SCHWARZKOPF AND RAE PALMER ESSENTIAL LOOKS GRADUATE COMPETITION IN AID OF HABB

The HABB Graduate competition, in conjunction with Schwarzkopf and launched by leading hairdresser and Schwarzkopf Ambassador Rae Palmer, culminated in a grand final on June 16, 2008 at the Botleigh Grange Hotel, Hampshire

The competition, which was aimed at up-and-coming students in NVQ hairdressing, saw 8 graduates battle it out to win a fabulous prize which included:

* A year's apprenticeship at Rae Palmer Hairdressing in Southsea
* A ticket to the British Hairdressing Business Awards and the British Hairdressing Awards 2008
* The opportunity to assist Rae on a photo shoot
* The opportunity to work on stage with Rae at Salon International
* An audition for YAT (Young Artistic Team) with Schwarzkopf

The competition united local colleges with industry charity HABB in order to raise money and awareness while providing exciting training sessions for students. Rae had undertaken workshops at Fareham College and Highbury College, giving advice on how to go about interpreting the Essential Looks brief. The preliminary judging days took place May 12 (Highbury) and May 13 (Fareham) with the top students from each college giving a 5-minute presentation with a mood board and real life model to reflect the spring/summer trends for 2008.

On June 16th, the finalists presented their models on stage to the judges and a live audience, who were described by the evening's compere, Karen Thomas of Schwarzkopf, as giving 'amazing support'. "We want to bridge the gap between salon trained and college trained students, to help them find their platform and creativity, and this competition is the perfect blueprint." The finalists were Sophie Fuller, Sam Pullen, Frances Painter, Sophe Peach (Highbury College); Jamie Lee Little, Megan Elder, Sian Stone and Savannah McQubbin (Fareham College).

The elite crowd enjoyed drinks and a fantastic Essential Looks spring/summer show from Rae and other Schwarzkopf ambassadors Adrian Leonard (Forresters), Adrian Allen (Red), and Luke Walton (Rainbow Room), as well as the presentations from the freshest new talent.

The winner on the night was Highbury College graduate, Sophie Peach, aged 18, who's currently working for her NVQ Level 2. The up-and-coming hairdresser said she was 'flabbergasted' at the result and was excited about the prospect of working under Rae Palmer at her Southsea salon in the coming year. "I'm looking forward to everything!" said Sophie, "Absolutely everything. I want to be on stage at Salon International doing hair, and I'm looking forward to working with Rae and learning everything I can."

Schwarzkopf's Technical Director Mark Todd commented, "It's a great way to nurture young people with talent", while Erica Feather of Schwarzkopf said "the standard from both colleges was very high and they dealt with the brief really well – we were extremely impressed." International celebrity fashion stylist Bernard Connolly was so impressed with Sophie he offered her a photoshoot (sponsored by Schwarzkopf) with clothes styling by himself, which will be published in Professional Hairdresser magazine.

Judges included Eva Proudman, HABB President; Sofie West, Assistant Editor, Professional Hairdresser; Zoe Hanson, Breakfast Show Presenter, Power FM; Ben Glover, Drivetime Presenter, Power FM, Louise Steel, Editor, City Life magazine; and Sally Learmouth, Director, Gloss Communications. Eva Proudman said that Rae had performed an "absolute miracle for HABB" and 'the talent here was phenomenal - the event's repeat is a must on next year's calendar."

Rae Palmer Hairdressing is at 76 Palmerston Road, Southsea, Hampshire, P05 3PT Appts: 023 9242 6622

For expert quotes, images or to book a complimentary press appt please contact Sally Learmouth @ Gloss Communications on 020 8996 4812 / 07970 467 157 or sally@glosscommunications.co.uk

To discuss fundraising initiatives or donate money to HABB, call 01372 849 639 www.habb.org

For further press information on HABB, please contact Essence PR on 020 8555 8960 or email essence@essencepr.com