Hayden and Amy make the cut for national finals

Two BAC hair and beauty students are heading to Blackpool to compete in the national finals of a prestigious industry competition.

Amy Copeland

The Association of Hairdressers and Therapies (AHT) North East regional heats took place yesterday at the Federation Brewery, Gateshead.

More than 300 contestants took part from colleges and training providers across the region.

Amy Copeland, 28 from Crook, (pictured above) who is working towards her Level 3 in Nail Services at the college and works part-time in the student admissions department, came third out of 41 students in the creative nail competition.

Judges looked at competitors’ ‘mood boards’ presenting ten decorated nails and the set theme was ‘spiritual beliefs’. Amy used a variety of techniques such as hand-painting and coloured polishes, and used acrylic and gel designs. The spiritual themes she covered included after-life, nature, astrology, witchcraft and mythology.

Hayden Milford 2

Barbering Level 3 Diploma student Hayden Milford, 18, from Newton Aycliffe, (pictured above with his model) came third out of 21 competitors in the ‘barbering cut and finish’ competition sponsored by The Great British Barber Bash.

The judges focused on his cutting skills, style and suitability to his model’s features, creativity and overall finish. Hayden had to produce a masculine commercial style, using traditional barbering tapering skills.

Hayden will join Amy in the finals to be held on May 13 at the Norcalympia festival hall at the Norbeck Castle Hotel & Spa.

Geraldine Metcalf, Head of Hairdressing and Beauty Therapies, said: “I am delighted that we had students who took part in several of the AHT categories and it is amazing that we have students who were placed and will now go on to represent the college at the national finals.

“I would like to congratulate all of the students who competed as well as the staff for their support and the organisers of such an amazing event that showcases such a high degree of students’ talents and skills.”