Harriet is head and shoulders above

1:53pm Wednesday 7th December 2005

THE work of a young trainee hairdresser has been given the personal seal of approval by famous hair stylist Charles Worthington.

Harriet Croucher, 18, from Abbots Langley, has been an apprentice at the Charles Worthington salon in Percy Street, London, for the past eight months.

In this short time, her work ethos and talent has impressed her bosses so much she has been awarded the title Apprentice of the Year.

More than 20 candidates for the title had to display their creativity and skills at a special competition at the L'Oreal Academy, London, on Thursday, November 15.

Each stylist was given a theme to work from and had to style the hair and make up of models who would be presented to the judges and an audience of more than one hundred people.

Harriet's theme was "glamour-vamp".

The judges, including Charles Worthington himself, were impressed with Harriet's interpretation of the theme and chose her as the winner.

Colour director Caroline Newman said: "The decision on who should win was based on the work presented on the evening but was also about who has shown the most dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to their training.

"Harriet exemplifies all these things. She is a lovely, hard working girl who deserved to win.

"The title is in recognition of her dedication to her training and the prizes she won sets her up for her next stage becoming a top stylist."

Harriet won a trophy, a course at the L'Oreal academy and specialist hairdressing equipment. She said she was surprised to win as the standard of competition was very high.

She said: "I was shocked to win, it was very unexpected. I am very pleased as it is a big achievement."

Harriet trained in hairdressing at West Herts College and began her career at the Hair Lounge in Watford.

Once she has completed her apprenticeship at the prestigious Charles Worthington salon she will become one of their stylists.

Around the site