Yeovil stylist wins top hairdressing competition

Yeovil College Hairdressing lecturer Berenice Sweet has triumphed in the National Hairdressing Federation's Somerset Championship contest.

Students and professionals from across Somerset took part in the competition, held at the Holiday Inn, Taunton.

To compete for the title, stylists had to enter three challenging events including men's cut and style, ladies' cut, style and colour and ladies' hair up style for a prom or ball.

Berenice was placed in the top three for every designs she created, scooping most points overall and the title of Somerset Champion.

Berenice commented: "My favourite was the hair up style, inspired by the 1940s. We only had 40 minutes to produce it during the competition, so I made sure I practised it a lot beforehand.

"It took me nearly an hour and thirty minutes at first! I'm very grateful to my model, Toni King, who was absolutely great, and to the ABC wedding shop in Yeovil for kindly donating the beautiful dress she wore.

"I'm also grateful to my employer, Caroline Gerrard of Gerrard's Hair and Style in Huish, Yeovil, who really encourages all her staff to take part in competitions. It's been brilliant working for a salon with such a great culture and I wouldn't go to another now.

"As a teacher, I love competitions because they can be such an inspiration for the students. I tell my students that even once they're trained, they need to keep pushing themselves to do more. Competitions keep me inspired and highlight new trends.

"It's also great to see what other stylists are doing and pick up new skills and techniques. It's also nice to have the recognition of winning awards. It'll certainly be something to tell the grandchildren!"

Berenice regularly takes part in National Hairdressing Federation competitions and has won the South West Championship and the John Phelps South West Fashion award in recent years.

She is a part-time lecturer at Yeovil College, teaching students taking the 14-16 Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector course.

Faculty Director for Sport, Hair, Beauty and Complementary Therapies Chris Burton said: "Berenice has been a lecturer at the College for four years and is a senior stylist with Gerrard's salon in Yeovil.

She has really capitalised on the excellent support and guidance of her employer and uses what she's learned to inspire our 14-16 year old learners.

"Her success in such prestigious competitions highlights the high standard she's reached, her determination to excel and, above all, her enthusiasm for hairdressing.

"These qualities make her an inspiration to her students and a valuable ambassador for her profession."

Congratulations to Berenice for her fantastic win!