SIT Hairdressing Tutor, Helen Lee, was thrilled for her talented students, who were announced as top 10 finalists in the 2026 NZHA Patrick Cameron Bridal Challenge: Next Generation.
Ms Lee, who teaches the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) – Level 4, which started in March, believes this is the first time SIT has entered the Patrick Cameron Award.
“I thought it would be a good opportunity for our students to experience competition work… I spoke to the class about entering and three students volunteered.”
She said it was exceptional to have SIT students taking up two spots in the top 10 across the nation. “These students have only been in the industry for about 18 months. They could be competing against entrants with almost four years' experience.”
The New Zealand Hairdressing Association (NZHA) runs the 2026 NZHA Creative Awards annually. Haylee and Holly submitted professional photographs of their finished hair-ups in their category; judges choose finalists and winners from the submissions.
Ms Lee said the Patrick Cameron Bridal Challenge brief this year was all about soft curls, intricate braids and elegant looks, with a focus on a romantic shot and an aspirational finished look. “Entrants are encouraged to create whatever they think a bridal hairstyle looks like.”
Patrick Cameron (MBE) is an internationally recognised, UK-based New Zealand hairdresser. “Patrick has run this bridal competition for many years. He’s considered a guru of bridal hair and long hair,” Ms Lee explains.
The Next Generation category includes students, trainees, or anyone who has been qualified for less than four years. “It’s to celebrate the talent who are the future of the profession.”
Holly and Haylee are in the second year of their two-year qualification(Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) (Level 4)). With two Level 3 intakes each year, last year Holly completed the February intake and Haylee the mid-year intake. To progress into Level 4, students must pass all the Level 3 requirements.
Ms Lee explained the qualification is relatively new with the Level 3 course first delivered in 2024. At the end of the two years, students become qualified hairdressers if they meet all requirements and standards.
“When they graduate, they'll be fully qualified hairdressers. I would describe them as emerging stylists. They have all the foundational skills and qualifications and will continue developing their craft in industry,” Ms Lee said.
Haylee reveals when she received the news she was a finalist; she was completely gobsmacked. “I was so shocked. It still hasn't really sunk in, what I've achieved.”
Haylee was motivated by ideas for her bridal hair-up by looking through Patrick Cameron style books. “I found inspiration from different images which helped me create a new hairstyle.”
Holly admits her reaction to making the finals of the prestigious competition was similar to Haylee’s. “It was a gigantic shock… Honestly, I was telling myself that it wasn't going to happen, but I was super proud of what I had done.. I was really amazed…”
After playing around with a few ideas and changing it to suit the model’s long red hair and face shape, Holly achieved the final hair-up for submission.
“…I had done one on a mannequin a wee while ago and I adapted that to get the style that I wanted. You've got to work with the hair type that you have and adapt to what's going to suit it best.”
The students hadn’t had much time to think about winning the overall prize, but agreed that being selected for the top ten from so many entries was a win in itself.
“Just being in that top 10 is more than enough for us, even if neither of us win, it does feel like we’ve won already,” Holly said.
Both students are attending the awards evening and are looking forward to the opportunity of rubbing shoulders with New Zealand’s hairdressing elite and intend to soak up every moment of the experience. Before that, there would be some shopping to find something posh to wear, and they planned to do each other’s hair for the big night out.
“We're quite blessed with both of us being finalists and to be able to experience it together. This is such an amazing achievement for us and we're really, really proud of ourselves,” Holly said.
The winners will be announced at The New Zealand Hair Awards, held on 1 November at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.
“The awards ceremony is attended by many of the leading figures in New Zealand hairdressing. It's a major gala event,” Ms Lee said, and shares she was a finalist in the NZARH Patrick Cameron Instagram competition in 2017. “Seeing your work displayed on the big screen in front of the industry's leading professionals is an incredible experience.” She is planning to attend with fellow Tutor, Trish Dowling.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity. Holly and Haylee’s names and work will be seen by people throughout the industry.” The students can start to build industry connections and establish themselves professionally before they've even finished training.
“For many young people, confidence is one of the biggest challenges. Opportunities like this can be life changing. It means far more than simply being named a finalist.”
Ms Lee admits she was very moved by messages from both students, who expressed their gratitude for her encouragement and support.
“Their responses reflect what this achievement means to them. For me, it isn't about recognition. It's about seeing them receive the accolades they deserve.”
Holly and Haylee are already undertaking work experience in local salons; both students are looking forward to finishing their training at the end of the year, with plans to gain full-time employment locally.