Aspiring Hairdressers from across East Kent Colleges Group showed off their skills at this year’s KFE Hairdressing Semi-Final Heats.
This week, EKC Broadstairs College hosted the annual KFE Hairdressing Heats competition judged by industry expert judges Vicki Lord, Stuart McDonald, and Rachelle Allistone.
We welcomed 38 Hairdressing students from across East Kent Colleges Group, to compete in four categories: First-Year Blow Dry, Cut and Blow Dry, Ladies’ Hair-Up Bridal, and Ladies’ Hair-Up Era.
Ahead of the day we spoke to Hairdressing Lecturer, Emma, who took part in organising the event. She said: “This year, we are so excited to present the Hair Competition here at EKC Broadstairs College, showcasing the incredible talent of our students across all six Colleges. We’re incredibly proud of every student taking part and can’t wait to watch them all shine.”
The day began with the First-Year Blow Dry category, where learners focused on creating volume, movement and polished finishes using key techniques. Under timed conditions, competitors demonstrated confidence, delivering smooth, salon-ready looks that impressed both judges and spectators.
Level 2 Hairdressing student, Freddie, from EKC Sheppey College placed 2nd in the competition and said, “I thought the day was really good. The reason I wanted to come and do it was because not many boys do our course, and I think showing people that a boy did it might encourage others to do it too.”
Next up was the Cut and Blow Dry category, where learners focused on precision cutting and shaping modern styles. Working against the clock, competitors demonstrated strong technical ability and attention to detail, creating clean, professional cuts finished with smooth, polished styling.
Level 2 Hairdressing student, Chimena, from EKC Broadstairs College, created beautiful layers and a voluminous blow-dry, which earned her 1st place in the competition. She said, “The day was amazing, and I’m very proud of what I achieved.”
Students also showcased their creativity across two exciting categories Ladies’ Hair-Up Bridal and Era. The Bridal category featured beautifully crafted looks perfect for a wedding day, whilst the Era category took judges on a journey through time with stunning recreations of vintage waves, elegant updos and classic styles.
Level 2 Hairdressing student, Lydia, from EKC Broadstairs College created a beautiful bridal updo, featuring soft, textured curls and an elegant, romantic finish. Her attention to detail and refined styling earned her 2nd place in the competition, highlighting both her creativity and technical skill. She said, “The day was good and ran smoothly. I’m learning a lot on my course, and I’m proud of what I achieved today.”
Level 3 Hairdressing student, Skye, from EKC Canterbury College created a stunning vintage up-do with defined pin curls and a sculpted low bun. The polished finish and intricate detailing reflected classic hairstyling techniques, earning her 1st place with a look that perfectly captured the elegance of a past era.
Programme Director for Hair, Claire, added, “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of today’s competition.
“Our students were exceptional, competitors, models, and runners all worked incredibly hard throughout the day, showcasing the very best of Broadstairs, EKC group students and our wider college community and to staff from across the whole college community who supported the event. Your effort, collaboration, and dedication played a key role in ensuring the competition ran smoothly and created a fantastic experience for all.”
The winners from each category will now move on to the KFE4Skills Competition Finals on Wednesday 3 March at North Kent College, where they will compete against the best students from both MidKent College and North Kent College. We can’t wait to see the final looks they create.
Full list of winners from the KFE Heats:
Competition 1: 1st Year Blow-Dry
1st: Sophie (Folkestone)
2nd: Freddie (Sheppey)
3rd: Sophie (Folkestone)
Competition 2: Cut & Blow-Dry
1st: Chimena (Broadstairs)
2nd: Leigh (Folkestone)
3rd: Blake (Canterbury)
Competition 3: Ladies’ Hair-Up (Bridal)
1st: Rosie (Canterbury)
2nd: Lydia (Broadstairs)
3rd: Hannah (Folkestone)
Competition 4: Ladies’ Hair-Up (Era)
1st: Skye (Canterbury)
2nd: Vivian (Broadstairs)
3rd: Atlas (Dover)
If you want to take part in dynamic competitions, showcasing your skills, explore our hairdressing courses and apply now.