A hair salon founder from Kingston has been crowned southern hairdresser of the year at the British Hairdressing Awards 2018.

The ceremony, which rewards top British talent in hairdressing, was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane on November 26.

Robert Masciave, founder of Metropolis Hairdressing in Eden Street, staved off competition from six opponents, based across the south of England.

Each year, the competition requires participants to create a photographic collection to showcase their creativity and technical ability.

These collections are displayed in a gallery and evaluated by more than 50 hairdressers, which the competition claims to be the best in the country.

This year, Mr Masciave submitted a collection titled ‘Non Binary’, drawing on his love of music icons from across the decades, with gender-neutral cuts and finishes.

He said: “winning this award is a huge honour, particularly against such talented competition and with a collection I am so proud of.

“The standard of work improves every year, so to even reach the finals is an achievement.

“I’m thankful for the support of my incredible team and to the British hairdressing industry for providing constant inspiration and such exciting opportunities”.