SLAHAB’s National Awards to recognise the best of Sri Lanka’s hair and beauty talents

The Sri Lanka Association of Hairdressers and Beauticians (SLAHAB) will hold its 15th annual National Awards 2012 on 12 and 13 of February at the Galadari Hotel. Co-sponsored by Wella and Earth Essence, the two-day event will consist of competitions in 13 different categories of hairdressing and make up, with awards being presented at the grand finale on the final day.

There are no restrictions placed on participants who may register to compete at the National Awards. SLAHAB invites all hairdressers and beauticians in Sri Lanka, who want to showcase and improve their talents, to take part in this competition, which conforms to international regulations.

Leading up to the competition, all registered contestants will be given free training by some of the most renowned hairdressers and beauticians in the industry. As a result, participants will be given a rare opportunity to hone their skills and perform better at the competition.

 Speaking about the objectives of the National Awards, SLAHAB President Chethika Manamperi said, “The Association is committed to the development of the industry and the two things imperative for this development are training and education in all aspects of hairdressing, and also the creation of competition, which helps sharpen skills and heighten creative abilities. This raises standards and gives people the opportunity to assess themselves. Also, as every rule and regulation at the National Awards is in accordance with international standards, the National Awards acts as a stepping stone for contestants to contend in international competitions.”

 The Wella Colour Award 2012  is one of the highlights of the event this year with trophies, prize money and certificates on offer for the winners. Contestants will be judged on their skill and creativity in using hair colour on male and female models. The categories include Fashion Colour Trends 2012 (Ladies), Fashion Colour Trends 2012 (Gents) and New Generation Colour 2012. The other competitions include Ladies and Gents Fashion on Long Hair, Bridal Hair Style, Bridal Make-up, Nail Art, Fantasy Hair Style and many more. The junior categories are specially designed for those under 22 years of age to enhance young talents.

While several hairdressers and beauticians have already registered for the National Awards, SLAHAB expects many more applications from all parts of the island.

“SLAHAB has had the most wonderful experience in doing training in areas like Batticaloa and Amparai,” said Chethika. “

We have had one of the most successful seminars in Amparai and would like visitors and participants to attend the National Awards. Special arrangements can be made for them if they contact SLAHAB.”

As a member of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), SLAHAB will be inviting members of the Chamber from the hair and beauty sector in the country, with special invitations and discounts for them.

Open to all hair and beauty enthusiasts, entrance to the National Awards is free of charge. Visitors can watch competitions in progress and also drop by the many display stalls representing Wella, Earth Essence, City and Guilds, Renew Hair Colour, Kumarika shampoo, Dove Damage Therapy, LA Girl colour cosmetics, Watson, Enspa,  Asteberry Skin Care, Fashion Planet, Salon care equipment, and many more.

In accordance with the Association’s emphasis on training and education within the industry, the first day will consist of an award ceremony to recognise last year’s graduates of the prestigious City and Guilds International, as well as all those conferred with IHB certification.  

The grand finale of day two will include a fashion show that will feature sarees and clothes courtesy of Sarita as well as jewellery and accessories courtesy of Glamours.

SLAHAB is  an organisation, founded by a team of hairdressers in 1996. Its trustees, patrons, past presidents and life members include the names of some of the most experienced and well-established hairdressers and beauticians in the country: Ramzi Rahaman, Nayana Karunaratne, Johann Peries, Janet Balasuriya, Shamain de Silva, Shyami Dissanayake, Shereen Fernando, Thilaque de Silva, Prisca Perera, Rayaka Jayasuriya, Ramani Fernando, Jacky Aponso and Dora Attanayake. SLAHAB represents Sri Lanka in the Organisation Mondiale Coiffure (OMC), the World Hairdressers Federation, which consists of 74 member countries.