A HAIRDRESSER is hoping she can fight off stiff competition to claim the coveted title of Stylist of the Year.

Kelly Rowlands, of Kelly Rowlands Hairdressing and Facial Beauty in Rhyl, has been named a finalist for the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards.

The mum of two daughters will go up against other Creatives in the industry in the Stylist of the Year category including Matthew of M.J Hairdressing in Llangefni and Tesni, of Tresses Creative Hair, in Bangor.

The awards, now in their sixth year, will take place on Sunday, May 19 at Cardiff City Stadium.

Kelly, 42, of Rhyl, said: “This is the first year I have taken part. It is done by votes so the fact that I have managed to collect enough votes from customers, well I’m chuffed.

"I was elated when I found out I was a finalist.

Rhyl Journal:

Kelly Rowlands with Emi-Jorja

“I started out when I was 15 in Lyons Winkups Holiday Park. I then went to college and worked at various salons around North Wales and I’ve had my own salon at home for about six years.

“What I love most about what I do is the people. That is the best part of the job. Hairdressing techniques are always changing and I keep up to date.”

Kelly, who is married to Dave Rowlands, recently had the pleasure of cutting Emi-Jorja’s hair; the nine-year-old donated 12 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust, which provide real hair wigs to children and young people with hair loss

Kelly added: “She loved it, she was made up.

Rhyl Journal:

Kelly Rowlands in her salon in Greenfield Street, Rhyl. GA040419B

“She has got red hair and she wanted others to benefit from her hair during their illnesses.

“She was so excited and I made her a certificate and a bag full of goodies.

“Her mum Roseann said she is incredibly brave and is proud of what Emi-Jorja Bancroft has achieved at such a young age, growing her hair for such a charity.

"I think she has now started growing her hair so she can do it again."

Through JustGiving, Emi-jorja raised more than £400 for charity.