Hairspray and combs were at the ready as ACL Essex learners took part in the ‘Sustainable Salon Innovator Competition 2025’.
Hairdressing learners from the avantgarde styling course were challenged to create a look based on sustainability. All competitors had to develop their own theme, and style live models. The competition was judged by Kate Smith, Skills Account Manager, VTCT and the Green Salon Collective.
ACL Essex learners showcased their skills and made a series of striking hair designs. The looks included tall ships woven into hair designs, woodland themes, under-the-sea interpretations. The winning hair design was by Annamaria Guild from Colchester. She showcased recycled items plaited and curled into the hair on one side with a polished look on the other.
Annamaria was delighted to win and feels she has gained so much confidence and skills thanks to the ACL Essex course. She says: “It’s been a nice journey, and I wouldn’t have wanted to do this anywhere else. I met lovely students and tutors alike. Finally, I can do something I really want to do!”
The runner-up position went to Hannah Gorman for her woodland themed creation. Oxana Grigoreanu walked off with the top spot in the Level 2 category.
Organising the competition was Claire Barclay, ACL Essex’s Hairdressing Curriculum Lead. She was impressed with the learners skills. Claire remarked: “The competition helps to develop our learners’ skills. It gets all students working together and shows what they’ve learned. It also motivates them to do well and pushes them out of their comfort zone, but in a supported way, so they thrive.”
ACL Essex provides a range of hair and beauty courses, including their Level 2 qualification – starting May. The course provides learners with essential skills in hairdressing techniques and practices. Students will become proficient in cutting, styling, colouring, and treatments.
Lisa Jarentowski, Adult Community Learning Principal, said: “This has been an exciting opportunity for ACL Essex learners. It’s great to see ACL centres working with industry and tackling issues of sustainability. I’d like to congratulate everyone who took part in the competition.”
To find out more, or to enrol, visit www.aclessex.com.
