Bishop’s Stortford stylist Mariastella Pelosi, of Unique Hairdressing, wins place in UK Hair and Beauty Awards finals
Hairdressing is in the blood for Bishop’s Stortford stylist Mariastella Pelosi – and now the 20-year-old’s talents have been recognised by reaching the finals of the prestigious UK Hair and Beauty Awards.
She works at Unique Hairdressing, the family-run salon in Bridge Street owned by her mother and father, Anna and Michele, and where brother Mattia is the business’s barber. It won the Indies Community Award for customer service in 2022.
Organisers of the awards said Mariastella – who has been commended in three categories: Hair Stylist, Best for Blondes and Hair Extension Specialist – had already demonstrated “exceptional talent” in reaching the VIP finals on August 30, where her portfolio will be judged.
Mariastella was born in Italy, in a town called Serino, south of Naples. The family moved to Stortford when she was three. She attended the St Joseph’s primary and St Mary’s secondary Catholic schools.
She completed a two-year apprenticeship, studying at Chelmsford College and learning on the job at Unique. “I started working as a Saturday girl when I was 15 and have always worked here,” she said.
Mariastella had never entered the UK Hair and Beauty Awards before but decided to try her luck after spotting the challenge on social media.
“I like doing all aspects of hairdressing, but I particularly love doing hair extensions and balayage [free-hand painting highlights onto the hair] as these are the two services I specialise in at the salon,” she said.
“Hair extensions are my greatest passion as you can create styles and make the clients feel beautiful in minutes, but I love doing balayage as you can be as creative as you like by mixing different colours and combining techniques.”
A spokesman for the Hair and Beauty Awards said: “This recognition serves as a testament to Mariastella’s dedication and commitment to setting new standards in the hair industry.”
But win or lose in seven months’ time, Mariastella has found a career she loves.
“I enjoy being a hairstylist as I interact with clients every day. You build a bond with the client and you start to understand them,” she said.
“I also love it because you can be as creative as you like and create styles that tailor the client’s personal look and I love making clients feel their best.”
