Texan Mosaic

No hair, no problem: Students showcase creativity in annual contest

Featured photo by Emily Miller of the third place winner of the Anything But Hair contest, hosted by the cosmetology department for students in the program.

South Plains College cosmetology students traded shears for imagination last week in the department’s annual “Anything but Hair” contest, transforming bald mannequins into works of art using everything except the obvious: hair.

Photos of the second place contest winner | Photos by Kendi Green

Instructor Jeb Wilcox explained that the challenge begins when students shave their mannequin heads completely. From there, “they create hair using anything but hair,” he said. The goal is to push creativity and encourage students to reimagine what a hairstyle can be.

“It’s just a way for them to be creative and express their creativity,” Wilcox said. “They can use a theme if they want. We tell them the sky’s the limit, and the more creative they are, the better.”

While the contest focuses on creativity, it also reinforces fundamental principles of design.

“What I like in hair design is space, spatial relation, and balance,” Wilcox said. “You can see with some of the students’ mannequins that they’ve really incorporated those foundations and techniques into them. Even though it’s not hair, they’re still taking those concepts and making it work.”

This year’s competition featured 84 entries, ranging from vividly painted faces to mannequins adorned with live plants and unexpected textures. Though the emphasis remains on hair design, Wilcox said the creativity often spills over into other artistic elements, captivating both students and clients.

Among the standout designs was “Miss Medusa,” created by student Audrey Garza, whose entry drew inspiration from Greek mythology.

Audrey Garza created the first place winning piece, “Miss Medusa,” for the Anything But Hair contest in the cosmetology program at South Plains College. | Photos by Etta Berry

“The challenge was no hair, so my instinct was snakes,” Garza said. “It was kind of difficult…I kept getting burnt by the hot glue, but it’s fine.”

Garza, who was surprised to win, said the project taught her how to problem-solve creatively.

“Not all materials work in the same directions, so I had to maneuver stuff,” she said.

“The clients love it, and they vote on it,” he said. “They look forward to it every year.”

Each creation serves as proof that artistry in cosmetology extends beyond the salon chair, and it begins with vision. Here are the photos, taken by students in COMM 1318 Photography I. Photo credits are listed under each collection of photos.