A TEENAGE stylist from Rhyl has made the podium after wowing judges at a nationally renowned professional hairdressing competition - just four months after beginning her training.

Coleg Llandrillo Hairdressing student Sophie Dingley, 16, was awarded second place in the ‘Avant-garde’ category at the North West regional heat of the ‘Concept Hair Apprentice of the Year 2020’ competition, which took place at Hugh Baird College in Liverpool.

Rhyl Journal:

Sophie Dingley’s model Amelia-Lilly, front left, with all the other stylists and models at the competition in Liverpool

What makes her achievement all the more impressive is that Sophie only started her Hairdressing course at the college a few months ago.

First year Sophie scooped the silver medal after a fierce battle against the fifteen other heat finalists. She only had a matter of hours to create her medal-winning creation - on the theme of ‘Fire and Ice’ - on her model, Amelia-Lilly Zitiello.

Rhyl Journal:

Sophie and Amelia-Lilly with the judges

Sophie said: “I was completed shocked, but really happy with the silver medal. I am thoroughly enjoying the first year of my course at Rhyl College

Sophie’s tutor Liz Keogh said: “Sophie has worked so hard in her four months at college. This is a remarkable achievement and we are all so proud of her. She had a totally professional attitude during, and leading up to the competition.”

Rhyl Journal:

Sophie in the Rhyl College Hairdressing salon after her success

This success follows on from a gold medal at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai cross-college hairdressing finals. Sophie will next compete at the National Hairdressing Federation competition in March in Blackpool.