Las Vegas the fringe benefit for stylist

A Dunedin hairdresser is heading to Las Vegas after a big win.

Aart on St Andrew stylist Kelsey Lyons (21) was announced this week as the inaugural winner of the Redken NYC Hair Awards.

Ms Lyons' cherry red pageboy cut entry won a $7000 trip to the International Redken Symposium in Las Vegas in January.

The event is regarded in the industry as the largest single manufacturer hair show in the world.

"I'm very excited. It's unbelievable, really," Ms Lyons said yesterday.

"I was inspired by the warm tones of autumn to create the look. I wanted it to be soft and simple with a pop of colour. It's a good colour for winter and autumn.

"I've never been to the United States before. I'll probably do a bit of partying and gambling. What else do you do in Vegas? I've heard it's quite overwhelming, but it will be a great experience."

The competition was established to find new talent and encourage stylists to advance their skills and make their jobs lifelong careers.

The judges said the winning design best met the brief of taking a high-fashion look and translating it into a wearable street style.

The three-day symposium starts in Las Vegas on January 18.

- nigel.benson@odt.co.nz