A hairdresser has proved she really is a cut above the rest by picking up a prestigious industry award.

Stylist Sam Thomas, who works at The Vanilla Room, High Street, Hornchuch, swept the floor with the rest of the contenders at the Central Photographic Competition on Sunday, where she scooped the Top Barbering award.

She was applauded by industry judges for her on-trend styling, precision and technical cutting.

“I took inspiration for my look from the retro styles featured in London Fashion Week,” said Sam, 24, of Hornchurch. “Creating such a precision look takes dedication and real attention to detail.

“I’m so proud to have been awarded the title and will be using all that I’ve learned in the salon, helping to share my knowledge with the other stylists and trainees.”

Sam joined the Vanilla Room team two years ago and trained at its in-house Haircamp academy.

Senior trainer, Emma Sykes, said: “Sam worked incredibly hard in the build up to the competition. Men’s barbering is notoriously technical. Her win is further confirmation of her absolute dedication to outstanding cutting – she’s made us all very proud.”