5 minute read
Are you Competitive
Are YOU Competitive?
Advertisement
Winner of the overall award BEST of the BEST / HABIC 2020/21: Bridget Haren
Competitions and Awards are good for moral, motivation and marketing! They foster better awareness of skill, technique, precision, innovation, time and money. Yes time and money because time is money! You learn to be aware of timings to get the job done and it keeps you focused on the goal of being productive every day at work where there are targets for you to meet. Of course competitions it is also where you can show off your skill and creativity and be recognised and awarded within the industry. trade publications and on social media. It will generate positive word of mouth and not only will attract new business but also a high-calibre staff attracted to the opportunity of being part of an award-winning business. There are different competition and award models, but very often entrants are shortlisted before final judgement is made. Getting shortlisted, or selected as a ‘finalist’ is something to be celebrated and marketed. It will instill pride in your staff not only in their work but also in your business which in turn will improve staff retention, enthusiasm and productivity.
Competition usually means a one element/category task where as a Championship is where a competitor competes in a series of categories to determine an overall winner.
Winning a competition or being shortlisted as a finalist is also a good news story to be shared publicly through local press, To be a successful hairdresser you need skill, technique and creativity amongst all the other elements which are part of the recipe for a successful career. However, it is in a competition that a hairdresser has the opportunity to push and break the boundaries and get creative on a whole new level. When we
say break boundaries we never mean break the rules of the competition! only a few model agencies that work with clients who require models for hair competitions. Do your homework!
To stay motivated and focused in the salon can sometimes be hard so entering a competition is the perfect way to challenge you with new ideas and new sources of inspiration. For any hairdressers that want to be the best they can, entering competitions is an essential part of growing yourself and expanding your mind and skill. It is very important to enter competitions and advisable that whether you are a trainee or top stylist you should aim to enter at least one competition a year. The only thing standing in your way is yourself so stop waiting and get started!
How can I get started with competitions!
To enter a competition means you are already a winner. You have put yourself in a position which many others could and would not do. Don’t be disheartened if it is not ‘your day’. Perseverance and passion is the key. Competitions are a great way of learning and seeing what other hairdressers are doing. It showcases the standard of work that is making the hair Industry a success. Competitions can be live practical skills competition, a written business competition or a photographic competition.
The build-up to a ‘live practical work competition’ allows a stylist great opportunity to work on their speed and perfection. It is also a learning curve in that it teaches you how to accept constructive criticism. Any career minded person who is determined and ambitious will take what they have learned and experienced and turn it into a positive.
How do I choose the right category or competition?
Choose a competition that will compliment your creativity and skill as a hairdresser. Before you enter any competition it is important that you research what is expected from you. READ the rules carefully and the READ them again! If you need clarification on any point just contact the organiser. From the rules you will get a sense of what the jury will be looking for.
How will I source a great model?
Your model is your key ingredient to success. Invest time in selection of a great model. No matter how fabulous your hair creation is, it will be the models job to ‘sell the look’ for you. It is a bonus if the model is tall, however good looks and lots of confidence with a good attitude will go a long way towards winning. Take in to account the features of your model i.e. the hairline and the condition of the hair. Make sure your model is comfortable with what is expected of them and what cut / colours / or fantasy creation you will be carrying out on them. There are
Is make-up important?
Yes, it is vital. Hire the best make-up artist you can! They should also be someone who is calm and understands exactly what looks you need portrayed.
What about clothes styling?
Clothes are critical in completing your image. Many a good overall look is ruined by not spending the time and effort on choosing the appropriate clothes which work to complement and enhance a hairstyle. If you are not confident in this area then hire a clothes stylist. It is always a total look that will win a competition.
How can I impress the members of the jury?
Jurors have a difficult task. They have a limited time to do their job and all models must be viewed and marked. They judge blind which means they don’t know the competitors that have presented the look, this is fair to all.
Where can I get ideas for competitions?
The internet is at your disposal! You are so lucky! There are millions of styles and shapes to be found there on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and personal hairdressers sites from all over the world. Hair Magazines on line or in print also give you great scope for sourcing competition looks such as IRISH HAIRDRESSER, ESTETICA, HIGHLIGHTS, PELUQUERIAS International, and annual style books such as ALTERNATIVE HAIR, AIPP Best Looks to name just a few. And don’t forget to check out top Photographers and Fashion Houses as you will get great inspiration from them too!
“People who win are committed, have patience, train, prepare, dissect rules down to the smallest detail, and learn from other winners what they have to do to win. It takes hard work and patience to get results but it is worth it.”.
Maeve O’Healy-Harte.
Team Ireland Manager and OMC Advisor
“Competitions should convert expert constructive criticism to their own advantage after each competition and use it as a means of self-appraisal in the future ….never stand still and rest on your laurels. ”.
David Murray. ‘Hall of Fame’ Irish Hairdresser Magazine.
