It paid off, when she was announced the winner of the creative colourist apprentice award in Auckland.
Miss Frew (19) and a colleague at Blondinis in Oamaru, Kristyn Fairbanks, submitted photographs and both were picked, as the only South Islanders among the five finalists from 130 entries.
Those finalists were then judged in Germany.
"I cried a wee bit, to be honest. I was just shocked. I didn't think it was going to be me," Miss Frew said.
As well as winning the colourist award, Miss Frew also won the people's choice award, due to "awesome" support from friends, family and clients.
Her model was Katelin Fleming (17) and the style comprised sharp edges, with creative flair, and high contrasting colours.
Born and raised in Duntroon, Miss Frew had always wanted to be a hairstylist and used to cut her Barbie dolls' hair, as well as her own.
After leaving school, she went to Headquarters Hairdressing Academy in Dunedin and worked for Klone Hair before joining Blondinis eight months ago.
She was full of praise for her employers, Megan Mitchell and Jo Clarke, and colleagues, saying it was a great place to work.
