Art, style and strands of hair will merge at the Skills Canada regional hairstyling competition.

Belmont Grade 12 students Tanis Jackson, Shantelle Hutchinson and Heather McBride have their scissors sharpened and are ready compete.

B次元官网网址淭anis is a very responsible student, she is independent and likes to try new things,B次元官网网址� said Belmont teacher Rachel Sandberg. B次元官网网址淪he asks how to to do stuff outside what we are learning in class.B次元官网网址�

The three students have been practising techniques and planning styles for the competition.

For Jackson the toughest part is working on a mannequin.

B次元官网网址淵ou have to think of the style and then come up with all the ideas. When you are working on an actual person they can tell you what they want,B次元官网网址� said the 17-year-old.

She also just started learning cuts and colours, but is eager to compete.

Hutchinson and McBride are well schooled in cut and colour techniques and the teacher has high exceptions for all three Belmont competitors.

B次元官网网址淪hantelle is very driven and is going to finish school ahead of time, the work is always well done and she always goes above and beyond,B次元官网网址� Sandberg said. B次元官网网址淗eather is very energetic and creative.B次元官网网址�

The competition has two parts. First competitors will cut, colour and style the hair on a mannequin head. After judges rank them, stylists will comb out and begin the second round which includes adding hair and ornamentation.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 almost hair sculpting and art than it is for functional wear,B次元官网网址� said the teacher.  B次元官网网址淭his really challenges the kids and gets the creative juices going.B次元官网网址�

Starlette Tolver, a professional hair styling competition judge will attend along with four other hair professionals from the community. Belmont hosts the competition Friday with 16 students from across Greater Victoria competing.

B次元官网网址淭his gives the students an opportunity to showcase what theyB次元官网网址檝e learned and their art and their craft,B次元官网网址� Sandberg said.

The winner will move on to provincials in Abbotsford, April 17. The provincial winner moves to nationals June 5 and 6 in Vancouver.

Regionals are open to the public March 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Room 211 at Belmont secondary, 3067 Jacklin Rd.