- 16 January 2026
- Employer Information & Apprentices &
Entering a hair, beauty or barbering competition could be the BEST decision you ever make as an apprentice!
It’s not just about creating a show-stopping look, it’s about everything you gain along the way! Competitions open doors, build confidence, and put you right in front of the industry's BIGGEST names…
Whether you’re entering an online competition or stepping out on stage at a live event, preparation and presentation make all the difference.
You’ll grow your skills, expand your network, and add a SERIOUS highlight to your CV. Who knows? One competition could kickstart a career you never imagined.
Check out Kleek Apprenticeships' TOP TIPS for entering a hair, beauty or barbering competition as an apprentice...
Photo Credit: Olivia Newsome, Nathan Richardson Hair. 2025 Wella TrendVision 2025 Xposure Creative Colour Finalist.
Top Tips for Online Competitions
Read (and re-read) the brief
Every online competition has specific requirements. Whether it’s a theme, a look, or a particular technique, make sure you fully understand what the judges are asking for. Missing a detail, even something small, could cost you marks!
Lighting is everything!
Good lighting can make or break your entry. Natural daylight is often the best, but if that’s not possible, borrow or invest in a ring light or softbox to show the true colours, tones and textures of your work.
Perfect your angles
Take time to plan your photos or videos. Capture the look from multiple viewpoints, front, side and back so the judges see your full potential. Avoid cluttered backgrounds and keep the focus firmly on your model and your work.
Edit wisely
If allowed in competition rules, enhance clarity and brightness as needed, but NEVER over-edit. Judges want to see your real skills, not a heavily filtered version of your work. Keep it clean and professional. There are systems out there that can detect whether photos have been altered with Facetune, FaceApp or similar, so don’t risk it!
Practice your storytelling
Some online competitions ask for a short write-up or video explanation to support your entry. Use this to share your inspiration, process and techniques. Keep it clear, passionate, and concise. After all, you’re selling not just a look, but your creative vision! Don't use AI - again, some systems can detect AI-written entries.
Photo Credit: Olivia Braithwaite, Ivy House Salon. 2025 L'Oréal Colour Trophy Future Talent Award Winner.
Top Tips for On-stage Competitions
Preparation is key
From tools and products to your model’s styling, rehearse your look MULTIPLE times before the big day. When you’re on stage, it’s about delivering polished, confident work.
Dress the part
First impressions matter. Choose clothing that looks professional but still allows you to move comfortably. Remember, you’re presenting yourself as much as your skills.
Stay calm under pressure
Competitions are high energy environments, but keeping your cool is crucial. Plan your timings carefully and have a backup plan if something doesn’t go to plan on stage.
Engage with the audience and judges
Body language speaks volumes. Stand tall, work with confidence, and if there’s a chance to speak, let your passion shine through. The judges want to see your artistry and your professionalism.
Finish strong
When time is called, step back, tidy your space and present your work proudly. Even small details, like clean equipment and confident posture, leave a lasting impression.
Photo credit: Katie Sime from Reds Hair Co, competing at WorldSkills UK.
There are lots of competitions to enter that include Apprentice, Newcomer, New and Young Talent categories. Some may charge an entry fee, but most are free to enter.
Here are a few to look out for in 2026:
- Kleek Apprenticeships Live Hairdressing Competitions | 26th January 2026
- L'Oréal Colour Trophy | lorealcolourtrophy.com | Entries open/close February - April annually.
- AHT (Association of Hairdressers and Therapists) Competitions | aht-uk.com/competitions | Regional Heats: February - March annually and National Finals Direct Entry: May annually (over 2 days).
- Wella TrendVision | wella.com/professional/en-UK/trendvision | Entries open/close April - June annually.
- UK Hair and Beauty Awards | hairandbeautyawards.co.uk | Entries open/close October - May annually.
- Salon Awards | salonawards.co.uk | Entries open/close February - June annually.
- ClubStar Art Team | fellowshiphair.com/project/clubstar-art-team | Applications open/close: June - August annually.
- Modern Barber Awards | modernbarberawards.co.uk | Entries open/close November - February annually.
- Wahl British Barber Awards | wahl.co.uk/barber-of-the-year-2025-how-to-enter | Entries open/close May - September annually.
- Professional Beauty Awards | professionalbeauty.co.uk/professional-beauty-awards | Applications c. April - September annually.
- National Beauty Awards | nationalbeautyawards.co.uk | c. June - September annually
- World Skills | worldskillsuk.org | Applications to c. February annually.
Photo credit: Katie Sime from Reds Hair Co competing at WorldSkills UK
Let’s Celebrate! Recent Kleek Apprentice Award Winners
Here are just a few of our apprentices who stepped out of their comfort zones, entered competitions, and proved what’s possible...
Olivia Newsome, Level 2 Hair Apprentice, Nathan Richardson Hair - Wella TrendVision 2025 Xposure Creative Colour Finalist
“I was thrilled to find out I was a finalist, and to be able to showcase my creativity and passion for colour.”
2025 L'Oréal Colour Trophy Future Talent Award Winners:
Olivia Braithwaite. Level 2 Hair Apprentice, Ivy House
‘I’m most proud of winning the L’Oréal Colour Trophy, entering the Hair and Beauty Awards, and seeing how far I’ve come through it all. If you want to pursue hairdressing, go for it! Don’t hold yourself back from what you truly want to do!
Alisha Drew, Level 2 Hair Apprentice, Reds Hair Company
‘Winning the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Award was an amazing experience! Although the thought of walking onto the stage was frightening, it turned out to be an incredible opportunity and an unreal experience.’
Rosie Davies, Level 2 Hair Apprentice, Reds Hair Company
‘I gained much of my confidence through participating in competitions such as World Skills UK, AHT and now L’Oréal Colour Trophy. Winning the Future Talent award at LCT has been one of my greatest achievements, as it pushed me creatively and challenged me to develop a unique look.’
Sinead Leather, Satchi Sunderland. 3rd in Apprentice of the Year, UK Hair and Beauty Awards 2024.
“I couldn’t believe it when I found out I’d been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year! Collecting my award was such a surreal and unforgettable moment. It has boosted my confidence massively, in both my career and to enter more competitions."
Amelia Wilmott, past Level 2 & 3 Hair Apprentice, Hair By Amelia, ClubStar Art Team 2025, Young Talent of the Year Finalist at Prohair Awards 2025, and Quif Centre Stage 2025 Winner.
“I was absolutely over the moon to gain a place on the ClubStar Art Team 2025 and to learn and grow from some of the best in the industry. I entered Quif Centre Stage because it’s my first colour competition, and I wanted… to let out my artistic side with a bit of free rein!"
First published in Issue 4 of The Kleek Magazine, 2025. Page 16.
