A glowing spectrum of colour was shining out of West Nottinghamshire College’s Revive training and commercial hair salons this week as students from five regional colleges took part in a prestigious competition final.

The Francesco Spotlight cut and colour competition featured nine competitors putting their skills to the test at the Derby Road campus, Mansfield, vying for the top prize of three days’ work placement at Francesco Group Academy in Stafford.

Hairdressing students from West Nottinghamshire, Francesco Group Birmingham Academy, Walsall College, Francesco Group Stafford Salon and Academy and Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education were challenged to create an entire look using their best colouring and cutting techniques.

Colours ranged from hydrangea blues and pinks, to vivid scarlets and high definition pinks. There were short and long hair designs, working curls, afro hair, undercut bobs and waves.

Back in March, all competitors had to submit their hair design entry by a portrait photograph, which were judged in the Francesco Group photographic heat. Judges looked at the total look, awarding up to 60% of the points to the cut and finish and 40% of the points to the colour.

West Nottinghamshire College’s Karen Albrighton, who studies on the Level 3 Diploma in Hairdressing was successful in reaching the finals this week and worked professionally on her model Charlotte, creating an eye-catching red colour to long hair with waves. The overall look featured primary colours reflected in the make-up and outfit which matched in with her mood board.

All competitors were challenged to produce their final look, complete with mood boards and present to the judges in a catwalk parade. Each student was marked on their technical expression of colour and cut, their finishing ability to the style and the interpretation through clothing, make-up, accessories and their mood boards.

First place went to Sharna Stevens, from Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education. She won a trophy, three days training at the Francesco Group Academy in Stafford and tickets to the Francesco awards night.

Second place went to Laura Murphy, of Francesco Group Birmingham Academy. She won a trophy and hairdressing kit to the value of £200.

Third place was awarded to Yolanda Ligertwood, from Grimsby Institute of Further and Higher Education. She won a trophy and hairdressing kit to the value of £100.

Special guest and competition judge was Heather Shaw, who is manager of the Stafford Salon Academy.

Heather said: “Sharna won because everything complimented her model. It is a classic cut, with a perfect result. The colour was amazing on such a classic shape. So many amazing models today, but Sharna’s was simplistic and beautiful and she did everything so very well in the time given.

“To be successful in this industry you need to keep learning. Sharna is going to be able to spend three days with some industry icons and get fantastic training which she can apply to her next competitions or at work.”

Heather delivered a hair styling demonstration to all competitors and students at West Nottinghamshire College which showcased her skills in colouring and she applied a modern curled style to the model. Students posed professional questions to Heather about her ten years in the industry as well as her recent gold award win in the national Wella Trade Vision competition.