Student creates showstopper during debut at national competition

A talented trainee stylist has wowed her tutors at Loughborough College after reaching the grand finale of a prestigious national competition at her first attempt.

Rushda Nizamdeen, 39, of Leicester, reached the final of the Concept Hair Competition after going head-to-head with 1,700 other candidates from around the country.

The Concept Hair competition is sponsored by big name brands such as L'Oréal, Cloud Nine and Wahl to find the next generation of talented hairdressing professionals.

Rushda’s performance at the live competition was executed beautifully, as she produced an elegant masquerade ball-themed long-hair updo which bagged her some great prizes including a set of personalised hair straighteners and hair dryer, a beautiful professional book and lots of other hair styling tools and equipment.

In addition, Rushda had the opportunity to see professional stylists in action and network with industry experts as part of the grand final experience.

She said: “I’m so thankful for this opportunity. I have gained real-life experience and competed against some great hairdressers. although I didn’t win the competition, I count this experience as a personal win because it was my first time attending and competing in an event this big. I plan to keep working on my stylistic capabilities for future competitions.”

Jess Perkins, Hair and Beauty Lecturer at Loughborough College, said: “This was Rushda’s first competition and I am so incredibly proud of her. She always works hard and practices her skills to ensure perfection.

“As her tutor I am humbled to be a part of the hairdressing team here at Loughborough College as, like myself, they feel delighted when students excel and develop as a confident hairdresser.”

Loughborough College provides a wide range of enrichment opportunities for students to push learners out of their comfort zones and give experiences which help them prepare for entering the industry.