Meet the Milton Keynes hairdressers who are a cut above the rest

In front of a busy and lively audience, student and professional finalists were put to the test, demonstrating their skills before being assessed by a panel of expert judges.

After much snipping and chopping, Victoria Starkey took the title in the professional category and Joe Patterson took tre title from the student stylists.

Some extremely intricate and advanced techniques were created, with all four finalists keen to show their skills before the judges again made their assessments.

After much deliberation, the two winners were chosen and presented their prizes, including an incredible prize for the champion Victoria – a year’s expert tuition at the Wahl Academy.

“We were delighted to be a part of the Barber of the Year/Stars of the Future event,” said Natasha Freeman, Marketing & Communications Officer from Wahl (UK) Ltd.

“All of the participants involved in the event truly are stars of the future.”

MK College’s Head of School for Hair Beauty and Hospitality, Maria Bowness, was equally pleased with the event. She said: “This year’s Barber of the Year contest has certainly built on the success of last year’s inaugural contest and we’re delighted with the event.

“Thanks to the support of Wahl and the judging panel, we’ve seen some amazingly talented barbers given the perfect platform to show their skills and demonstrate what it takes to be a top-class barber.

“It will be inspirational to see where this year’s contestants go from here as they all clearly have bags of potential and outstanding ability – congratulations to them all.”

MK College provides a wide variety of hairdressing and barbering qualifications, in addition to apprenticeships, offering the perfect route into an enjoyable and long-lasting career.