A BOURNEMOUTH hairdresser has been named as one of the best hair stylists in the UK at an award show in Birmingham. 

Loren Waugh, 22, from Bournemouth, was placed 17th in the country in the Hair and Beauty Awards 'hair stylist of the year' category in Birmingham on June 1. 

Shortlisted in the 'best of blondes' category also, Loren attended the final at the ICC with family and her boyfriend. 

She said: "It was a red carpet event with dinner and drinks that was attended by about 2,000 people. 

"I didn't know it was in Birmingham until they sent out the tickets but it just made it feel a bit more prestigious going all that way to represent Bournemouth."

Loren entered the awards after she decided to start her own business, Hair by Loren Waugh, and leave the salon where she trained for seven years and began her career, aged 15. 

Now renting a chair at Lashes and Locks, Christchurch Road, she stated it feels like a massive achievement to be named in a nationwide awards. 

She said: "Last year they did it regionally so I understand that there were a few others from Bournemouth last year but this year it was national so it does feel like a bit more of an achievement. 

"I was in the salon yesterday and there were flowers and they were all watching because it was live streamed and having a drink at home which was really nice and it felt like I was with everyone."

Loren said that since she started her business in May 2023, she has found the environment at Lashes and Locks amazing and said she is happy to find "a salon that I love".

Asked what has motivated her, Loren stated she loves her job and is grateful to have found her passion at such a young age. 

She said: "It's important to love your job and obviously there will be times when you have to work but I'm lucky enough to have found something at 22 that I'm passionate about, I just feel very lucky."

To find out more, visit Loren's Instagram, @HairbyLorenWaugh.