Oli Norman and Lucy Wilding.
Two youngsters from Suffolk claimed top honours at a prestigious national hairdressing competition held in Blackpool last month.
The pair - both students at West Suffolk College - came first when going up against the cream of the croppers at the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists annual contest.
Oli Norman, 21 From Elmswell scooped top honours in the creative cut contest.
Lucy Wilding, 21, from Stowmarket beat 27 students and came first in the ‘bridal hair up’ section.
Both had to negotiate a regional heat in Stamford (Lincolnshire) before making their way to Lancashire for the finals.
Oli – who has two salons based in Moreton Hall and Elmswell called On Point Barbers – is just about to complete a level three apprenticeship at West Suffolk College and will start teaching there from September.
He said: “I have always had a passion for barbering and studying at the College feels like you are working in a professional salon.
“I’ve enjoyed my time here and I was shocked to win this title. It will help getting national acclaim. A few well known barbers congratulated me. It’s been good for networking and for my social media profile.”
“Long term my goal is to have a shop in London. My aim is to keep building my brand and I’m looking forward to teaching.”
Lucy – who has studied at the College for three years whilst working for Charlie Milz Hair and Beauty in Stowmarket – said: “I’ve had loads of support from West Suffolk College. They have encouraged me to always enter competitions. Winning this was insane. Someone said ‘my face was a picture’ when they announced that I’d won.
“Some people saw my work on Instagram and now want me to do their wedding hair.
“I love where I work and I hope to become a specialist in colouring in the future. It would also be great to cut someone like Kim Kardashian’s hair.”
Jo Doward, a hairdressing lecturer at West Suffolk College said: “As a department we are producing students who are regularly reaching, competing and winning national finals. It makes us very proud.”