A young Sheffield stylist has beaten thousands of UK hopefuls to become the most successful hairdresser of her type in the country.

But it was only by ignoring the wished of her family that the 20-year-old Ashley Franklin went on to walk away with the coveted Clynol Young Stylist of the Year title.

The brainy cutter, who left school with 9 GCSE's including an 'A' in IT, was determined to prove that her brains were going to be put to good by Sheffield based Headlines UK and their salon based inside Esporta on Archer Road in Millhouses.

Ashley's parents were not convinced hairdressing was the best careers path for their daughter, but she said: "I'd got my heart set on Hairdressing from an early age and I'm glad Headlines UK spotted my talent and kept telling me - even when i lost heart - that I'd got what it takes to do well in the competition and should stick at it".

Thankfully, following her success, Ashley's family are now right behind her!

"Everyone was waiting for me with bottles of champagne when i returned home", she said. "I nearly collapsed".

Headlines UK, who are one of the fastest growing hairdressing groups in the UK, are now on the look out for more hairdressing stars in the making to join their renowned Sheffield-based training school.

Headlines UK director Irene Ball said "We're incredibly proud of Ashley and know she is set for even greater things in the future.

We're a rapidly expanding business and always on the look out for up-and-coming talent".

Anyone interested should call Irene Ball on 07971 464 178.

It's the second major UK win for Headlines UK in a matter of weeks.

Barnsley born Peter Burkhill, who works out of their Leeds salon, was named as one of the country's brightest hairdressing stars in the making just last month.

At 18 years old he was the youngest ever to make the Clynol Protégé team.

Related Downloads

*Download the video of Ashley from the Clynol Profile Awards 2006.

* You will require Windows Media player to view the video.