Otago Hairdressing students a cut above

Congratulations to four of our Level 3 Hairdressing students who've been selected as finalists in this year’s NZ Hair Awards,.alongside lecturer Krystle Anderson.

Rachel Hendry, Aroha Thomas, and Sumana Ghosh are all nominated in the Editorial Stylist - New Talent category, and are studying the NZ Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3) at Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin.

The trio entered images of a “hair up” (a professional hairstyle that lifts the hair up and away from the neck and shoulders), styled to an editorial standard which could be published in a magazine.

The nomination was a welcome surprise for Sumana Ghosh, who was inspired by her children to return to study this year, after a career in real estate and an MBA (Master of Business Administration) background.

“This is a completely new area for me, but I like it. It’s not theoretical, it’s practical,” she says.

Rachel Hendry received a second nomination for her entry, in the Patrick Cameron Bridal Challenge – Next Generation category.

Meanwhile classmate Isabella Hendry is a finalist in the Professional Hairdresser – Next Generation category, through Dream Hair - the Mosgiel salon where she works.

“That category is for hairdressers in their first four years in the industry,” says Isabella.

“I had to write up an essay talking about how I got into the industry, my obstacles, challenges, and my passions.”

Isabella also had to create a PowerPoint presentation and 2-minute video about herself, and some of her work.

Hairdressing lecturer Krystle Anderson says this is the first year Otago Polytechnic Hairdressing has entered the NZ Hair Awards, and they’re delighted to have four ākonga selected as finalists.

“We’re very proud of them, they’ve done very well,” she says.

“This is national recognition of their work in just their first year of hairdressing. It’s great.”

Krystle herself was also recognised, with two finalist nominations in the Patrick Cameron Bridal Challenge – Senior category, through her salon Dream Hair.

The group are preparing to head to the New Zealand Hair Awards Gala Dinner on Sunday 1 November 2026 at Tākina convention centre.

“We’re so excited to up to Wellington flying the Otago Polytechnic flag and hopefully come back with some awards,” says Isabella.