Reading College hairdressing student is selected as a finalist in a national competition

Reading College is pleased to announce that one of its hairdressing students has made it to the final of a national hairdressing competition for the second year in a row!

Rochell Fernandes, who is studying a Level 2 Hairdressing Certificate at the college on King’s Road, has been selected as a finalist in Concept Hair Magazine’s Learner of the Year 2022 competition in the Hair Up Level 2 category. Last year, she was selected as one of the finalists for the Festival Hair category and took part in the virtual final.

The annual competition gives the next generation of hairdressers and barbers the chance to be recognised for their hard work and skills.

To enter the first round, Rochell submitted a photo of their finished hairstyle for the Hair Up Level 2 category.

Rochell said: “I created a vision board to gather some images for my competition look. The theme I chose was a Masquerade ball look.

“I put together some images from the internet and watched some YouTube videos to get some inspiration which helped me a lot to come up with the hairstyle I wanted to create.

“It took me under three hours to construct the hairstyle. I used many different techniques to create the hairstyle, such as weaving, braiding, back combing, hair up and curling.

“I was very surprised to find out that I was selected for the final round. I feel very proud of myself. This has also built my confidence and motivated me to keep going, which will help me with the final round.”

The live Grand Final will take place on Thursday 24 March at Solihull College & University Centre. On the day, as one of the finalists, Rochell will create a look on a live model in keeping with the category theme.

Rochell can choose the same look as she did in Round 1 or create a new one.

Anne Powis, Hairdressing Lecturer at Activate Learning, said: “Rochell has always been an outstanding and committed student who has a true passion for hairdressing and puts 100% into everything she does. I am so proud of her, she deserves it!”