A FREELANCE hairdresser from Kidderminster has been shortlisted for the national Hairstylist of the Year Award.

Kirby Brewer, who works out of Kearns and Rouse in Mill Street, is a finalist for two accolades at this year's UK Hair and Beauty Awards.

She said: "With Covid, the Hair and Beauty Awards are all online this year, but I entered and had an email back on Thursday saying I was a finalist.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Kidderminster hairdresser Kirby BrewerKidderminster hairdresser Kirby Brewer

"I couldn’t believe it when I saw the email, I had to read it twice. Just to be recognised for my work is amazing."

The 24-year-old, from Stourport, will also go up against hairdressers from across the country for the Best for Blondes Award.

Kirby specialises in blonde hair and balayage, having been trained by some of the best in the industry while working with the Schwarzkopf Protege team at London Fashion Week in 2015 and with the L’Oreal ID Artist team in Barcelona in 2017 and 2018.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Kirby specialises in blonde hair and balayageKirby specialises in blonde hair and balayage

Kirby told The Shuttle: "I started hairdressing when I was 14 in Stourport, so I've been in the industry for 10 years.

"I was just a Saturday girl, then I got an apprenticeship when I was 16 and qualified less than a year later."

Just six months before the Covid outbreak, Kirby took the plunge and started her own business, Painted by Kirby.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Kirby specialises in blonde hair and balayageKirby specialises in blonde hair and balayage

She hopes reaching the finals of the Hair and Beauty Awards will encourage others in the industry not to give up.

She said: "The industry has really been hit hard by Covid and just want to say that even though it’s been a difficult time for us hairdressers you should never give up and keep working hard to achieve your goals."

A panel of judges, including The Only Way Is Essex's Amy Childs, will decide on the winners for each category at the awards' finals in March.