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Quif Centre Stage Competition Reveals Winner

Quif Centre Stage Competition Reveals Winner

Quif Centre Stage Competition Reveals Winner

Colour brand unveils name at event in Manchester

by AMANDA | INFORM

Amelia Wilmot is the winner of the 2025 Quif Centre Stage competition.

Held at Fallowfield Social Club in Manchester, the event brought together five finalists and their models, alongside 10 hair show models presented by Quif ambassadors Brooke Evansand Georgia Bell.

Winner Amelia, based in Blackpool, is a member of Hair Socials Professional and a current Fellowship ClubStar member. Her innovative approach and stage presence set her apart on the night, impressing judges and grabbing her the title. Judges included Creative HEAD’s editorial director, Amanda Nottage.

It represents the chance to show my creativity and passion for hair,” said Amelia of her win. My look was all about movement. Fire is uncontrollable and wild and that’s exactly how I want to push myself in my career. Keep pushing the boundaries, never standing still and embracing the challenge of creating something new. It was a look that gave me a chance to create, and story tell with creative colour. 

The evening also featured a lively panel discussion with Brooke Evans, Joseph Ferraro, and NHBF chief executive, Caroline Larrissey, who debated some of the most concerningissues currently affecting the hairdressing industry.

Now in its fourth year, Quif Centre Stage is a celebration of emerging hairdressing talent, offering stylists the chance to showcase their skills in a live setting while connecting with leading industry professionals. The event was supported by the Alan Howard Education Team and co-working space Host Manchester, which provided the prep area and backstage facilities for the finalists.

Photography by Adam Cinelioglu, Kroma @kroma.prd

Irish Government Unveils Business Hub

Irish Government Unveils Business Hub

Irish Government Unveils Business Hub

Grants, Funding And Expert Advice All Under One Virtual Roof

by AMANDA | INFORM

The government has launched the National Enterprise Hub, a new one-stop shop designed to make life easier for business owners and entrepreneurs across Ireland. Whether you’re running a busy salon, starting a new venture or simply looking to grow, the Hub can connect you directly with grants, funding, loans and expert advice.

It’s completely free to use, with a dedicated team ready to guide you through the support available for your sector. Even if you’ve never accessed government help before, this is your chance to see what’s out there. Visit neh.gov.ie for details.

Energy Flash by STIL

Energy Flash by STIL

Energy Flash by STIL

In this narrative from STIL, hair is an expression of the energy and freedom that the early ‘90s brought, drawing from the clubbing scene in New York and London. Think rave club scene merging with modern Scandi and Y2K fashion.

by AMANDA | PORTFOLIOS

Hair: Christel Barron-Hough and Gen Itoh, STIL

Hair assistants: Bekki Delehedy, Annie Franklin and Stevie-Leah Loscombe

Make-up: Katie Moore

Styling: Claire Frith

Photography: Alex Barron-Hough

 

Unfinished Symphony by Harry Andreou

Unfinished Symphony by Harry Andreou

Unfinished Symphony by Harry Andreou

Keen to create a collection that celebrates imperfections, the hair within Harry Andreou’s story feels raw, messy, seen almost as if mid-transformation. It speaks to rough edges, ideas unresolved with each look rebelling against the need for everything to be polished for approval.

by AMANDA | PORTFOLIOS

Hair: Harry Andreou

Make-up: Si James

Styling: Magdalena Jacobs

Photography: Chris Bulezuik

Ethereal by Project Scotland 2025

Ethereal by Project Scotland 2025

Ethereal by Project Scotland 2025

With a central ethereal and dreamy theme, each model in Project Scotland’s collection looks looking angelic, dressed in soft white with floaty diffused hair and powdered faces. All delivering a feeling of being brand new…

by AMANDA | PORTFOLIOS

Mentor: Colin McAndrew 

Assistant mentor: Sarah McCulloch

Mentees: Lisa Glen, Alison Simpson, Alison Pilichos, Connie Graham, David Fisher, Justin Mackland, Katie Shirkie, Kelly Evans, Chelsea Dunlop, Natalie Stephen, Nikki Rundel, Christina Thomson

Brand partner: ALFAPARF Milano Professional

Make-up: Trafford College

Styling: Bellanude by Sarah Murphy Styling 

Photography: Richard Miles

Shot at HairCon 2025