair, Beauty and Make-up courses at Newcastle College.