Hammersmith Student Crowned Winner of TV's Hair

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Phil's bridal style put him ahead in contest for amateur hairdressers

Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College student Phil Hunt has won first place in the BBC Two series Hair and been crowned Britain's Best Amateur Hair Stylist 2015.

In the final of the competition, Phil and two other finalists were first asked to design an avant-garde bridal hairstyle for a bridal dress designer's catwalk show, and second; a bridal hairstyle for a bride's wedding day.

Phil excelled at both challenges and won praise from the judges for his bridal creation.

Phil was chosen to take part in the competition along with nine other contenders after a tough selection process involving thousands of amateur hairdressers.

Phil, age 33, who had a successful career as a retail brand manager before deciding to leave and follow his dream career says: "I am absolutely thrilled to have won. This competition has been one of the most intense and surreal experiences of my life.

" I have enjoyed every aspect of the show, from having the resources to create new and wild hair designs, to discovering new things about myself along the way, I can't thank the BBC enough for giving me this opportunity."

He adds: "I kind of got lost in life and I didn't really know what I wanted and then one day I woke up and said, I'm going to do hair, I'm going to do what I love. It just proves that everybody can have a second chance."

Phil signed up to study Hairdressing last September after being inspired by his future tutor during a visit to the Hammersmith College salon. Joining the course led to a series of opportunities, including being encouraged to apply for Hair.

Executive Director at Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College, Phil Hockey says: "On behalf of everyone at the College I would like to congratulate Phil Hunt on his well-deserved victory in the competition.

" We are very proud of him and he sets a shining example to adult students embarking on career change of what is possible through vision, talent and hard work."

Looking to the future, Phil says: " Hopefully winning this competition will assist me to further my career and realise my ambition to become a professional hair designer in television, film and theatre and if by chance Paloma Faith is seeking a new hair stylist, I'd definitely be interested!"

He is also part of the College's #Makeithappen campaign, and aims to inspire other adults to make bold, often daunting and life changing decisions about their career and education.

He says: "I gave up a career that was set from me and went back to basics and I've not stopped since. Ever since September, I've been on a constant high. If you have a passion for something you have to live and breathe it, everything else comes naturally with it."

Enrolment at the College begins this month. For full information on enrolment and the courses available, visit the college website

August 7, 2015