A hairdresser from Oxford has made it to the finals of a national awards competition.

Anne Veck has reached the finals of the Most Wanted Awards, a competition that celebrates the UK and Ireland's biggest talents in the hairdressing industry, in the texture expert category.

Established in 2001 by leading industry magazine Creative HEAD, the awards recognise a range of disciplines across 16 categories, from creative skill and commercial acumen to education, the client experience, and a commitment to sustainability.

Ms Veck said: "I'm thrilled to have made the finals of the Most Wanted Awards.

"I have worked hard to hone my skills working with textured hair, learning from other experts in the field and prioritising education.

The awards event will take place on September 2The awards event will take place on September 2 (Image: Canva)

"I’m keen to promote the importance of hairdressers having the skills to work with this unique hair type, and I get great joy from showcasing its beauty through my creative work. Well done to all the finalists."

Entries are judged by dozens of experts from various backgrounds including hair, fashion, business and media.

This year’s panels included Cassie Steer, acting head of beauty at Grazia, Ateh Jewel, an entrepreneur, broadcaster and journalist, talent agents from A&R Creative, Premier Hair and Make-up and LGA Management, leading salon owners Nicola Clarke and Paul Percival, renowned barbers Hayden Cassidy and Baldy, and session artists Neil Moodie and John Vial, among many others.

Past Most Wanted Awards winners have gone on to represent global brands, lead fashion week teams in London, New York, Paris, and Milan, launch their own workspaces and product ranges, secure slots on prime-time TV, collaborate with the world’s most famous designers and publications, and enjoy significant growth in their businesses.

Ms Veck will join her fellow finalists at the Most Wanted and It List Grand Final, the industry’s hot ticket event, taking place on September 2, at Beams in London.

The final brings together a guest list of more than 700 names to celebrate the crowning of the 2024 winners.

Amanda Nottage, editorial director of Creative HEAD, said: “The Most Wanted Awards hits different – we salute and celebrate artistic talent, innovation and original thinking across all the industry.

"From salon teams to entrepreneurs, colourists to barbers, educators to green heroes, freelancers to session stylists, we see them all, and give them the platform they deserve."

She added: "The competition is always fierce, so grabbing a place as a finalist? That is an incredible achievement, and one they can properly celebrate at an event like no other – the Most Wanted grand final.”