An award-winning hairstyle did not come without pain for Dunedin schoolgirl Luca Elder, who modelled in yesterday's Regional Hairdresser of the Year Awards (Otago) in Dunedin.
"Roped in" a day or so before the event, Luca (16) modelled for Oceanic Hairdressing Master Award (Part Two) second-placegetter Shar Sutherland Todd, of Christchurch.
While she greatly enjoyed her experience, the highly competitive day took its toll, with sore feet, and a sore head from pins being "shoved in" to keep hair in place, Luca said.
In the day's final event, the Oceanic Hairdressing Master Award (Part Two), hairdressers resumed work on models whose hair they styled in an earlier event.
The section allowed hairdressers full rein to try unusual and creative high-fashion styles, using hairpieces and other accessories.
Luca's ponytail had to be cut off beforehand: "I promised [the hairdresser] I wouldn't cry".
Her friend, 18-year-old Georgina Middleton, modelled for event winner Judi Wong, of Dunedin.
Steward Jan Waite, of Auckland, said she was impressed with the standard of entries yesterday.
There seemed to be more effort put into research, she said.
Apprentices especially had "upped the ante" on previous years, she said.
