Hairdressing and Barbering Students Make the Cut at Regional Competition

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

Want to learn more about Hairdressing and Barbering at Loughborough College? Join us at our next Open Day event!