A YOUNG Taunton hairdresser has beaten thousands of stylists to reach the final of a UK-wide competition to find the industry’s next big thing.

Cameron Willetts, 20, is one of five finalists in The Rising Star category of the Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted competition.

Cameron, who only joined Taunton’s Combers Inside-Out salon two years ago as a junior, will be among a star-studded guest list at The It List Grand Final on Sunday, November 29.

Held at London’s Printworks, the It List Grand final is heralded as the coolest occasion in the hairdressing calendar.

Cameron, a former Taunton School student, said: “I am so excited to make it through to the finals.

“The Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted competition is one of the biggest in the country, with entries from all over. To make it to the last five is a huge honour.”

Last year, Cameron mingled with the stars after winning a competition to help style contestants for The X Factor: Celebrity, including Vinnie Jones, Megan McKenna and Jenny Ryan.

For the Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted competition Cameron had to design a “mood board” featuring styles and work experience he has been involved with.

This included an internship with a top London salon and a trip to Italy to take part in a hair colouring masterclass.

He was scheduled to go on a month-long tour of America with a major hair and beauty specialist which was postponed due to the coronavirus situation.

Cameron added: “The past two years have been a bit of a whirlwind. I’m fortunate to be working with a fantastically talented team at Combers Inside-Out who have taught me so much about the industry.

“I want to keep learning and if I win the Creative HEAD’s Most Wanted competition, it will mean I will be mentored by some of the top names in the business.”