National award for student
A LOUGHBOROUGH College student has taken a national hairdressing crown with a creation which literally stopped people in their tracks.
Emma Sessions was awarded gold at the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists 2018 final after triumphing against 18 other competitors in the Fantasy category, impressing judges with a breathtaking transformation – and a character requested for photos hundreds of times throughout the day.
The Loughborough College hairdressing student secured her place alongside winners from across the country at the prestigious event at the Winter Garden in Blackpool after taking top spot at the regional showdown, with an elaborate mythical look developed using handmade costumes and props.
Loughborough College hairdressing lead Karen Dixon said: “It was impressive enough that Emma reached the final in such a high calibre competition but to then take gold against 18 other winners was amazing and thoroughly well deserved. We are all so thrilled for her.”
Emma said: “My inspiration came on a frosty morning drive into Loughborough College when I saw a bird of prey peering through the trees. That’s when I got the idea. I love fantasy and started sketching this tribal empress – and it developed from there.
“Someone told me, I’ve been coming here for 10 years and this is the best thing I’ve ever seen and people kept coming up to take photos right through the afternoon, praising the look.
“When they announced I had won Fantasy gold, I went onto the stage to collect the trophy and everyone in the place stood up and was cheering and clapping. It was unbelievable.
“Karen and Loughborough College have been so supportive. I’ve gone from no competitions to winning a national gold, it’s crazy – and I couldn’t have done it without them.”