Yorkshire Student Hairdressing Competition Held at Leeds College

Emerging talent from seven colleges showcased skills at regional event

On Thursday 11 December, Leeds City College’s Printworks campus hosted the first Yorkshire Student Hairdressing and Barbering competition, welcoming level 2 and level 3 learners from seven colleges across Yorkshire. The event provided an opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills across a variety of hairdressing and barbering disciplines.

Competition Categories and Judging

Participants competed in several categories, including:

• Creative Styling
• Fade
• Hair Up / Hair Down
• Scissor Work
• Creative Colour
• Textured Hair

An expert panel of judges assessed the work of the learners throughout the day, offering professional evaluation of their techniques and creativity.

Industry Engagement and Support

The event featured live demonstrations from hairdressing and barbering professionals, enabling students to observe current industry practices and engage in discussions about various techniques. This interaction also provided learners with insights into potential career pathways.

Several sponsors supported the competition, ranging from regional businesses to international companies such as Wella Professional. The sponsorship contributed over £8,000 worth of prizes, which included high-quality tools and products intended to assist students in their future careers.

Event Organiser’s Perspective

The competition was founded and organised by Leeds City College teacher Tracy Mangan. She highlighted the significance of bringing together learners from multiple colleges in the region and expressed optimism about the event’s future.

Ms Mangan commented: “Bringing seven Yorkshire colleges together under one roof was incredibly powerful. The standard of work, the enthusiasm of the students, and the support from industry exceeded all expectations. This is just the beginning. The aim is for this to become a regular fixture that continues to raise aspirations and create real opportunities for learners.”

The competition represents a new platform for emerging hairdressing and barbering talent in Yorkshire, fostering skills development and industry connections among students.