Ciana qualifies for London final

A YOUNG Clare hairstylist has made it to the final of one of the hairdressing industry’s most prestigious competitions.
Ciana Keating, who works at Bridget Haren Hair Salon, Ennis, made it through the Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award Regional Heats and will now compete against some of the UK and Ireland’s top talent at the final in London next month.
From over 500 competitors at the initial photographic stage, 144 entrants were selected to present at the regional heats and now only 16 finalists will go on to fight for the chance to represent Ireland at the international final in Madrid later in the year.
The regional finals were held in Limerick last week and for Ciana, who moved here from the UK in December, this was her first experience in this competition.
“I entered when I lived in England but then I left the salon and moved here so this sort of experience was new to me but it was really good. I really enjoyed it. I was nervous at first but when I went in I just put my mind down to it and it turned out brilliant,” Ciana told The Clare Champion.
Getting to the finals is particularly satisfying for the young stylist. “I enjoy the artistic side of things. Obviously I enjoy doing people’s hair and making them happy but to be creative with my work, I really enjoy that side of things.
“I love it, even down to deciding the model’s make-up and what she wears and her nails. I love doing the overall look. I love to see it from behind the camera or when it is printed out or when they are walking on the catwalk.
“I am absolutely delighted to get to the finals in London. This is the first time I have actually come this far in something so I am really thrilled to make it there.”
For the finals next month, Ciana will have to take her look even further. “I have to recreate the style in the final in October but I have to bring the trend forward. So I have to make it a lot better and change the hair, maybe change the hair colour slightly and bring the whole look forward, making it bigger and better,” she explained.
Ciana’s model in the regional finals was Imogene Power from Ennis. “She is a brilliant model and hopefully she will be with me in the final in London,” Ciana concluded.
Each year, entrants are required to interpret one of four trends defined by Wella Professionals – this year being Grace, Blaze, Roxy and Celeste – in either the Young Talent or Colour category. Recognising and rewarding the most creative talent, the two-date tour stopped in Dublin on Monday, September 3, before hitting Limerick the following day.
The entries were judged by some of the most highly regarded industry experts, including Leona Curran from Sassoon Academy, Natalie O’Connell, Bellissimo in Galway and John Geaney from John Geaney for Hair in Cork – two of last year’s winners.
Ciana, alongside Laura Keleghan of Bellissimo Galway, made it through the Young Talent Category for Connaught and Munster, while in the colour category, Laura Lanagan from Yourells and Sara Mason (both in Galway) will travel to the London finals.
World-renowned drumming artist, Philipp G opened the show, followed by the competitor model catwalk. Sassoon Academy showcased their Hot Rod collection, which is inspired by the work of Swiss photographer Karl Heinz Weinberger. The collection is a bold take on an iconic ’50s look.
The Wella Professionals Style Council then took to the stage with A Wonder of Light Supreme Preen and White Gothic Collections, while Darren Ambrose and Stuart Bane presented A Wonder of Light Dusk Till Dawn, both showcasing the new Wella Professionals ILLUMINA COLOR.
P&G Salon Professionals technical manager for Ireland, Sinead O’Sullivan said, “Every individual who has reached the UK and Ireland final should feel extremely proud of what they have achieved. It’s fantastic to see so much passion and creativity and our esteemed panel of judges found the standard of work higher than ever before.”