UK College Star Winner Announced
Taking the top title is Libby Bowden of Collinge & Co Training.
Denman has crowned the winner of its 2026 College Star Big Blowout Competition, following weeks of judging across four rounds and more than 750 entries from colleges across the UK.
Taking the top title is Libby Bowden of Collinge & Co Training, whose polished blow-dry impressed judges with its balance, volume and high-shine finish, styled into soft curls. As this year’s winner, Libby receives £1,000 in cash along with a £200 tool kit for her college.
Now in its third year, the College Star competition continues to grow in both scale and standard, with judges noting a significant rise in the quality of submissions. Runners-up recognition went to Ray Dobbs of Exceed Training and Ruby Crabtree of Wigan & Leigh College, both praised for their technical ability and finish.
“This year truly blew us away. The quality of work demonstrated the rising standards in blow-dry skills evident in our future professionals. Our gratitude goes to all the amazing hairdressing tutors across the UK whose commitment to the next generation of hairdressers is unwavering. Mastering blow-dry skills is essential to a successful career and we are delighted that the College Star competition is now an established vehicle for giving students a focus to do just that,”
– Kevin McNamee, Denman CEO.
Alongside the student awards, Denman also recognised the vital role of educators. Hannah Sullivan of Collinge & Co Training, tutor to this year’s winner, received £250, while Rebecca Harrison of Worsley College and Julie Carroll of Belfast Met College were each awarded £250 after tying for the highest number of student entries.
Denman has confirmed that College Star Big Blowout Competition will return on 15 February 2027, with students invited to register their interest online at www.denmanbrush.com/pages/collegestar.
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