Championships

THE COMPETITIVE EDGE

The countdown has begun for the Irish Hairdressers Federation Championships so the Directors of the competitions have lsited the most important points you should note to have the competitive edge.

The Rules

The rules will be posted to all IHF member salons. You can also download them from the IHF website www.irishhairfed.com READ them carefully and then READ them again!!! If you need clarification on any point just phone the IHF office and they will be happy to help you.

The Entry Form

Print your details on the entry form carefully. Make sure it is legible and that all questions are answered. Sent it to the IHF office before the closing date including all relevant fees. Some categories are on a first-come-first-served basis. Do not send cash in the post. You can also provisionally register on line on the IHF web site www.irishhairfed.com. However your entry is not "live" until your fee is paid.

The Make-Up

Spend time selecting a good model. No matter how fabulous your hair creation is, it will be the models job to "sell the look" for you. It is a bonus if the model is tall, however good looks and lots of confidence with a good attitude is vital.

The Clothing

It is vital you have the clothes styling right. Many a good overall look is ruined by not spending the time and effort on the clothes styling to complement and enhance a hairstyle. If you are not confiden tin this area then hire a clothes stylist.

Registration

Registration is also open the evening before the competitions. This is the best time to register. There are no long queues and no time-pressure on you. You will receive your entry tickets, competition arm bands and certificates of participation.

The Competition Day

If you have not registered the evening before you are advised to arrive early. Get in the correct queue. Have patience. Listen carefully to any insturctions given either directly to you by one of the IHF Executive committee or announcements made by the IHF over the public address system.

Getting Ready

There is a "holding area" for competitors who are next in line to go on the competition floor. You will be instructed what to do when you arrive in the area. You will then be guided in number order onto the competitionfloor and to your seat by an IHF steward. You will leave the floor from another area as by then the next set of competitors will be lining up to get ready to go on. An electrics test will be carried out when all competitors are at their seats which will ensure that all equipment is working. In some categories there will be an inspection by competition scrutinisers to ensure that all rules are adhered to. Do not start to work until the countdown is finished and you are told to do so. After your work has begun, you will be advised over the public address sytem at intervals as to how long you have left for completion of the task. Before the time limit for completion expires, seat or stand your model (as advised by the IHF) in an attractive, comfortable position, collect all you tools and get ready to leave the floor from the correct area when you are told to do so.

Judging

Judges have a difficult task. They have a time limit to do their job too and all models must be viewed and marked. While the judges are deliberating marks on the floor if a model feels faint they should get the attention of one of the IHF stewards wh will assist them immediately. Once judging is complete and the jury foreman has checked that all the formalities have been adhered to, the models may leave the floor from the correct area.

Results

Results will be announced around 9pm and prizes awarded to the winners of each category. Remember... to be on that competition floor means you are already a winner. Yo have put yourself in an arena which many others could and would not do. Don\'t be disheartened if it is not "your day". It will come if you persevere!