The National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists (NAHC) is introducing its Schools’ Glam Games Style Off Student Competition which will run from March 28 to October 10 this year.

According to the NAHC in a press release, its goal is “to reveal and celebrate the talent and creativity of the talented Jamaicans who are the future of this multi-billion-dollar industry of beauty and cosmetology.”

NAHC Fundraising Chairperson, Karline Ricketts says the competition fulfils the association’s aim to elevate industry standards and provide recognition of licensed cosmetologists and beauty professionals.

“We will achieve this by showcasing and fostering the skills of the next generation of beauty professionals. Participants will demonstrate skills in areas such as hair styling, barbering, makeup artistry, and nail design,” she said.

The competition will be staged in four regions, explained Adethia Brady, Vice President, Public Relations of the NAHC.

Region 1 comprises St Catherine, Kingston, St Andrew, and St Thomas; Region 2 – Westmoreland, Hanover, St James and Trelawny; Region 3 – Clarendon, Manchester, and St Elizabeth; and Region 4 – St Ann, St Mary and Portland.

The competition is scheduled to kick off in Region 4 on March 28 at Wycliff Martin High School in Bailey’s Vale, St Mary. The second leg of the competition will be held on April 4 in Region 3 at the Alphansus Davis High School in Spalding, Clarendon. Participants will be drawn from about 40 schools across the island whose subject offerings include various areas of beauty services.

According to the organisers, the events will highlight talent within communities and also emphasize and encourage the importance of adhering to high standards within beauty services education.

The NAHC, which has partnered with various schools and sponsors in the initiative, said it is excited to provide a platform for young beauty students to shine as well as to promote excellence in the industry.

Judges will include cosmetology instructors and salon professionals. Winners will be selected based on criteria such as creativity, originality, client safety, professionalism, technical execution and presentation, the release stated.

The NAHC is partnering with local sponsors such as JAHMEK / WOW and Beauty Elements, and international businesses such as Salon Professional, as well as organisations committed to supporting education such as Excelsior Community College (ECC), the Vocational Training Institute (VTDI) and the HEART College of Beauty Services (HCBS). Other companies across the nation who are involved in trade and entrepreneurship are onboard in order to amplify the organisation’s message and celebrate the achievements of students, the release stated.