A Watford stylist has won a national award a year after moving to do his passion full-time.

Drew Alexander won Newcomer of The Year in the Remi Cachet awards at the brand’s annual summer ball on Saturday (July 22).

The award recognises hair extensionists who have made a recent impact in the industry and “stood out and performed exceptionally well” using Remi Cachet products.

“I was totally euphoric, it was really, really mental,” Drew said, adding that he was proud to have been able to represent Watford at the “fantastic” event.

The 32-year-old explained that he never expected to actually take home an award when he put himself forward.

He said: “I entered and thought ‘imagine if I was chosen’ and when it came through it was crazy.”

The former Francis Coombe student has lived in Watford since he was eight, having been born in Cumbria, and grew up in Garston before moving to the town centre more recently.

Drew Alexander at the Remi Cachet Awards.Drew Alexander at the Remi Cachet Awards. (Image: Drew Alexander)

He started doing part-time styling on his Instagram around three years ago before being convinced to commit to it last year and his business has since taken off.

D. Alexander Hair is based out of The Beauty Studio by Sammi-May in Shakespeare Street, off Leavesden Road North Watford and Drew credited Sammi-May for inspiring him to take the leap into becoming a stylist full time.

“She’s the one who convinced me to leave my job and do this full-time,” he added. “I wouldn’t have done this at all if it wasn’t for her.”

Drew Alexander and Sammi-May, who owns the salon he works at.Drew Alexander and Sammi-May, who owns the salon he works at. (Image: Drew Alexander.)

Over the past seven months, D.Alexander Hair has received all five-star ratings from 22 Google reviews, nine Fresha reviews, and five Facebook reviews.

According to the hair extension supplier, the Remi Cachet awards “honour outstanding individuals who have made remarkable contributions over the year and applaud their achievements”.

This year’s event, in Newcastle, was hosted by attended by Celebrity Big Brother winner Charlotte Crosby and attended by fellow Geordie Shore star Sophie Kasaei, The Only Way is Essex’s Jordan Brook, and Celebrity Big Brother participant Jessica Alves.