A young hairdresser from Arnold has beaten off competition from across the UK and Ireland to be crowned one of the industry’s brightest rising stars.
Twenty-year-old Mia Buckle, a second-year apprentice at the KH Hair Training Academy, took home the top prize in the TrendVision Award 2026 XPOSURE Future Talent UK & Ireland competition during a glamorous awards event in London earlier this month.
The prestigious competition, run by the House of Wella, shines a spotlight on the next generation of hairdressing talent, with finalists judged on their creativity, technical ability and overall vision.
Mia earned her place in the national final after impressing judges during the competition’s photographic heats. She then went head-to-head with 11 other young stylists from across the UK and Ireland, transforming her model backstage before presenting the finished look to a panel of some of the biggest names in British hairdressing.
Speaking after her win, Mia admitted the experience was both exciting and nerve-racking.
“I had to colour, cut and style my model whilst competing alongside some incredible young stylists,” she said.
“A lot of preparation went into the finished look, so to see all my hard work had paid off was amazing.
“Finding out I won is a moment I will never forget. I was so shocked and overwhelmed. I felt lost for words.”
As part of her prize, Mia will receive a bespoke education development programme from Wella and a professional hairdressing toolkit to help further her career.
Despite her success, Mia says she is only getting started.
“I’d definitely love to push myself more creatively and enter more competitions in the future as I’ve really enjoyed the whole experience,” she said.
“I’m still only in my second year, so there is so much more I want to learn and experience. I’d love to keep developing my skills and potentially have my own salon one day.”
The victory was celebrated by colleagues from KH Hair Arnold, including salon directors Dawn Bramhall and Helen Stilwell, who travelled to London to support her.
Dawn said: “We are so very proud of Mia. She is brimming with creativity and has a genuine passion for hairdressing.
“This is her first step on the hair industry competition ladder and we can’t wait to see what comes next for her.”
KH Hair Group managing director Darren Messias said the award was just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting career.
“All of us at KH Hair are absolutely delighted and so proud of her,” he said.
“It really is testament to all her hard work, determination and commitment. She has a bright future ahead of her.”
Mia also paid tribute to her colleagues in Arnold, saying their encouragement and support had played a huge part in her success.
“The team at KH Hair Arnold has been and always will be incredible,” she said.
“They’ve helped me gain confidence and always encouraged me to go for it and try to be the best I can be.”
