Uk college talent recognised at wella professionals xposure 2011

A trainee hair stylist from Newcastle College has been crowned UK winner of the Wella Professionals Xposure Awards 2011 - Wella Professionals' search for Britain's top college trainee hairdresser.

Sara Scott, who studies NVQ Level 3 hairdressing at Newcastle College, saw off competition from hundreds of students over three stages to compete at the National Final, which took place at the Wella Professionals World Studio, London.

The 20 national finalists - all under 25 years old and attending a hairdressing course at a College of Further Education - were asked to create a total look, including a cut and colour. Sara's creation was deemed outstanding by the panel of judges, which included HJ's news and business editor, Matthew Batham.

As her winning prize, Sara received the Wella Professionals Xposure trophy, £1,000 worth of Wella Professionals training vouchers, a tool kit worth £500, additional education and on-going expert advice, plus the opportunity to shadow a top hairdresser for a day.

In second place came Lucy Gibara from Walsall College, who won £500 worth of Wella Professionals training vouchers and a tool kit to the value of £250, while Katie Beer from Chesterfield College was placed third and won £250 worth of Wella Professionals training vouchers and a tool kit to the value of £100.

Sara said of her win: "I can't believe that I am the Wella Professionals Xposure Awards 2011 UK Gold Winner! The National Final was great fun, but it took a lot of hard work and preparation. It was so inspirational working alongside the other competitors to create a total look, and I can't wait to spend a day with a top hairdresser to learn new skills and techniques from the best in the industry."