Testimonial from George Kosit, Kosit Hair Designs, SE15

An event such as Sleek’s Weave Wizard awards is fundamental to the African-Caribbean hairdressing industry.

Our aim should be to establish avenues and platforms that will inspire this sector of the industry to perform at par with the European hairstylists in terms of cutting, colouring and styling techniques. Having said that, this should also be an opportunity for the European hairstylist to step up and master the skill of styling African-Caribbean hair.

I believe these awards will provide the much-needed impetus to aspiring already established hairstylists to raise the standard of their craft. This is an opportunity for all hairstylists to attempt new creations and achieve new techniques. It is also an opportunity for them to prove their highest standard of skill; model their unique signature hairstyles that will offer them exposure to the public at large; and increase their income.

Opening the competition to college students will spur them to improve their skill and perform to the highest standard, enable them to achieve future hairstyles and generate PR for themselves and their educational establishment.

In my opinion, the key words for this competition should be to raise awareness of the complexities in art of mastering African-Caribbean hair, and educate the African-Caribbean hairstylist and public. There can be no more compromise.

The bar of excellence needs to keep being raised.