Things are pretty cut and dried in the hairdressing scene. And Wanganui hairdresser April Bealing knows how to master both of them. Miss Bealing, who works at Hair By Halo, was one of three finalists in the Manawatu Regional Wella Young Professional Stylist (YPS) competition held in Palmerston North on Mondaynight. Kristen Williamson from Art & Grace and Amy Walshe from Palmerston North's Spectra Hair & Body were the other two finalists. The trio now head to the national final competition in Auckland in June. Miss Bealing's creation was a cut and blow-dry style. The competition had its biggest ever number of entrants, 41, which meant there had to be three heats. Although she spent all her time off work preparing for the competition and making her model's outfit, she didn't expect to win. "I was really blown away. I didn't expect it at all. When they announced my name, Tiffany (a workmate) said to me, 'April, you've won'. "It was really cool." The Wella YPS competition recognised and rewarded young hairstylists who demonstrated excellence and exhibited a strong affinity with fashion. The national competition, held in 12 regions around the country over the next month, was open to hair stylists 22 years old or under. Hair By Halo co-owner Kristy Whittington said Miss Bealing had done very well in her accomplishment and deserved it. The 21-year-old has been with the company since its inception three-and-a-half years ago. Miss Williamson had been a successful contestant in the national competition previously and was again picked as a strong contender. Jo Russell, of Wanganui's Hair Technique, came highly commended in Monday night's competition also. PICTURED: Cut above? Hair By Halo hairdresser April Bealing gets back to work yesterday after being announced as one of three winners of the Manawatu Regional Wella Young Professional Stylist competition on Monday night. Miss Bealing and fellow hairdresser Kristen Williamson of Art & Grace, the only two finalists from Wanganui, now head to the national competition in Auckland in June.
