Shropshire hair expert is making waves

Heather Shaw was 20 when she became the youngest master colour expert in the UK to graduate from Wella Professionals.

And two years later she was named a grand finalist for the Wella Trend Vision contest – outshining 1,200 entrants from around the world.

She now has her eyes on the prize once more as she gears up for this year's contest.

The talented 22-year-old has now launched a Colour Couture experience at Francesco Group in Market Drayton where she works.

Heather, who mentors the next generation of young colourists and is working towards her assessors qualification, said: "Colour Couture is a chance to have a really in depth consultation with our colour experts where we look at lifestyle, skin tone, fashion and what our clients want from a colour to tailor make a bespoke service to suit them.

"We create a six to nine month plan for their look to evolve and it includes a 30 minute head and neck massage.

"It's more of a luxury pamper experience."

Heather's creativity won her another prize after Francesco bosses chose her blue hue festival inspired colour from hundreds of entries on social media sites in a colour competition.

And she hosted an inspiration evening to share trends and ideas with other colourists in the company.

Heather, who assists Francesco's artistic team at star studded shows, said: "I loved being on stage showcasing my work alongside the art team.

"From the event I have had two Francesco group salons ask to come and work with me to seek advice on adapting their colour services.

"I was so chuffed to win the competition through Francesco Group for my pastel shade colour. It got a lot of hits on social media and it's going to be a great look for this year's festival season."

Heather, of Tern Hill, started her dream straight after leaving the Grove School in Market Drayton and passed all her exams with flying colours. "I had my graduation day on my 20th birthday. I was the youngest person ever to graduate from Wella as a master colour expert."

And there is no stopping the rising star who hopes to work all over the world.