Newcastle College student awarded 1st place at the AHT national Hair & Beauty competition

The Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) Hair and Beauty Competition final was held at Norbeck Castle Hotel in Blackpool yesterday and saw Media Make-up students from colleges around the UK come together to compete for a top spot following the regional heats held in March.

Newcastle College’s Kenzi Shepherd-Moss scooped 1^st place in the half body painting category with a graffiti theme, with Stafford College’s Sam Eggington and Grace Holden being awarded 3^rd place in the team category for their under the sea look.

On their well-deserved success, Level 2 Lecturer Shelley Cross, said: “The level of skill at the AHT Final is incredibly competitive so to achieve a 1^st and 3^rd place is a fantastic achievement – to even get to the final is no mean feat so we are very proud of all the students who took part in the day.”

“Competitions are an important opportunity for our students to develop their skill set and stretch themselves,” continued Shelley.

“They also get to interact with peers from all over the UK and network with industry professionals, employers and judges, which not only builds their confidence but helps with time management and professional development too.

“The students who attended have worked so hard over the past couple of months and we couldn’t be prouder. Well done everyone!”

Competition category winner, Kenzi Shepherd-Moss, said: “I’m so happy and relieved that all my hard work has paid off.

“I’m overly critical of myself and found the timings quite difficult to manage so I felt I’d missed a few details off my design and didn’t think I’d win. When I found out I’d come 1^st I was chuffed.”