Hairdressing student wins Silver Award at Wella Xposure

A Walsall College hairdressing student has won the Silver award in the Wella Xposure National Competition.

Yana Ristic, who is studying a Level 3 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing, was amongst only four students chosen for the grand final.

The final of the Wella Professionals student competition, XPOSURE, took place at Wella World in London on 4th June, where the winners were crowned.

After submitting an initial photographic entry, students then competed at the regional heats, for either the College Category or Academy Category.

A total of 32 finalists then battled it out at the final, and the judging panel comprised of Kieron Fowles from Regis, Jayson Grat from Kardon Kyd and leading hairdresser Patrick Cameron.

Finalists were required to prepare their model at the studio, before the model line-up and parade in front of the judges. Finalists were supported on the day by an audience of college lecturers and salon managers.

All Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners have won a tailor-made mentoring day with an inspirational industry icon at the Wella World Studio London. In addition, Gold award winners will embark on an exclusive behind the scenes experience at the TrendVision Award 2018 UK & Ireland Final, £1000 Wella MyEducation Fund for their personal development, (including expert advice on how to maximise their creative potential), a hairdressing tool kit worth £500 and a Wella Professionals XPOSURE trophy.

Silver and Bronze winners also won Wella MyEducation Fund vouchers, tool kits and trophies.

Joanne Small, Curriculum Manager for Beauty and Hairdressing at Walsall College, said: “We’re thrilled that Yana has won the Silver Award at such a prestigious competition. She has worked incredibly hard in the run up to the regional heat, and to get this far in the competition is a great reward for their efforts.

Every year, we encourage our students to take part in the Wella Xposure competition, as it is a great opportunity for them to apply the skills they have learnt, whilst put their own creative spin. Two of our students reached the regional final, which is an achievement in itself, and is great way for them to showcase their talents to industry professionals and gain exposure.”

Sheila Jackson, Wella’s Director of Education & Events, said: ‘‘We have been incredibly impressed by the standard of entries and it’s great to see so much inspiring new talent coming through. This is a wonderful opportunity and congratulations to all the winners.’’

Walsall College offer a number of courses and apprenticeships in hair and beauty. To find out more, come to our next Open Day to speak to a tutor.