A Pembrokeshire College hairdressing student has taken the national stage by storm, beating more than 3,000 competitors to be crowned champion in a prestigious UK competition.
Level 3 learner Marieme secured the top prize in the Textured Hair – 80’s Streetstyle category at the Concept Hair Learner of the Year 2026 Awards, following an outstanding performance in the national finals.
Competing against six of the UK’s most talented finalists, Marieme wowed judges with her creativity, precision and flair, ultimately earning first place and national recognition.
This remarkable achievement marks a major milestone for both Marieme and Pembrokeshire College, showcasing the exceptional talent and high-quality training emerging from west Wales.
College staff said they were “absolutely thrilled” with the result, praising Marieme’s dedication, hard work and artistic vision throughout the competition.
The celebrations didn’t stop there. Two more Pembrokeshire College learners also reached the national finals, making it a standout day for the department. Dylan earned a place among the top six in the Barbering category, while Laura achieved the same distinction in the Avant Garde category.
Together, their success contributed to what the College described as a “fantastic day” for its hairdressing team.
These results highlight not only the strength of vocational training in west Wales, but also Pembrokeshire College’s growing reputation as a powerhouse of emerging talent on the national stage.
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