31st March 2025

South Devon College was brought to life with sparkle, glitter and full-on creativity for its annual Hair and Beauty Show. 

The event always brings the glamour and this year was no exception, with everything from butterflies and crystals to fairy lights and feathers adorning both hairstyles and outfits, all created by talented students.

 

Themes for the event covered Fantasy, Through the Ages, TV/Film, Animals, Icons, Flowers, and Nature Reclaimed, with Level 1 Barbering students tackling the Punk look, with an overall colour palette of pink, black and orange. The students and models embraced all the options with gusto, and everything from ethereal gardens to bright unicorns took centre stage in front of a packed audience of family and friends. 

Hosted by local celebrity and drag artist Roberta Calamari, the catwalk was alive with flamboyant colour, serious spikes and daring decorations, with the creations being judged by business owner and former student Ryan Clark, owner of Well Guided Hair in Torquay, drag artist Nelly Nougatelli from The House of Calamari, also a former student of the College, and Vicky Hurley, of Hurley’s Hair Design in Torquay. 

^{Roberta Calamari brings fun and sparkle to the event!}

During the event, there were also musical performances by FdA Music Performance and Production students, as well as a showcase of the upcoming ‘Addams Family’ production by Performing Arts students. 

Judge Ryan Clark was impressed with the talent on display. He said: “Thank you for reaching out and for the opportunity to judge the Hair and Beauty Show 2025. I truly enjoyed the event—it showcased incredible talent and creativity in the industry. 
 
“I believe that having a strong connection with South Devon College is vital for nurturing the next generation of professionals. Collaborations like this not only provide students with real-world experience but also foster a sense of community and support within the industry.” 

The overall winner of the show was Grace Cayford, who is studying a Level 2 in Hairdressing.  

Her mermaid-inspired creation won the judges’ approval with its pearl decorations, finger waves and sea creature accessories. She said: “I did a lot of research into pictures for the hair and outfit. I wanted to incorporate a wet look into the creation, inspired by the ocean, with waves and colour, like the model was coming out of water. I then also took inspiration from mermaid tails for the shape of my skirt, which fanned out at the bottom giving the tail-like look. 

“I have been planning the look since January, creating the accessories such as the crown, which was made from real shells that I had acquired.” 

^{Grace Cayford with her winning creation}

Grace worked with techniques learned during her study, including finger waves and braiding: “I also had to work on really little detailed areas, like my sectioning, and making sure that any partings in the hair were straight and clean. 

“I made my skirt from scratch – I had to work on my measuring skills as I needed it to be able to fit my model who had to be able to walk in it.” 

Grace Lee, Learning Support Technician in Hair and Beauty at the College, who led the Hair and Beauty Show project, was thrilled to be involved in the show. She said: “We chose the pink, black and orange colour scheme for vibrancy. 

“The purpose of the Hair and Beauty Show is a creative final assessment for all our students. It gives them a lot of industry experience for events, including working to a set schedule and theme.  

“It’s been a really nice event to plan and has given me an opportunity to develop my own creative side.” 

Some of the models were Performing Arts students, making it a work experience task. Sophie Amos, Lecturer in Performing Arts, commented: “An event like this prepares them for what it’s like being on set, being in hair and makeup. It’s a good experience to walk the catwalk in front of a large audience.” 

Mayor Councillor Hannah Stevens also attended the event, saying “I thought that the Hair and Beauty Show was a fantastic showcase of upcoming local talent, and gave students a brilliant platform to display their skillsets”. 

Judge Nelly Nougatelli agreed that the event is a wonderful opportunity to reflect the talent of the students: “After competing in three Hair and Beauty Shows during my time at South Devon College, I was more than delighted to return as a member of the judging panel to see what the new generation was capable of achieving.  

 
“It was a full circle moment after being behind the creations, to now assessing the students’ talent. It was very important for me to be there as I’ve built a career with the skills and knowledge that the College gave me – without that I wouldn’t be the queen I am today!  

“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone at the College, for keeping the spark of creativity and the enjoyment to learn – it provides amazing results!” 

Final words from winner Grace: “The thing I enjoy most about my course is that it is creative and hands on – I get to come in each day and try something new. And I love seeing the change from the start to the end results.  

“I definitely want to stay in the industry. I’d like to think in 10 years time I’ll have my own salon – fingers crossed!”