FANTASY themed hairstyles to avant garde bridal styles were just some of the looks on display at an annual competition run by a Basingstoke college.

Students from Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT) showed off their creative talents with a wide variety of impressive looks at the annual Hair and Beauty Competition at The Anvil.

Those taking part could enter into 12 categories, including front cover of a magazine, fantasy make-up, strictly on ice make-up, nail art freestyle, men’s cut and finish, and avant garde bridal.

Students taking part in the make-up categories impressed with their looks which included a model dressed head to toe in foliage and an avatar-themed fantasy look, while students battling in the avant garde category brought a touch of elegance to the show with their impressive bridal looks.

A team of industry professionals judged the students’ work before winners were announced during an awards ceremony later in the evening.

Georgy Webster, a Level 3 media make-up student at BCoT, said: “I was fairly confident to begin with but my bald cap ended up ripping so that was a bit of a mishap but I eventually managed to fix it.

“I guess that is all part of the live experience and how to deal with pressure. “It’s quite scary being judged by the professionals, you have to make sure everything is in order and you have everything done correctly. This has really motivated me to do well and excel in my course. It excites me for the future and my career potential.”

Graham Kent, owner of FHC for Hair, in Kingsclere Road, said: “The standards for this competition are excellent – many are up to a professional standard and I have been extremely impressed with the bridal competition.

“Judging the competition is always difficult especially this year as the standards have been extremely good. They have all worked very hard and this has had an impact my decision.”

Sue Scott, head of hair and beauty at BCoT, added: “The Hair and Beauty Competition is a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their skills and creativity. They learn to work under pressure in a competitive environment whilst gaining vital employability skills.

“The success of this competition would not be possible without the support of the judges. I would like to say a huge thank you to them for giving their valuable time and sharing their wealth of experience with our students.”

Proceeds from the event will go to The Lullaby Trust – a charity which aims to prevent unexpected deaths during infancy and promote infant health.