UCOL hairdressing ākonga finalist in New Zealand Hairdressing Awards

UCOL Manawatū is proud to celebrate ākonga Emma Fergus, who has been chosen as a finalist in the Editorial Stylist New Talent category of this year’s New Zealand Hairdressing Awards.

Currently studying the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing Level 3, Fergus says she’s grateful her lecturer encouraged her to enter the competition. 

“I never thought of entering, but I’m so glad my lecturer pushed me and helped me to do so. It was also amazing having the photographer, Ian Rotherham, work his magic with capturing images of my design.”

“The result of entering has been great. I was so surprised when I saw my design plastered online as a finalist, and when I got the email confirmation, I was so excited.” 

Inspired by her love of the hair and costume designs from the TV series Bridgerton, Fergus says as well as wanting to showcase the skills she has learnt so far with her studies in her hair design, she also wanted to bring extra flare to her entry by making an outfit to match.

“It was lots of fun designing and making the clothes myself too. This brought another level of beach glam to the look.”

Fergus says she utilised many elements to bring her design to life.

“I loved being able to incorporate lots of different pieces from all over the Manawatū region, including shells from the beach, wire from my neighbour’s fence for the hair frame, and my own model boat for the centrepiece.”

Fergus says the biggest thing she has taken away from entering the competition is knowing if you step out of your comfort zone great things can happen.