A young hairdresser from Cornwall took judges through the looking glass at the Cornish Skills Challenge 2013 competition and catwalk show, adding a twist to the ‘Best of British’ theme.

The competition was hosted by Truro and Penwith College and gave 154 competitors from colleges, salons and other training providers the chance to demonstrate their hair, beauty and complementary therapies skills.

The level two hair class was won by Truro and Penwith College hairdressing student Safi Mackie, 16, who showed off her flair for hair with a Lewis Carroll inspired look.

She said: “I called my creation ‘Mad Hatter with a twist,’ taking all of the characters from Alice in Wonderland and combining them.”

Safi’s design, modelled by fellow Truro and Penwith College student Liberty Sinock O’Neill, 16, also incorporated a dress made from 12 packs of playing cards and a hat made from real hair, recrafted from hairdresser’s dummies.

Safi and winners in other categories will have the chance to go on to regional and national competitions.