IS hairdressing the new rock’n’roll?

Big name stylists from around the world are jetting in to Colchester to perform in a live stage show next month – the first of its kind in the UK.

Instead of singing or dancing, they will be cutting models’ hair, applying make-up and using all the tricks which usually go on behind the scenes at glam fashion shoots.

Watching people get their hair done may not normally be seen as a form of entertainment, but organisers are hoping for a sell-out crowd at the charity bash on June 19.

Nick Mitchell, of Java, the North Hill salon which is co-ordinating the event, said: “We will stage a complete magazine-style fashion shoot in front of the guests. There will be no backstage – you can see everything the experts do close-up and personal!

“If you’ve seen magazine photos, this is a fascinating chance to see from start to finish how the look is achieved.

“We are flying in stylists from the USA, Italy, Germany, Denmark and Belgium.”

They include Nino Altobelli, from the States, and Fabrizio de Carlo, from Italy.

The International Fashion Party event, in aid of brain injury charity Headway Essex, is being held to mark the rebranding of Java, which will become known as Alter Ego Hair Design from Monday, June 14.

The show, at Essex University’s Sub-Zero nightclub, will run from 9pm to 3am and is open people aged 18 and over.

Tickets are £12.50 and are available from Mr Mitchell on 01206 762295, Headway Essex’s Colchester office on 01206 547616.