RECYCLED hair-grips and hand-me-down dye was the call to order at New College yesterday(may20) as students cut, styled, and blow-dried their way through the annual hairdressing competition.

Each year, students studying for their Level 2 hairdressing qualification go head to head in a display of style and skill, with this year’s theme centring on recycled goods.

Hairdressing lecturer Rosie Dredge, the Level 2 hairdressing lecturer at New College, said: “The students were working on a total look, which includes make-up and clothing as well as hair.

“This year the theme is recycling because the awards ceremony will take place in Recycling Week, meaning something about the look has to be about recycling.

“It isn’t just for the competition either. Their work will also contribute to one of the modules for their overall qualification.

“They have all worked very hard and I think they have enjoyed it as well. A lot of the work has also taken place at home so it is good to see all their ideas come together.”

Nineteen-year-old Nicola Montier, 19, was one of the youngsters taking part in the competition and unleashed her inspiration on older sister 32-year-old Cheryl Hewer, 32. “We had lots of ideas on how we were going to do it and in the end I wanted to do something to do with recycling memories," said Nicola.

“Originally we had a dress made out of book pages but we tried it on the night before and it just didn’t work, so we went instead with an old dress and went with a vintage theme.”

Students will find out who has won the competition at a special awards ceremony on June 3, where they will also receive their certificates, on June 3.

Distinction Hair and Beauty at New College offers a variety of vocational courses at all levels from traditional beauty therapy and holistic treatments to hairdressing services and photographic make-up. They also offer competitively priced services to the general public in their college-based salons.

To find out more visit www.newcollege.ac.uk.