MOUNT Gambier hairdresser Stacey Tomlinson placed third in her category at last weekend’s hair and beauty competition in Adelaide.
Ms Tomlinson entered three categories in the Hair and Beauty South Australia 2018 competition – bridal, open total look and open runway – placing third in open runway.
The specifications for open runway were broad, with the major requirement being a style which would be appropriate on an autumn/winter 2018 runway.
Ms Tomlinson was inspired by all things metallic after researching current trends and created a head to toe look encompassing the theme.
Although this was her first event in four years, Ms Tomlinson is not a stranger to the competitive side of hairdressing.
“In my 10 year career as a hairdresser, I have entered many competitions and received a total of 13 trophies,” she said.
Ms Tomlinson said her favourite element of these type of events was the opportunity to create “out of the box looks” that she normally would not have the opportunity to create.
“The looks you get to see at hair shows are vastly different to what I am able to do commercially,” she said.
“It is a really great outlet for creativity and you also get so much inspiration from the other competitors.”
Ms Tomlinson is also keen to enter an upcoming photographic competition in August.
“It is a bit of a difference between live shows like this one and then photographic competitions,” she said.
“You get more time to perfect the shot instead of just sending your model out on to a catwalk.
“But live shows are great too as you get to do everything in the moment and see everyone’s looks as well.”
Ms Tomlinson will attend the hair expo in Melbourne next month, which she said would be a great place to find inspiration.
“There are always so many new trends coming out and new things to learn,” she said.
“You get a peek at these kind of things in magazines and online, but experiencing the seminars and ‘look and learns’ in person is invaluable in comparison.”
Ms Tomlinson said she was excited to further her skills this year and put them to the test whenever she can.
“I wanted to have a really creative year this year, so I thought testing my skills at events like this would be a great way to do it,” she said.
“If anyone gets the chance to see these kind of competitions in person it is a really great experience and I encourage anyone to come check out what hairdressers can do.”
