Both a Lakeland College hairstyling student and alumni are among the best in the prairies after claiming podium spots in competition last week.
Student Monica Mathiot earned third place for her punk-rock inspired hairstyle at the 2019 Best of the Prairies Makeup and Hair Competition in Saskatoon, Sask. Kelsey Saulteaux, Class of 2018, earned first place - topping her second-place standing from the 2018 event.
“I love the punk-rock style, so I went into the competition confident and I thought
I did well. When I heard my name called, I was happy to place in the top three out
of six,” Mathiot says. By applying her model's makeup during the drive to the
competition, Mathiot utilized the full three hours - and the skills she's been refining
at Lakeland's student-led salon - to style her model's hair for the runway. She adds the idea to have her model rock
horns and blue extensions came to life through various planning sessions.
“Lakeland prepared me for everything. My instructors have pushed me to do the best of my abilities and even then, they push you further. I came to Lakeland because I want to live dorm life and get the full college experience. Now, what I like about my program the most are the intimate class sizes. I get a lot of one-on-one with my instructors.”
Last year, Saulteaux, who works at Kickass Hair in Lloydminster, shared similar sentiments about Lakeland's program and instructors.
“Our instructors really helped us to master hair techniques and styles. With this
competition they helped us with everything - even how to organize our suitcases and
equipment.”
Lakeland's student-led salon is where future hairstylists perfect their hair and management skills that get them hired. Students practice what they learn in class - cuts, styling, colour services and treatments - by working with real clients, and they develop their communication abilities too.
Photos: (Top-Bottom) Hairstyling student Monica Mathiot won third place for her punk rock style. Alumna Kelsey Salteaux won first place in the hairstyling category. Mathiot styling her model's hair. Salteaux's award-winning hairstyle.