A group of talented Loughborough College-based Hairdressing and Barbering students recently took to the salon floor as they competed in the regional heats of the 2026 Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) Competition.
Held at Sandwell College, West Midlands, 11 students performed in a range of individual competitions, with eight learners earning a place in the Grand Final in Blackpool in May.
Kerie Mooney, lecturer for Hairdressing and Barbering accompanied the students, and shared: “All of our students performed amazingly! This is our best year ever for results, and we’ve never had so many students qualify for the national final.
“We are so proud of all our learners and their hard work. They’ve shown resilience, motivation, and self-belief, and their confidence has grown immensely over the course of the competition.”
Amongst the students heading to Blackpool is Level 3 Barbering learner Corben Shaw, who will be hoping to improve on his performance at the 2025 competition, where he earnt Bronze.
The full list of students representing Loughborough College at the AHT National Final in May are:
Libby Bailey – Bronze, 1st Yr Blow Dry
Jessica Correira – Gold, 1st Yr Blow Dry
Ewan Coyle – Gold, Fantasy Hairstyle
Sonny Huthwaite – Bronze, Men’s Cutting
Mihaela Kyriacou – Bronze, Cut and Blow Dry
Brandon Laidlaw – Silver, Men’s Cutting
Tate Ramsell – Silver, Beard Shaping
Corben Shaw – Gold, Beard Shaping