Competition Prep- Hair up session

• Hairdressing
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

How confident do you feel about the competition?

😒🙁😐🙂😃

OBJECTIVE: 

You are an up-and-coming hairdresser participating in a prestigious competition that showcases creative hair designs. Your task is to craft an avant-garde hair up style that incorporates ornamentation, reflecting the latest trends in fashion and artistry. 

This competition provides an opportunity for you to express your unique style and technical abilities.

The judges are looking for innovative designs that not only exhibit advanced hairdressing techniques but also demonstrate a strong aesthetic appeal. 

Your design should be both imaginative and well-executed, showcasing your individual skill set while adhering to the principles of avant-garde fashion.

Competition timings

On the competition day, you will have 15 minutes to set up your work area.

You will then have 1 hour and 30 minutes to completed your whole hair up look.

Core Techniques

Master these before creating full styles:

• Backcombing for structure
• Twisting and rolling
• Knotting and looping
• Tucking and pinning
• Creating balance and symmetry
• Using padding to build shapes

ar.inspiredpencil.com

Hair Up Practice session 

Competition Preparation for week commencing 24th November 

To complete a creative hair up look with ornamentation 

Two finalists will take part in a central competition in January/February 

'To craft an avant-garde hair up style that incorporates ornamentation, reflecting the latest trends in fashion and artistry'. 

What are your fears with doing hair up?

The Fundamentals

Foundations 

Clean, dry hair — Upstyles work best on day-old hair or hair prepped with dry shampoo.

Preparation is key — Use products like mousse, volumising spray, or setting lotion to add grip and control.

Sectioning — Practice clean, balanced sectioning; this determines the structure of your finished look.

🪶 Tip: Use setting techniques like tonging or blow-drying in direction to create lasting shape and volume before pinning.

Essential Tools & Products

• Tail comb and sectioning clips
•  Pins and grips (various sizes)
• Elastic bands (small, clear or hair-matched)
• Backcombing brush or teasing comb
• Hair padding or donut for volume
• Finishing spray, shine spray, texture powder

“You can’t create volume without foundation — prep is everything.”

 Classic Shapes

Begin with timeless, balanced designs:

• Low Chignon
• French Roll
• High Bun / Ballet Bun

Side Swept Knot

• Soft Romantic Up style

Shape and Silhouette

Does it suit the face shape?

Is it balanced from all angles?

Are your sections clean and even?

Pro Tip: Take photos from all angles — front, side, and back — to self-assess your shapes.

Fundamental Looks 

Low Chignon 

French Roll 

High Bun

Low knotted bun