A cut above the rest!

Move over, Super Bowl - New College Lanarkshire students have taken home the Rose Bowl, winning big at the Association of Hairdressers & Therapists Scottish regional heat, for the second year in a row.

The event was hosted at NCL and the competition has been on the go since 1963 which was brought in so educators can help develop students to a national standard.

John O'Hara, Scotland Chair of the AHT, said: "I was truly blown away by the talent, creativity, and professionalism displayed by our young people - particularly the outstanding Schools Partnership entries. The future of our industry is in very capable hands."

Winning the 'prestigious' Rose Bowl for Best College In Scotland is "a fantastic and well-deserved achievement," for the College says O'Hara.

Kathleen-Anne returned to the College to help judge the event - after studying for seven years, five to achieve her HNC Hairdressing and a further two to secure her HND Make-up Artistry. She said: "Being back at the College is an amazing experience, it's great to see how far the students have come."

Also at the event was former Coatbridge College lecturer Jene Fleming was awarded the lifetime competition award for services to judging AHT, and "having dedicated an incredible 53 years of support. An inspiring legacy of service to the profession," praises O'Hara.

Nicola Cole, Head Judge for this year’s regional heat and Key Account Manager for Scotland and Northern Ireland at VTCT Skills, praised the standard of work on display.

Cole said she was “really lucky this year to have the role of head judge,” marking her fourth year judging with the AHT team. “As head judge, it’s my role to make sure we’re all clear on the brief and applying the same criteria. We judge using set rules - not personal taste - so the process is very robust,” she explained.

As a hairdresser herself, Cole said being on the competition floor gives her a clear sense of students’ dedication.

“I’m looking for learners who have followed the brief and are working really hard to create fantastic looks to be judged."

Looking ahead, Cole highlighted the scale of the national finals in Blackpool, where winners from the Scottish heat will now compete. “The national competition is on such a large scale — it’s the ultimate in hairdressing, barbering and beauty. It’s full of energy, full of fun, and it’s a great experience for any student."