Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) Hairdressing student Haylee Clark has taken out a major national title for emerging stylists, winning the 2026 NZHA Patrick Cameron Bridal Challenge: Next Generation, while fellow SIT student Holly Wolf placed an outstanding fourth.
The results were announced at the New Zealand Hair Awards at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre on Sunday night, where the two emerging stylists represented SIT after both were selected among the top 10 finalists nationally.
SIT Hairdressing Tutor Helen Lee, who travelled to Wellington with the students along with fellow SIT tutor Trish Dowling, said it was the most incredible evening. “Haylee’s result is particularly significant as the category had attracted a record number of entries this year.”
“It has been remarkable seeing just how far Haylee has progressed since joining SIT's New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Professional Stylist) Level 4 programme in March.”
The result is an amazing achievement for Haylee, who has only been in the hairdressing industry for about 18 months and was competing in a category open to students, trainees and hairdressers who have been qualified for less than four years.
When she was first announced as a finalist, Haylee admitted she was stunned.
“I was so shocked. It still hasn't really sunk in, what I've achieved.”
She had drawn inspiration for her competition entry from Patrick Cameron style books, using different images to help develop her own bridal hairstyle.
Holly’s fourth placing also capped an exceptional result for SIT, putting two of its emerging stylists in the top five nationally amongst a record number of entries.
When the pair were originally named as finalists, Holly said simply reaching the top 10 had already felt like a victory.
“Just being in that top 10 is more than enough for us, even if neither of us win, it does feel like we’ve won already.”
She also valued being able to share the experience with Haylee.
“We're quite blessed with both of us being finalists and to be able to experience it together. This is such an amazing achievement for us and we're really, really proud of ourselves.”
The prestigious competition carries the name of internationally recognised, UK-based New Zealand hairdresser Patrick Cameron MBE, regarded as a leading specialist in long hair and bridal styling.
In a memorable bonus for the students, Haylee and Holly met Mr Cameron before the awards ceremony. He spoke with them about their journeys in hairdressing and asked where they were training.
Ms Lee said Holly spoke with confidence during the encounter; seeing both students succeeding on a national platform was an emotional moment for the tutor.
“As their tutor to witness their success and showcase SIT on this platform was overwhelming to say the least.”
This year's Patrick Cameron Bridal Challenge called for soft curls, intricate braids and elegant styling, with entrants submitting professional photographs designed to capture both a romantic image and an aspirational finished bridal look.
Ms Lee initially encouraged the Level 4 class to take part in the competition to give students experience in competition work, with three students putting themselves forward. That decision has now delivered an exceptional national result.
Haylee will receive a training package in addition to her winner's trophy.
Having almost completed her two-year SIT Hairdressing qualification, Haylee intends to seek full-time employment in a local salon.
Ms Lee said the Wellington result demonstrated that opportunities such as the Patrick Cameron Bridal Challenge can deliver something beyond technical achievement for young stylists.
As she said when the students were first selected as finalists:
“For many young people, confidence is one of the biggest challenges. Opportunities like this can be life changing. It means far more than simply being named a finalist.”
Haylee’s journey from a quiet student to a national award winner walking onto the stage in front of the best of the hairdressing industry to accept her trophy and give a speech could hardly have illustrated that better.