By Lookout Staff

May 16, 2012 -- Santa Monica College students took the top two spots and four of the top 11 in the Junior Style Stars National Hair Competition, beating out 315 students nationwide, college officials said.

Inga Erdene Jargalsikhan, a cosmetology student at SMC, won $5,000 in cash and $50,000 in prizes Tuesday. Jargalsikhan was given the news at a surprise celebration in the SMC Cosmetology Department, where students and professors "cheered wildly and shared cake and refreshments," college officials said.

Students also celebrated SMC students Yuzu Tanaka, who placed second; Roxanne Kumasaka; who placed seventh, and Brittney Hayes, who placed eighth in the nation. All three also will receive prizes.

“SMC is just absolutely amazing when it comes to cosmetology,” said Paul Barry, vice president of Junior Style Stars, who organized the competition and presented an oversize check to Jargalsikhan.

The contest consisted of styling, cutting, coloring and making up mannequins using a bridal theme. The students had two weeks to complete the work on their mannequins, which were brought to JC Penney for photos that were then sent to the judges.

“I’m really proud of our students and teachers,” said SMC Cosmetology Department chair Helen LeDonne. “I know these remarkable students who have done so well in the competition will be successful in their careers.”