Pearcedale hairdresser Matthugh Ling has won the Headmasters Academy Hairdressing Apprentice of the Year award.
By Sarah Schwager
A PEARCEDALE hairdresser has taken out a prestigious hairdressing apprentice of the year award.
Matthugh Ling, who works at Jo Jo’s Hair and Beauty at Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, was declared a class above the rest at the distinguished Headmasters Academy in the city.
Mr Ling found out last Wednesday at the school’s award ceremony that he had won, after previously being nominated by teachers.
“I didn’t think I was going to win,” he said. “I was shocked. Everyone at the school is so amazing and I have been seeing such amazing work while I have been there.”
It is not Mr Ling’s first time in the limelight, having previously won the PPS Hairwear national championships and being named runner-up for Industry Apprentice of the Year.
As runner-up he was given a chance to take part in a hair parade at the Regent Theatre with the theme Wings of a Butterfly.
Mr Ling, 23, originally started photographing hair models at different hairdressers locally, including Jo Jo’s.
He said it was after winning a couple of awards for the photos that he decided he wanted to take photos of his own work and enrolled at Headmasters Academy, having worked at Jo Jo’s for his entire apprenticeship.
He now enters competitions around the country, photographing clients and friends whose hair he has styled.
“I’ve taken photos for so long but now I know this is what I want to do,” Mr Ling said.
“After winning the award this has definitely cemented it in my head.”
