Condola’s commendation for Garden of Eden creation

A student hairdresser at Walsall College has won the Concept Hair Learner of the Year British Hairdressing Fellowship Foundation Award.

Condola Dennis was one of three college students participating in the national competition which showcases the UK’s most promising hairdressing and barbering students.

Judges recognised her creative and technical skills in the Textured Hair category.

Inspired by avant-garde styles, the Met Gala and the Garden of Eden, Condola styled her model with a centre quiff and two separate designs on each side to represent the contrast of good and evil. This was flanked by a plait running down the back of the head to represent the serpent who spoke to Eve in the garden, finished with a gold and black ball covered with hair representing the world in light and darkness.

As one of around 50 competition finalists across nine categories, her entry was then selected by judges for the Fellowship Foundation Award.

Condola was presented with a  trophy and certificate.  She also received a one-year membership to the Fellowship for British Hairdressing and the opportunity to attend an industry upskilling experience day of her choice with one of the Fellowship Project Teams.

“I am honoured to be selected by the judges and members of the Fellowship for this award as a symbol of their belief in me, my talent and passion for hair,” said Condola who is studying a Level 2 women’s hairdressing qualification at the college.

“I was focused on switching my nerves for excitement so I could enjoy each moment of the event and making the most of the experience.  Getting my entire hairstyle completed within the time given was my main goal.  My model kept my timing in check for each segment of the hairstyle and I was so pleased with the finished results.”

Condola continued: “This achievement encourages me to push through life’s obstacles and keep going.  Getting to the end of my Level 2 course, the journey has opened my mind to the possibilities of what the industry has to offer for me personally.

“The connection between individuals with the same passion is a very wholesome one which I never expected.”

This is the second year running that a Walsall College student has won the Fellowship Award at Concept Hair Learner of the Year.  And students, Felicia Thompson and Troy Fielding were finalists in the Textured Hair and Level 2 Barbering categories of the competition.