Highly commended competition success for Walsall College hairdressers

A trio of student hairdressers at Walsall College are celebrating their success in Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2024.  The competition showcases the UK’s most promising hairdressing and barbering students who come together to flaunt their skill and artistry.

Damilola Durosinmi won the British Hairdressing Fellowship Foundation Award, Gemma Solomon received a special recognition award for textured hair and Kady Dukes was an award finalist in the hair up category.

“When I was announced as the award winner, it was a real pinch-me moment,” said Damilola.  “The Fellowship are such a huge deal in our industry.

“I had worked so hard and put in a lot of effort, time, and prayers into my preparation – so to have been recognised openly and publicly was such a great blessing.”

Damilola added: “I was glad that Gemma, Kady and our tutors were there too.  We all got the chance to support each other.”

This is the first time the competition has introduced a Fellowship Foundation Award.  Damilola, who completed in the avant garde category impressed judges with her carnival- themed look.

This consisted of an intertwined afro hair design with a globe as its centrepiece, designed to represent the universality and multiculturalism of the people attending these events.

Fellowship Hair President, Ashleigh Hodges said: “It was an absolute honour to present the Fellowship for British Hairdressing Foundation Award.  This competition is at the forefront of recognising the newest potential talent in our industry, broadening their horizons, and shining a spotlight on their creations.”

The textured hair competition category was also new for 2024.  Gemma’s special recognition was for her colour creativity-led look which saw her create a backcombed hairstyle with two small plaits in front of the ears, all decorated with flowers and butterflies.

“I loved the whole competition experience, from taking part to seeing the huge level of talent across the room,” said Gemma.  “It was really nice to have been singled out in this way.  It’s not something I expected, but it means a lot.”

Level 3 Hair Up finalist, Kady also says she benefitted greatly from taking part in the competition.  Her day-at-the-races-themed up-do featured pin curls decorated with white pearls,

“Demonstrating my skills in a non-salon environment where the atmosphere was completely different, although still lovely was a really great experience that will stand out on my CV,” she said.  “I was initially nervous on the day, but once I got started on my look, I was in the zone and was proud of what I achieved.

“I’d love to enter the competition again next year because it’s such a special thing to be part of.”

Level 2 hairdressing student, Damilola plans to progress on to a Level 3 course in September while Gemma and Kady hope to enhance their skillset by studying barbering at the college.

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