KEY POINTS:
Hair dryers blared and locks flew as 12 aspiring models were given "the works" at Vada salon in Auckland yesterday morning.
While some escaped with a mere trim, others were subjected to hours of highlights, lowlights and radical chops.
Larissa Joyce, 17, of New Plymouth, lost her rat's tail during the makeover, but said it was a sacrifice she was willing to make.
"It was [disappointing] at the time but now I've seen this haircut, I really like it," she said as two stylists meticulously straightened her hair.
Freshly coiffured, the girls then proceeded into the "makeup studio" (startlingly like a laundry room) where a team of makeup artists primped and powdered the models to complete their new looks.
The girls, each a finalist in the Cadbury Dream Model Search, spent around three hours at the salon before the start of a professional photo shoot.
The preparations marked the second day of a five-day "boot camp", designed to prepare the models for the grand final on Thursday night.
Today they will select their wardrobes, begin runway rehearsals and practise their "walk".
For many, yesterday's activities were their first foray into the world of professional modelling and they were excited by the experience.
The youngest competitor, 14-year-old Elle Gibson of Whangarei, was certainly enjoying herself. "I'm having so much fun. I think of it as a competition but also as training.
"Even if I don't win, I'll be happy because I've learned so much."
Several girls confessed they were concerned heading into the boot camp.
They were worried that it might have been overly competitive and catty.
However, all were happy to report that was not the case.
"It's so different to what I expected," said 19-year-old Anastacia Vorobyeva of Auckland.
"I thought it would be much more competitive and full-on but it's fun. Everyone's really nice."
That may all change on Thursday night when the girls compete to win a one-year contract with Trump Model Management in New York, plus return airfares and accommodation.
The winner will also claim an all-expenses paid trip to Sydney, local representation by Nova Models and a $1000 travel scholarship.
The panel of six fashion industry insiders judging the competition include Trump director of scouting Duane Gazi.
The winner will be announced after a runway show at Old Sofrana House on Thursday evening.
