25th March 2024
South Devon College’s creative Hair and Beauty students highlighted their talents and skills during a spectacular display at the annual Hair and Beauty Show.
Using themes including films, fantasy, avant-garde, Egyptians, dolls, and famous artworks, they let their imagination run wild and showcased their breathtaking designs to a jam-packed enthusiastic audience!
The evening was full of glitz and glamour, with drag artist Roberta Calamari acting as compère for the event, providing laughs and extra sparkle!
Roberta Calamari provided the laughs on the evening
Parading on the catwalk running the length of The Street, we saw characters galore, featuring exotic body and face art and tousled and teased tresses.
From a fabulous floral fairy with light-up wings to an icy depiction of winter, and a cheerful sunflower creation to a living artwork masterpiece complete with frame – it was a riot of colour and creativity.
The designs couldn’t have been more varied, from soft waves, ice blue locks and glittering crowns to regal ‘up-dos’ and goth-inspired darker looks.
Some famous faces cameoed in the line-up, including Marilyn Monroe, Alice in Wonderland characters and Cruella Du Vil!
The finished designs were judged by a qualified and experienced external panel, including Jon and Kirsty Stacey, owners of Daroma Hair and Beauty in Newton Abbot; Kayleigh Blackmore, a freelance makeup artist; and Gill and Paul Goddard, owners of Gill Goddard Hair Salon in Totnes.
Gill Goddard said: “I thought it was absolutely amazing! I think the students are very competent and I love coming to watch what they do. Based on what I’ve seen today, I think there is a lot of talent around.
“I always use apprentices from South Devon College. The College has great staff and really good support for the students. That’s how we keep the sector fresh – with new people, new ideas, and new passion.
“I have also employed students from South Devon College – they are easy to get on with and they’re ambitious.”
Student Emma Saunders, who is on the Level 2 Hairdressing certificate, was crowned the Overall First Place champion of the event for her spectacular fairy design, complete with illuminated wings, detailed floral headpiece and floral body art.
Emma Saunders with her winning design
Emma said: “I designed a mood board around the theme of a fairy. I didn’t like any of the ready-made costumes so decided I’d adapt and make my own, which took me about a month to put together. I’m really glad that all the effort I put in paid off.
“I love doing hair ups, so I wanted to make sure I was doing something that showed this. I practised on my two teenage daughters, and the blockheads, a lot to get to the final look. In total, hair, makeup and finishing touches took around three hours to achieve.
“All the college staff are always helpful and keen to impart their wealth of knowledge and experience. In the future I would like to work in a salon and to be able to make a living from hairdressing.”
Jon Stacey, owner of Daroma Hair and Beauty, was equally as impressed with the standard of designs on show. He said: “I thought the talent was really strong tonight throughout the age groups.
“There is a lot of talent coming through in the sector in Torbay. We have two apprentices from South Devon College in the salon at the moment – it’s important for apprentices to learn on the job, and we can also train them in customer service and how our salon business works.
“I have employed former College apprentices and they are very strong employees. In fact I was a former South Devon College apprentice myself!”
Amidst a burst of vibrant colour, competitors received a standing ovation as a testament to their hard work. The audience was also treated to an uplifting song from our Performing Arts students’ upcoming show ‘Legally Blonde’.
Performing Arts students showcased a song from their upcoming show ‘Legally Blonde’
All proceeds from the entrance fee were donated to the College’s Student Hardship Fund, to support students most in need.
