The final of the Wella Professionals student competition, XPOSURE, has taken place and the winners have been crowned.

After submitting an initial photographic entry, students then competed at the regional heats, for either the College Category or Academy Category. A total of 30 finalists battled it out at the final held at the Wella World Studio in London last week.

XPOSURE is an ideal opportunity for students to take their first steps on the competition ladder and is supported by some of Wella’s leading artists who gave up their time to judge the competition. The judging panel comprised Rudi Rizzo from Sanrizz, Kieron Fowles from Regis, Bruno Marc from Marc Antoni, Colin McAndrew from Medusa and Patrick Cameron.

Finalists were required to prepare their model at the studio, before the model line-up and parade in front of the judges. Finalists were supported on the day an audience of college lecturers and salon managers.

To add further excitement to the day, finalists and guests were treated to hair shows from Francesco Group’s Michelle Thompson and Anya Dellicompagni, as well as two of Wella’s current Generation Now team, Nikki Clifford and Paolo Silverio.

The day also included presentations on Wella’s new eEducation platform, and an insight into 2017 trends, which proceeded the winners presentation.

The winners are:

College Category

Gold – Vanessa Alexandra Morrison – Moray College UHI

Silver – Danielle Boler, Chesterfield College

Bronze – Lauren Rose Smillie, South Lanarkshire College

Academy Category

Gold – Jack Dettmer, Heart of England Training PKai Hair

Silver – Shannon Dammery, Francesco Group Academy Poole

Bronze – Rhiann Mitchell, Creator Hair Academy

All Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners have won a tailor-made mentoring day with an inspirational industry icon at the Wella World Studio London. In addition, Gold award winners will embark on an exclusive behind the scenes experience at the TrendVision Award UK & Ireland Final 2017, £1000 Wella MyEducation Fund for their personal development, (including expert advice on how to maximise their creative potential), a hairdressing tool kit worth £500 and a Wella Professionals XPOSURE trophy. Silver and Bronze winners also won Wella MyEducation vouchers, tool kits and trophies.

“We have been overwhelmed by the standard of our finalists this year and their final presentations have been exceptional. The professionalism and creativity of some of these young students makes me believe that British hairdressing is in very capable hands,” said Sheila Jackson, Wella’s Director of Education.

“Many congratulations to all our winners, and huge thanks to our elite panel of judges and show teams today,” she added.