For Emma Simmons of Salon 54 in Thirsk, uploading her style to the BaByliss Pro website proved very worthwhile.

Emma's edgy style wowed judges including Patrick Cameron, Desmond Murray and the crew into crowning her the Style Awards winner for 2009.

Emma's winning image

Not wanting to miss anything Emma jotted down her experiences of the weekend she spent working alongside her idols ........

Saturday

I arrived at Salon International at 9am having travelled from North Yorkshire. I found the BaByliss Pro stand and met with Rob Sidebotham, Professional Divisional Manager. I was then introduced to all the team and to the BaByliss Pro crew, from then on the day was a whirl.

I started with helping The Crew - Ross Taylor from Falltrick's, fellow Northerner Lyndsey Barclett, from Alexander's Hair and Beauty Hull, and Rose Palmer, also from Falltrick's. I helped them prep hair ready for the first stage show of the day, when the models would step out onto the catwalk for their opening routine. All prep was done in the 'Goldfish bowl' which became my second home for the duration of the show!

Patrick Cameron and Desmond Murray then arrived and I was soon helping them prepare their models and getting their kits ready for the stage shows. I then played the part of Patrick's on-stage assistant for every show, in front of huge audiences!

The day passed so quickly and it wasn't long before I was back at the hotel with tired feet! I couldn't believe how fast the day had gone and that I had experienced working with such great hairdressers.

Sunday

An early start, backstage for about 8.30am. First job was to make sure Patrick's kit was in order for his stage shows. As well as BaByliss Pro, Patrick was also presenting a major show for over 600 people on the main stage. Patrick briefed me on what he needed and I got to work on his models as soon as they were out of make-up, ensuring they were ready for him to work his magic.

I worked mainly with Patrick all day. As soon as we came off stage from one show I had to brush out the models hair and prepare them for the next one.  The amount of prep that goes into a great show is phenomenal and it's so true that good preparation is essential if you want to have a fantastic show.

Once the stage shows were finished I made sure the Goldfish Bowl was tidy and all equipment was stored away neatly ready for the next day.

That evening the whole team went out for a curry - I was a bit nervous of socialising with everyone but they were all so friendly and welcoming, I had nothing to worry about!

Monday

The day began with helping Patrick prep his models and assisting on- stage. I then had the nerve wracking task of being interviewed on-stage about how I'd won the Style Gallery competition, and the fantastic prize of working with BaByliss Pro at Salon International. I hadn't felt nervous on stage when all eyes were on Patrick but with me in the spotlight it was different - but I soon overcame my fear and was chatting away!

Throughout the whole weekend I was also being filmed for the BaByliss Pro website and interviewed about my favourite products (Conical Wands, Crimpers and Torino Dryer), how I got to be backstage at Salon International and wishing Conair (the parent company of BaByliss Pro) a Happy 50th Birthday.

....and then it was time to go home. I still can't believe how quickly the weekend flew by. It was a money-can't-buy experience especially for someone like me from just a normal salon. As corny as it sounds this wasn't just stage work it was working with the best hairdressers in the world. I've learnt so much - from long hair tips to clipper techniques. How many other people can say they've worked alongside such influential hairdressers as Patrick Cameron and Desmond Murray for three days? It was like having my own personal masterclass - for three whole days!

I've learnt new, quick techniques with the fantastic BaByliss Pro tools. I love the Conical Wand so much I've bought more for the salon and am getting all the stylists to use them. The Conicals are unlike any other tong - they are so much easier to use than a classic tong and the curl has more strength and shine. I love the Crimpers and am encouraging all my clients to opt for a crimped look for parties and special occasions. The Torino is my favourite dryer of all time - it's so compact and yet so powerful and gives fabulous results with a diffuser.

All of this just because I uploaded photo's of styles I'd created in the salon to the Style Gallery at www.babylisspro.co.uk

It could be you next year.