WAES learner in final of UK hairdressing competition

A student from Westminster has made it through to the national final of a major competition to find the UK's top student hairdresser.

Gemma Hector, 33, a Level 2 hairdressing student at Westminster Adult Education Service in Lisson Grove, was successful in the London regional heat of Wella's Xposure 2017 at the end of April to become the only London finalist in the competition.

Having given up teaching to have her son, Gemma has been studying hairdressing for less than two years, working part-time in the evenings to fund her young family and her study.

"I don't want to have an incomplete look -  I'll really have to think on my feet!"

At the regional heat she went head to head with 14 other students from across the south east, impressing the judges with her hair styling and colouring ability. "My only hope is that I finish within the allotted time", Gemma said ahead of the heat, "I don't want to have an incomplete look -  I'll really have to think on my feet!"

Gemma sees her future in high end hair colouring and hopes that the competition, aimed solely at college students and those attending private training, will help her build her profile. Speaking of her tuition at WAES, Gemma said "I've learnt loads - the way that my tutor Caroline (Sauzier) imparts her knowledge is just fantastic.”

The final of Wella's Xposure 2017 takes place on 5th June at the Wella World Studio on the Strand, London. The winner will receive of £1000 towards further study and personal development as well as professional tools and some expert industry advice.

We wish Gemma the best of luck!

(Image: Gemma Hector with her model at the regional heat of the Wella Xposure 2017 competition)