Hair and beauty stars shine at big awards in Portsmouth

But on Saturday night, it was the turn of the hardworking stars of the hair and beauty industry to take centre stage.

The News’ Hair and Beauty Awards returned for their sixth year with a spectacular gala dinner and party at Portsmouth Guildhall.

And hundreds of people partied the night away after the winners of 14 categories were announced.

The stand-out winner was Tony Wood Hairdressing in Southsea which, combined with new project the Barbership, won six awards and came runner-up in one.

An elated Tony Wood said: ‘I am over the moon and a little bit tearful.

‘It is not just about me, it’s about the whole team. For all the different awards, from apprentice to hair salon of the year, it just shows that it’s the whole team that has built it and made it a success. I’m chuffed to bits.’

Another important winner was Kate Preston, who won the lifetime achievement category after she was nominated by staff at her Fareham salon.

Kate said: ‘It is unbelievable. The thing that makes it so emotional is that it was my staff who put me up for this award.

‘It makes everything I do worthwhile. They are such a great team so I am absolutely thrilled to win.’

More than 320 people attended the night, which was hosted by TV beauty expert Gina Akers.

Hundreds of entries were received at The News, which were independently judged.

And thousands of votes were cast on Facebook in the newly-launched Readers’ Choice category, which was won by the Barbership with more than 1,200 likes.

The night was made possible by sponsors Haha Training Academy, Changes Clinic, Good Salon Guide, the Alarm People, Kate Preston, Portsmouth Cultural Trust and Geo Heating.

Liz Parker, events organiser, said: ‘It was a truly great night and one that gets bigger and better every year.

‘It is an inspirational evening, watching people get the recognition they deserve.

‘I truly thank the sponsors for their support in making the night such a great one.’

Kim Way, from Changes Clinic of Excellence in North Harbour, who was also one of the judges, said: ‘It is an amazing night. It is a huge buzz, I have never been to another awards night like it.

‘There are some truly great salons here, like Tony Wood and Kate Preston, but also great salons like Green Mango which is leading the way with its eco treatments.

‘The night is so lively and fun and really reflects the industry and its creativity.’

DJ Dan Morton took to the decks after the presentations, before an after party was held at Astoria.

More coverage will follow in this week’s News.

WHO WON WHAT

Junior Stylist of the Year

Winner: Claire French – Tony Wood Hairdressing

Runner-up: Lo Kirk – Head Hairdressing

Colour Technician of the Year

Winner: Yasmin Leigh – Hardysalon

Runner-up: Lydia Wolfe – Tony Wood Hairdressing

Gents Hairdresser/Barber of the Year

Winner: Jamie Martin – The Barbership

Runner-up: Kerry Sexton – Studio 6

Hair Stylist of the Year

Winner: Sam Pullen – Headromance

Runner-up: Lucy Kirby – Tony Wood

Hair Styling Specialist of the Year

Winner: Jayne Freer – Wink

Runner-up: Leanne Madigan – Diamond Quay Hair & Beauty Lounge

Hair Salon of the Year

Winner: Tony Wood Hairdressing

Runner-up: Hardysalon

Start-up Salon of the Year

Winner: The Barbership

Beauty Therapist of the Year

Winner: Rebecca Gibbons – Diamond Quay Hair & Beauty

Runner-up: Lucy Bernier -Lucy Bernier Nails and Beauty

Nail Technician of the Year

Winner: Erin Searle – Nails By Erin

Runner-up: Neringa Karvelyte – Naringa Bige

Beauty Salon of the Year

Winner: K:SPA

Runner-up: Studio 8

Training Centre of Excellence Award

Winner: Highbury College

Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Tanya Nash – Tony Wood

Runner-up: Ashleigh Hodgkins – Total Look Hairdressing

Lifetime Achievement

Winner: Kate Preston

Readers’ Choice

Winner: The Barbership