Aspiring Hairdressers travelled to EKC Broadstairs College for this year’s annual KFE Hairdressing Semi Final Heats, judged by industry experts Vicki Lord, Stuart McDonald, and Rachelle Allistone.
The annual competition welcomed 38 students from across East Kent Colleges Group to compete in four categories: First-Year Blow Dry, Cut and Blow Dry, Ladies’ Hair-Up Bridal, and Ladies’ Hair-Up Era.
The day began with the First-Year Blow Dry category, where our students, Sophie Ash and Sophie Norman, impressed judges with their confident technique, creating volume, movement, and polished, salon-ready finishes. Working under timed conditions, Sophie Ash secured 1st place and Sophie Norman claimed 3rd, highlighting their outstanding skill and professionalism.
Next up was the Cut and Blow Dry category, where Level 2 Hairdressing student, Leigh, stepped up to the challenge with confidence and precision. Working against the clock, Leigh shaped a modern, professional style with strong technical skill and attention to detail, earning an impressive 2nd place finish.
Leigh said: “The day went really well, I didn’t expect it to go that quickly! We had an hour and a half and it flew by, but I got everything done in time so I’m happy.
“I’m really proud of my layering, and because it was really curly hair, I didn’t expect it to turn out as well as it did, but I’m very proud.”
Students then displayed their creativity across two exciting categories, Ladies Hair-Up Bridal and Era. In the Bridal category, Level 3 Hairdressing student, Hannah, created a beautifully crafted look, perfect for a wedding day. She showcased soft texture, elegant shaping and a flawless finish that reflected both her creativity and technical skills. Whilst the Era category transported judges through time with stunning recreations of vintage waves, elegant updos and classic styles.
The winners from each category will now move on to the KFE4Skills Competition Finals on Wednesday 3 March at North Kent College, where they will compete against the best students from both MidKent College and North Kent College. We can’t wait to see the final looks our students create.
Full list of winners from the KFE Heats
Competition 1: 1st Year Blow-Dry
1st: Sophie (Folkestone)
2nd: Freddie (Sheppey)
3rd: Sophie (Folkestone)
Competition 2: Cut & Blow-Dry
1st: Chimena (Broadstairs)
2nd: Leigh (Folkestone)
3rd: Blake (Canterbury)
Competition 3: Ladies’ Hair-Up (Bridal)
1st: Rosie (Canterbury)
2nd: Lydia (Broadstairs)
3rd: Hannah (Folkestone)
Competition 4: Ladies’ Hair-Up (Era)
1st: Skye (Canterbury)
2nd: Vivian (Broadstairs)
3rd: Atlas (Dover)
If you want to take part in dynamic competitions, showcasing your skills, explore our hairdressing courses and apply now.