We just wrapped up another epic year of the Central Hair & Beauty Competition 2026, and our 16-19 year old apprentices and study programme students absolutely smashed it!
This year we had a massive 116 entries from talented learners across all our Central Hairdressing sites. From show-stopping hair up-dos and sharp barber fades to creative nail art and full beauty looks – the creativity was off the charts. Thousands of votes poured in as friends, family, and the whole community got behind our students.
It’s not just about winning prizes – it’s about building portfolios, gaining real marketing experience, and showing the world what our young talent can do. And they did it with serious style!
Winners of the Central Hair Competition 2026… 🏆
🥇 1st Place – Sabjana Sokolaj (Ministry of Hair @ Central Hairdressing) Insta: @hairbysabjana_ – Sabjana took the top spot! Her work had everyone voting – massive congratulations! 💰 £500 prize + sponsor goodies heading your way!
🥈 2nd Place – Janey Williams (Central Hair Herts & Beds) Insta: @styled.by.janey – Janey’s stunning mermaid-inspired braided look secured 2nd place. The detail and creativity were next level! £300 prize well earned!
🥉 3rd Place – Ruby Witt (Central Hair Southend) Insta: @hairbyruby.x.x – Ruby’s gorgeous creation earned her 3rd place and £200. What a way to showcase your skills!
Huge thanks to every single student who entered, your tutors who supported you, and everyone who voted and shared. You all made this competition unforgettable.
Check Out All the Amazing Entries!
Check out our competition highlights on Instagram to see this year’s entries. Each one shows the hard work, creativity, and talent our learners bring every day.
(Pro tip: Make sure you Follow us on Instagram, so you can see regular updates from our students!)
What’s Next?
This competition is a brilliant way for our students to market themselves, build their professional portfolios, and get noticed. Many of you are already tagging salons and gaining followers – keep that energy going!
If you’re a young person thinking about a career in hair, beauty, or barbering, our apprenticeships and study programmes are the perfect launchpad. You get to earn while you learn, work in real salons, and take part in fun stuff like this every year.
Want in? Give us a call on 0800 783 2901 or check out our courses page.
Massive well done again to Sabjana, Janey, Ruby, and every single participant. You all did Central proud!
See you next year for an even bigger and better competition!
Want to start a career in hair?
If you are interested in a career in hair, why not come and train with us? We have loads of hairdressing apprenticeships and hairdressing pathway courses ready to start. Give us a call today on 0800 783 2901 to find out about your options.
We have hair courses for all levels and needs. Starting from traineeships to level 2 and 3 apprenticeships. We offer courses to young people and adults alike. What’s more, when you are placed with one of our top salons for your hair apprenticeship, you will receive a monthly salary! That’s right, you get to earn whilst you learn!
You can read more about our courses here.
You can view some of our apprenticeship vacancies by heading over to our apprenticeship vacancy page here.
All of our apprenticeships and courses, are only open to UK residents.
