IN an impressive display of creativity and talent, Penwith College’s Hair and Beauty students showcased their skills at the Cornish Skills Competition 2024.

This annual event, a highlight in the college’s calendar, provided a creative platform for students from across the hair and beauty subject area to demonstrate and apply the knowledge and skills they have learned.

In the lead up to the competition, students spent weeks planning and creating a beautiful mood board that presented their ideas of colour, texture, and aesthetic for their chosen look. Students let their creativity run wild and transformed their models to the theme of ‘Inspiration and Aspiration.’

Students arrived bursting with ideas that went on to impress a judging panel consisting of industry experts including hairdressing lecturer Ann Douglas, hair salon owner Cathy Allen, and make-up artist Claudia Reynolds. They had the massive task of selecting the deserving winners among all of the talented students.

Amazed by the quality of work, Cathy said: “There is a high level of teaching and skill at Penwith College. Each student was very confident, creative and independent. It was so tricky to pick only three winners as they all have done an amazing job!”

The event not only served as a celebration of the students’ skills but also as a steppingstone for further achievements in the hair and beauty industry.

Among the noteworthy awards, Izzy, the first-place winner of the hairdressing category, shared her journey of discovery and passion. Having studied A Level Psychology, Sociology and Fine Art, Izzy was already familiar with college life and wanted to continue her studies for another year in a new area.

She joined hairdressing and has thoroughly enjoyed her time learning a new skill and meeting like-minded students. Izzy said: “What I found really interesting about doing hair is that I didn’t have to do everything by the book and do what everyone else was doing, you can find your own style.”

Izzy’s work was inspired by the mangaka Hirohiko Araki, most notorious for his incredible artwork and book series, ‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.’ Izzy reflected on her work and explained: “I was most drawn to the blurred lines between masculinity and femininity in Araki’s work and felt connected to it as I am growing and finding my own identity and sense of self.”

Izzy combined this with her love for the Japanese lotus flower and created beautifully intricate origami flowers to feature on her model.

Hair and beauty course co-ordinator Sarah Brenton-Sara said: “The event was an opportunity for students to demonstrate the skills they have developed since starting their course. The creativity and attention to detail shown throughout the day showed how passionate and dedicated the students are and to their progression into the industry.”