From hundreds of entries, Pennsylvania cosmetology student Abigail Schwarz has emerged as the grand prize winner of College Star — Denman’s Big Blowout Competition for the United States.
Schwarz, who attends Lansdale School of Cosmetology in Lansdale, PA, received a $425 cash prize and a one-year membership to the Professional Beauty Association.
Denman USA teamed up with PBA for the contest, created to champion emerging talent among students pursuing a cosmetology license in the U.S.
Entries were judged by overall finish, shape, volume, and professional presentation.
Second prize of $200 and a one-year PBA membership went to Jonny Watkins of Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology in West Columbia, SC.
Maria Ledbetter of Paul Mitchell The School in Denver, CO, was awarded $100 and a one-year PBA membership for third prize.
Now in its second year, the College Star competition was created to give cosmetology students a platform to demonstrate technical skill, finishing prowess, and creative execution in one of the salon industry’s most foundational services, the blowout.
Denman, a Northern Ireland-based brand renowned for its iconic styling hairbrushes, also hosts a U.K. edition of the contest.