College theatrical, special effects, hair, and media make-up students stunned guests with their horror circus display at the Student Awards last week.

The combination of intricate special effects make-up, mesmerizing hair designs, and captivating performances brought the circus of nightmares to life.

This was the final project of the year for the busy students. From mesmerizing transformations for College theatre productions to captivating appearances at conventions, these students have showcased their boundless creativity and talent.

The award-winning Hair Lounge Salon (which has premises in Fforestfach and Skewen) looks to its apprentices to assist in the smooth running of the business on a day to day basis.

Senior stylist Adrian took the apprenticeship route and has worked at the Hair Lounge for almost five years.

A Hairdressing apprentice from Gorseinon got a taste of the ‘absolutely fabulous’ life at London Fashion Week, thanks to her links with Gower College Swansea.

Lucy Britton, who is studying towards a Level 2 NVQ at the college’s Broadway Centre, has worked full time at the Hair Lounge in Fforestfach for the past year. The owner of the salon, Marc Isaac, is also employed by the college as a tutor / assessor in hairdressing.

Beauty student Kaitlyn Hole, who is studying the part time Certificate in Cosmetic Make Up course at the Broadway Centre, has taken second place at the annual Salon Cymru competition (Level 2 Make Up category.)

"I'm delighted with this result and really pleased for Kaitlyn," says lecturer Cathy Mitchell. "All the students who participated in the competition were amazing - both in terms of their hard work leading up to the event and the excellent standard of work they produced on the day."

Thanks to ISA Training for the photo.

The artistic director at Ocean Hairdressing in Cardiff was runner up at the VQ (Vocational Qualifications) Awards in Wales last week.

Casey Coleman, a former Gower College Swansea student, was one of six finalists in the running to become VQ Learner of the Year at the showpiece awards ceremony at St David’s Hotel, Cardiff. The award recognises learners who clearly demonstrate progression and excellence in vocational studies and have made considerable achievements in their field.

Hairdressing is more than just a nine to five job as Casey Coleman - artistic director at Ocean Hairdressing in Cardiff and former Gower College Swansea student - will tell you.

Casey demonstrates how the industry is much more about creativity with the opportunity for careers not only in salons, but within fashion styling and design, television and films. After working briefly in a salon, he went on to work in a call centre before returning to full time education at Gower College Swansea where his passion for hairdressing began.

Gower College Swansea recently hosted an evening to celebrate and inspire Welsh talent across the hair and beauty sector.

The hair and make-up masterclass at Sketty Hall was attended by staff, students and local industry professionals who enjoyed practical demonstrations from salon director (and former student) Casey Coleman and Chris Howells, international make-up artist for Laura Mercier.

Singer / songwriter – and star of BBC’s The Voice – Bronwen Lewis recently visited Gower College Swansea’s Tycoch campus.

Bronwen met with Hair and Beauty students before performing a selection of numbers from her new album, Pureheart.

There was also a special screening of the film Pride, in which Bronwen appears. Based on a true story, Pride tells the story of a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised money to help families affected by the miners’ strike in 1984.

Gower College Swansea recently hosted a regional final of the Skills Competition Wales in Advanced Cut and Colour (hairdressing).

Stylists from across South Wales gathered at the Broadway Hair, Beauty and Holistic Centre to demonstrate their talent with the scissors and spray.

The panel of judges included industry professionals Mike Morgan Swinhoe from M’s International, Lara Johnson, Vicky Jones from Unique Hair Design and salon director and ex-student Casey Coleman.

Spoil yourself at our upcoming Evening of Festive Indulgence at the Broadway Hair, Beauty and Holistic Centre

Monday 24 November - live demos, free taster treatments, gorgeous Christmas gift ideas...

5.30pm - 8pm