By Vanessa Braithwaite

THE Region 10 Cosmetologist and Barbers Association hosted another successful Hair and Nail Exposition on Friday and Saturday at the Egbert Benjamin Conference Hall in Mackenzie.The event saw several nail technicians, barbers, make-up artists and hair dressers showcasing their skills in a most creative and admirable way.

Each participant had their individual booth set up with hair, nail and make-up products on sale, in addition to cosmetics and costume jewellery.

The aim was to lure potential clients to their booths to increase their clientele and also have friendly competition with other cosmetologists in an effort to better their skills and share more ideas.

On Friday, the participants gave back to the community by pampering all elderly customers for free. They were also provided a meal.

Saturday was the continuation of showcasing of skills during the day but during the night there was the annual nail battle and fashion show.

Four seasoned nail technicians took part in the competition in which they had one hour to do a complete nail design.

They were judged on creativity, originality and neatness. The winner Crystal Alleyne walked away with $50,000, while Wendy Nedd, who emerged second walked away with a hamper of nail products.

Crystal told the Guyana Chronicle that the win was indeed surprising as she is not a nail technician by profession.

“I feel ecstatic and excited, I’m especially proud of myself because I don’t do nails on a day to day basis, so I felt I was at a disadvantage, so I’m very proud of myself,” she said.
The nail battle was followed by the cat walk fashion show where several models flaunted designs of clothes made with hair and extravagant and uncommon hair styles.

Organiser of the event, Fnit Small said the idea of hosting the expo was birthed four years ago after being a hair dresser and realising the plethora of things that can be done with hair.

Being the first person to design an entire outfit of hair, she then formed the Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and Nail Technicians.

Small said that the event was well supported by Lindeners, though there were expectations of a larger crowd.

According to Small, the expo has many benefits for the participants.

“It is all about showcasing one’s craft. We just don’t want to be in the box, but to put ourselves out of the box and make ourselves marketable… many persons said that after the expo their clientele grew significantly and they built stronger relationships with their competitors by sharing ideas to take back to their shop and they also have a boost in business for the couple days,” Small said.

She also revealed that for the first time this year, differently-abled young women participated and even modeled.

One hair dresser said the expo has benefited her tremendously as it allowed her to perfect her skills.

She said working around others and practicing her skill in a wide opened space with several onlookers has boosted her confidence level and her self-esteem grew.

Small is encouraging all Lindeners and cosmetologists to get involved in next year’s exposition.