Competition is a cut above rest in the Bay

CHOP CHOP: Amanda Lavery from M>Phosis Hair competes in The Cut, at the NZARH Hairdressing Competition. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

Models were cut, combed and coloured during the Hawke's Bay Hairdressing Competition at the Taradale Town Hall on Sunday.

Experienced and enthusiastic hairdressers still in study or in full-time work competed for the coveted top chop crown.

The competition encouraged hairdressers of all ages and skill levels to show innovation and creativity while styling a model.

The 2015 Regional Competition featured five core events: The Cut, The Style, The Colour, Novice Styling and the Oceanic Hairdressing Masters Award.

The focus of all events was on the technical skill of the stylist to create their finished look with 70 per cent of marks awarded for the technical skill and 30 per cent for the overall look, shape and balance.

"The aim of the new format was to focus on the skills we use in the salon everyday. The focus is how well the stylist applies their skills to create a hairstyle that is technically excellent," Chairperson of the Competitions Committee David Shields said.

He said the format for the new events had been simplified, and by doing so the competition attracted a wider range of competitors.

"We have also reviewed the parameters for a Novice, Next Generation and Senior Stylist, which are now consistent across the Regional Competitions and the Editorial Stylist Competitions," Mr Shields said.

Winners of the NZARH Regional Competitions will be eligible to compete at the 2015 NZARH Supreme Awards to be held in Auckland on the 4th October at the Pullman Hotel.

Napier's Louise Heath Anderson took out the premier novice styling award.

This is given to the stylist who is enrolled in a full-time pre-trade hairdressing training provider course.

She said she was surprised to win as she has only been studying for 10 weeks and made a last minute decision to enter.

Mrs Heath-Anderson said she thinks it was her different style that gave her an edge.

"I prefer the tidy, modern, vintage look. I think that is what made me stand out. I would love to ask the judges why I won," she said.

The win reinforced for Mrs Heath-Anderson that she is in the right industry.
Offical results from the Hawkes Bay Hairdressing Competitions
Event 1 Oceanic Masters The Cut
1st Melanie Redington Pure Hair

Event 2 The Cut
Next Generation
1st David Munro Mphosis Hair
Senior Stylist
3rd Kelly McKenzie Pure Hair
2nd Amanda Lavery Mphosis Hair
1st Teagan Steed Pure Hair

Event 3 The Style
Next Generation
1st David Munro Mphosis Hair
Senior Stylist
2nd Michelle Ireland HeadHigh
1st Natasha Bird Mphosis Hair

Event 4 Novice Styling
1st Year
4th Hope Mitchel Premier
3rd Cazna Lloyd EIT
2nd Donna O'Brien Premier
1st Louise Heath Andersen Premier

2nd Year
4th Keshia Matete Premier
3rd Crystal Poltner EIT
2nd Tabetha Yeo Premier
1st Ellalis Winton Reading EIT

Event 5 The Colour
Next Generation
1st David Munro
Senior Stylist
4th Rachel Palmer HeadHigh
3rd Amanda Lavery Mphosis Hair
2nd Kelly McKenzie Pure Hair
1st Amanda Lavery Mphosis Hair

The Supreme Team
The Cut
David Munro Mphosis Hair
Teagan Steed Pure Hair
The Style
David Munro Mphosis Hair
Natasha Bird Mphosis Hair
The Colour
David Munro Mphosis Hair
Amanda Lavery Mphosis Hair
Oceanic Master
Melanie Redington Pure Hair