The MC announced that we had 10 minutes left for our hair cut and at this point of time, I had only completed about 50% of my hair cut. Pressure started to step in and I tried to increase my speed of cutting. That was when the worst fear of mine which I thought of everyday prior to the competition happened...........
I gave out a loud :"OUCH!" I had cut my finger! It was a very deep cut and my blood keep oozing out. It was a disaster and the pain was quite unbearable. In fact, before the start of the competition, I had passed my model some plasters and I told him to keep it just in case I cut my finger. I guess my prediction came true. I told my model what had happened and he offered to put a plaster for my cut; however I thought it doesn't looks good if I stop my cutting and get my finger plastered. I decided to continue my haircut without the plaster and all I could do is to keep wiping my bloodied finger on my model's hair. :p
Finally, I finished my hair cut with three minutes to spare and I was pretty satisfied with the result of the haircut I created. Soon enough, the MC announced:" Contestants, your time is up! Stop all your cutting and please leave the platform." That was when the judges came onto the platform again and did the final examination on our hair cut. It took the judges about 20 minutes and it gave me the time to wash up my bloodied finger and get it nicely plastered. In fact, I no longer felt nervous or trembling; in fact I felt so relaxed and for once, I really felt professional. I felt like a celebrity hairdresser whenever I walked past or mingle with the audience.
I met my mentor at my holding area and he told me: " Tom, you did very good. That was a great haircut and I am sure you will get into the finals". I felt happy to hear from my mentor saying those encouraging words, but deep in my heart; I told myself not to daydream, I will not win. Now it's time to get back on stage to complete our blow dry and style for our creation. We were given 15 minutes to complete that segment and it was a breeze. We were judge again for the the complete look for our creation. Our group segment was over and we watched the last group of contestants fighting out on the stage. The judges need to pick 10 contestants out of 60 contestants for the Competition Finals 30 days later.
I went to join my group of seniors for a drink and smoke and they all seems so confident and full of smiles. One of my senior (Albert) asked me: " So, Thomas; how's your competition?"
I replied: " Ya, so-so, nothing impressive; but it's kinda good experience and exposure for me."
Albert replied: "It's okay, you are just a shampoo boy and cleaner; you should be thankful that you were able to compete here." But anyway, don't forget to come early and clean the salon tomorrow morning." after saying this, my group of seniors and their friends started to laugh.
I just walked away with my drink and cigarette and headed to a quieter corner of the ballroom. I hate this kind of feeling, I may be just a junior or cleaner in the salon, but I guess all human beings have their pride and ego. However, being looked down by my peers and friends, does really motivated myself to go all out and accomplish what I should learn or do. It really felt like ages sitting there alone waiting for the next group of contestants to finish. Time ticking very slowly and without knowingly, the MC announced for all contestants for the Man's Cut and Blow Dry category to come on stage. The results for the Top 10 finalists will be announced soon...........
