Stylist Nicholas proves to be a cut above the competition

A HAIR stylist with roots in the dale has been recognised in an international awards scheme. 

Nicholas Holmes, who grew up in Winston and went to school in Gainford, now works for the Hobson and Holmes salon, in West Park, Darlington.

He has been announced as a Color Zoom UK Gold winner – a renowned international hair competition which revolves around the annual Color Zoom Collection from hair brand Goldwell.

The UK final took place earlier this month in London where the gold, silver and bronze winners were announced to an audience of more than 600 salon professionals from all over the UK.

Mr Holmes was crowned winner in the partner category and will now go on an all-expenses paid trip with his model to the international live finale in Barcelona.

Here they will be cheered on by nearly 3,000 fellow stylists as they compete against other national winners from 38 countries to become one of three global Color Zoom winners.

Mr Holmes said: “The competition has been an amazing experience so far and I can’t wait to get to Spain to show the world just how good the standard of hairdressing is in the UK and particularly in the North East. I’m also really excited to continue to work with my model, Rebecca Summers, also from Darlington, who has become a great friend and inspiration.”