Putting their skills to the ultimate test, Jessica James and Haylee Henderson of Salt Hair Port Fairy have been recruited for the styling team for the upcoming Miss Universe Australia pageant.
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As part of a group of 10 stylists, Mrs James and Mrs Henderson will be behind the scenes styling all the beauty contestant's hair and assisting the backstage crew before being able to watch the pageant.
Owner of Salt Hair Port Fairy Vicki Hetherington was thrilled the hairdressers were selected.
"I'm excited for the girls - this is an incredible opportunity for them to have," she said.
"They both have a great amount of experience and it's fantastic for them to learn more skills.
"It's huge for a country salon to be selected and it's great recognition of our hard work and training paying off."
The talented duo will be styling the contestants for the national final today.
They have a big job on their hands looking after the 28 beauty queens vying for the crown of Miss Universe Australia 2019.
Already experienced hairdressers, Mrs James and Mrs Henderson will be travelling to the Sofitel Hotel in Melbourne where they will be under the instruction and guidance of four-time Australian Hairdresser of the Year award winner Caterina Di Biase.
The girls will be styling a range of hair-up and more natural looks for the contestants and the leadership of Ms Di Biase - who has previously been named one of the 10 best hairdressers in the world - will be unbeatable.
The pair feel the lessons they learn throughout the day will ultimately be a great asset to the Salt Hair Port Fairy salon - and their clients.
Mrs James has 15 years of hairdressing experience under her belt and is excited to be a part of the pageant.
"This is an amazing achievement for the salon and for Port Fairy," she said.
"It's a great showcase of the bridal and hair-up styling we do here.
"It's an honour to be selected and it will be a great learning experience and an opportunity to take on any knowledge Caterina will give."
Mrs Henderson has seven years of hairdressing experience and is eager to learn all she can through the experience.
"It's amazing and a huge opportunity for us," she said.
"I'm very proud and grateful to work at Salt Hair Port Fairy and for the training we have here."
Mrs James and Mrs Henderson were selected by their Schwarzkopf Australia educators last Thursday.
The Miss Universe Australia pageant is a sold-out event and is streamed throughout Australia.
