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National
Elif Gulmen

North Shields hairdresser Erin Marley of Rein & Co Hairdressing wins Wella Professionals award

Erin Marley didn't let fear get the better of her when entering one of the world’s most prestigious annual hairdressing competitions.

The 28 year-old from North Shields won the 'UK Winner in the Craft Artist (sponsored by Colour Touch) Category at the Wella Professionals TrendVision Award UK & Ireland Final 2021.

Erin said: “It was my first time entering the competition.

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In the past I let my fear of not winning get the better of me, but this time I wasn’t scared to lose anymore as I knew even if I failed this time around I would fail forward and I would learn something from it and I would try again and again! But luckily I didn’t fail, I won!”

The award-winner stylist went the extra mile while entering the contest and has made it through many stages to finally be crowned a worthy winner.

She added: “I won against everyone who entered the whole of the UK.

"Firstly you enter a photography round which thousands of salons across the UK enter and only 64 get through to the semi-finals. So we made the semi-finals which was an achievement in itself.

“Then I got through to the final from 17 people which was amazing and such a massive deal for a little salon in North Shields! But then I actually went and won against everyone!

Usually, it’s only salons in London that are big names like Hobbs and Toni and Guy, etc. But I beat them all, which was amazing!”

The competition began in March 2021 with a photographic entry. More than 600 entries were filtered down to 90 artists who made it through to the grand final.

To get a look in the standard of work has to be remarkable – allowing only the very best to reach winning status.

Winning an award in the Craft Artist category demonstrates exceptional hairdressing skills, and the ability to create an incredible wearable look with colour as the focus, making them the go-to hairdresser in the region.

Erin competed against some of the most talented and creative hairdressers to take home the Craft Artist of the Year award.

She will receive an incredible winners’ prize package, including a one-day photoshoot with a leading industry photographer, a two-day photoshoot opportunity, and an education development programme to the value of £2000.

Erin competed against some of the most talented and creative hairdressers to take home the Craft Artist of the Year award. (Erin Marley)

She explained the recognition had a sentimental meaning. “My mum is a hairdresser and we both love our craft, all the hard work I’ve put in to get this far and she has taught me everything.

“So when they said my name I just felt emotional and immensely proud as I knew I had won for both of us!

"We shed a few happy tears. It was up there with one of the best moments in our lives!”

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