Top hair stylists show off talents at fundraising awards night

10:00pm Monday 14th June 2010

By Claire Hankey

THE cream of south Essex hairdressers showcased their talents and helped raise more than £1,000 for charity.

Award-winning hairdressing trainers J&E Training, based in Basildon, hosted its annual achievement awards celebration at the town’s Towngate Theatre, with all the glamour of a catwalk show.

Special guest on the night was celebrity stylist John Frieda, who watched as models strutted the stage modelling the latest looks, perfected by the styling teams of some the areas best coiffeurs.

These included Strangeways salon, Leigh, Sodeau’s, Hairclubin and the Big Yin, all from Southend.

Lynne Hayes, business development manager of J&E Training Academy, says: “The evening’s theme was Hair Wars and the catwalk collections interpreted the theme in varied and vibrant forms, reflecting the extremely high standards rivalled only in London shows.”

Students working in salons across Essex nervously awaited the results of a major photographic competition with three categories: Men’s, Women’s and Young Art Team.

Students also received merit awards: Pre-apprenticeship programme for 14-16 year old students, Yellow Brick Road for overcoming adversity and Reach Award for students advancing by their own endeavours.

Salon awards included Excellent Customer Service, where salons had to produce a portfolio of evidence together and have a visit from a mystery client.

The final, most prestigious award, Student of the Year, went to Gina Little, who had to produce a portfolio, attend a panel interview and show examples of her artistic talent. Also attending the event was Billericay’s Jim Shaw, from Essensuals and British Men’s Hairdresser of the Year 2008, who helped present awards to students for their work over the year.

As well as celebrating achievement the evening also helped swell the cofffers of Great Ormond Street Hospital under the Hair Raising Campaign The hairdressing industry has pledged to raise £1million for the charity and salons across the land are putting efforts into fundraising ideas thanks to its ambassador and founder John Frieda.

Lynne says: “It was a fantastic evening, truly inspirational, showcasing the very creative and innovative talent our young apprentices have. “It also demonstrates how effective our apprenticeship programme is, learning, working and being part of a team to put on shows that rival the industry’s best. “Hairdressers are renowned for their generosity and salons will always get involved in fund raising. “It was brilliant that both Jim Shaw and John Frieda attended the event – fantastic role models for young people.”