Bath born and bred Wayne Ball has been crowned Bath Chronicle Hairdresser of the Year.
The 29-year-old former Culverhay pupil was named winner of the competition held at the City of Bath College last Friday.
Wayne, who has been a hairdresser since leaving school aged 15, never wanted to do anything else. He said: "I knew I wanted to be a hairdresser when I was about four or five, I just couldn't wait to get cutting."
Wayne has three sisters and, as a child, used to practice on their long hair.
"I am really proud of myself, I think it is a great achievement, especially as I work for an independent salon," he said.
Manager of Bridgwater House Hair and Beauty in Terrace Walk, the father-of-two started work as a Saturday boy at Headquarters in Weston High Street.
Married to Toni, an accountant, he has two children, Eden, three, and Ezra, 14 weeks.
Entrants had to create an autumn/winter 2014 style of their choice.
"I knew it was ambitious, I knew it was risky, I knew I didn't have a lot of time, but I decided I would just go for it," he added.
It paid off, and his prize, as well as the prestige of winning, includes aromatherapy products, a men's pamper bundle, new uniforms for his salon, tickets to a hair show in London and a £100 gift card.
The winner of the Bath Chronicle Salon of the Year will be revealed next week.
