Who won the 2024 L’Oréal Colour Trophy?

Jul 10, 2024 | INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM

CATEGORIES > INFORM

Who won the 2024 L’Oréal Colour Trophy?

New venue, new era of the UK’s longest colour competition

Gee-Kent Ho is celebrating a L’Oréal Colour Trophy win, scooping both the North Eastern region and overall prize at the 2024 grand final at London’s Old Billingsgate.

It was a big night also for Brooks & Brooks, with the salon’s Marlon Hawkins winning the London region and second place. Trevor Sorbie celebrated huge success too, as its Covent Garden salon winning third place, and its Brighton salon winning the Southern region. Its artistic director, Giuseppe Stelitano, also presented one of the event’s two hair shows, introduced by Trevor Sorbie MBE himself, who described the young talent as “a visionary”.

L’Oréal Colour Trophy – first place: Gee-Kent Ho, Newcastle upon Tyne

L’Oréal Colour Trophy – second place: Brooks & Brooks, London

L’Oréal Colour Trophy – third place: Trevor Sorbie, Covent Garden

It was also a major night for L’Oréal Colour Trophy itself, celebrating its 68th contest by switching it up a notch with a tech and innovation powered final at a new venue in London’s Old Billingsgate. Around 1,000 attendees enjoyed installations from fashion designer Jack Irving – as seen at On|Off – with hair by Jack Merrick-Thirlway and the Neville’s team during the pre-show reception.

Fashion design by Jack Irvin

The show itself – hosted by Clara Amfo, with help from DJ Lisa Snowdon, Vogue’s Twiggy Jalloh and make-up influencer Hannah Martin – played out on a circular stage with a jaw-dropping video wall. This proved an impressive backdrop particularly during the art team shows, immersing the audience further in the hair artistry presented on stage.

Host Clara Amfo, with Lisa Snowdon, Twiggy Jalloh and Hannah Martin

The first show – MetaBall from Giuseppe Stelitano and the Trevor Sorbie Creative Team – was a breath-taking affair, fitting for a salon brand that’s celebrating its 45th birthday. An amplified display of texture and wig artistry – cherry cola lengths, high pompadours and neon yellow shags – the presentation kicked up into high gear when dancers decked in feathered headpieces, neon green mullets and more took to the stage in a celebration of New York’s ballroom scene, soundtracked of course to a remix of Madonna’s Vogue.

MetaBall from Giuseppe Stelitano and the Trevor Sorbie Creative Team

Robert Eaton and the Russell Eaton Art Team later shared Luminaire, with all models dressed in white bodysuits as the perfect canvas to spotlight the sumptuous hair creations, and for light displays to play across their faces and bodies. This was a fusion of thigh skimming textured lengths kissed with indigo, two-toned precision bobs in lavender and aubergine, and fuchsia and candy pink. With a voluminous cube of textured sunshine yellow and blonde juxtaposed with bleached-out close crops, it was a masterful display of creativity.

And once all the winners had been revealed? It was on to a barn-storming set delivered by TikTok DJ twins ALTÉGO, a properly fitting high-energy climax to the night.

Luminaire from Robert Eaton and the Russell Eaton Art Team

And the winners are…

L’Oréal Colour Trophy – first place: Gee-Kent Ho, Newcastle upon Tyne

Second place: Brooks & Brooks, London

Third place: Trevor Sorbie, Covent Garden

North Eastern: Gee-Kent Ho, Newcastle upon Tyne

North Western: Saks Hair, Newark

Scotland: Jason Hall Hairdressing, Edinburgh

Western: Zoe Hodgkiss – Hair Artistry, Holsworthy

Eastern: Strictly Xtended, Bishops Stortford

Northern Ireland: Peter Mark, Lisburn

Southern: Trevor Sorbie, Brighton

London: Brooks & Brooks, London

STAR Award: Peter Mark, Belfast

Colour Specialist Award: Amelia Hall, Frances Marshall, Sunderland

Afro Award: Headmasters, Soho

Moving Image Award: Lauren McNeela, Stripe Colour Studio

Future Talent Award: Alex Doherty, Brandon Marchant, Elsie MacDonald, Francesca Bay, Isla McKelvie

CATEGORIES > INFORM

Rosser Hairdressing Wins Big at Great Lengths GLammies

Salon scoops three trophies at extensions brand’s 12th annual competition

Which salon is knocking it out of the park when it comes to extensions? The answer would seem to be Rosser Hairdressing, which won three awards at this year’s Great Lengths GLammies.

Roseer Hairdressing nabbed the UK Hair Extension Salon trophy, while Beverley Rosser grabbed the Body & Bounce award, with the salon’s Lydia Henderson winning Best Newcomer.

Also celebrated for its extension excellence was Melanie Richards Hair and Beauty, which won the Great Lengths Trophy, given to an extensionist who has “demonstrated outstanding work”. Katie Hemming enjoyed a successful night too, winning two awards for Captivating Colour and Longer Length.

All the category winners have also scooped a trip to Rome, which includes a tour of the Great Lengths production factory there.

And the winners are…

Longer Length – Katie Hemming, Love Hair

Avant Garde – Jack Trafene-Little, The Little Salon

Bridal Creation – Kirby Blythe, Hair by Kirby Blythe

Captivating Colour – Katie Hemming, Love Hair

Body & Bounce – Beverley Rosser, Rosser Hairdressing

Best Newcomer – Lydia Henderson, Rosser Hairdressing

Customer Service Award – Green & Co

Sustainable Salon of the Year – Butchers Hair Salon

Most Charitable Salon of the Year – Jade Searcy

UK Hair Extension Salon – Rosser Hairdressing

Great Lengths Trophy – Extension Excellence – Melanie Richards Hair and Beauty

CATEGORIES > EXPLORE > CREATIVE PROJECTS

UNTETHERED TALENT CAN CREATE ANYWHERE – EVEN ON A HALF-PIPE

We hit the skate park with Syd Hayes and crew

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3u6Opdkrvg

Heart-pumping, sheer drops, the wind in your face… the freedom a set of wheels can give you is exhilarating. From boards to skates to bikes, they can take you where you need to go, where you want to go, where you must go next. Captured on a summer’s day at Harrow skatepark in 2021, with genuine skate park regulars modelling the hair looks, this Creative HEAD shoot in partnership with BaByliss PRO is a celebration of freedom and a showcase of pure talent.

MEET THE MENTORS

Syd Hayes
Sam Burnett
Jody Taylor
Paula McCash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLMQ7F0yxio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49vBrr_Lav8

MEET THE MENTEES

Arif Arikan
Georgia Freeman
Exaucè Imbo
Annabel Payne

“It’s amazing to be able to work outside, in a skate park” – Syd Hayes on the BaByliss cordless tools

Exaucè Imbo BaByliss PRO cover shoot 2021

MEET EX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VchuYrWQtU

“I like having clean cuts. Very precise, very detailed, very unique”
– Exaucè Imbo

MEET ANNABEL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7H7IZeoL2U

“I love the idea of doing sessions styling, I think it gives you a chance to take something back to your clients in the salon”
– Annabel Payne

Syd Hayes BaByliss PRO BTS cover shoot 2021

“We’ve kinda given them a little bit of guidance and help and support and showing them that actually, this is something that is achievable”
– Jody Taylor

MEET ARIF

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPX7iZ5iPlE

“I wanted to do hairdressing from a really young age, it was always a passion, I was always running around with a comb and a brush”
– Arif Arikan

MEET GEORGIA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9wsKjZ-jeo

“Normally I like creating a very natural textured look, but that’s what I’ve loved about today, it’s really pushed me out of my comfort zone”
– Georgia Freeman

CREDITS: A Creative HEAD shoot in partnership with BaByliss PRO
Hair: Sam Burnett, Paula McCash, Jody Taylor, Arif Arikan, Georgia Freeman, Exaucè Imbo, Annabel Payne (with Ellie’s cut and colour by Ernie Mažonatie at Hare & Bone). Led by Syd Hayes
Make-up: Elin Jones, Manabu Nobuoka
Models: Alex (@alex.rennick), Ali (@nazgotroach), Ash (@ashdouglasbmx), Ellie (@elliefelicityclarkson), Elly (@pirate.quinn), Karan (@karan_official1), Kurtis (@kurtis0connor), Robyn (@ robn_roll), Rocco(@roccobrivati) and Rose (@jensenroro), at Autumn Jensen Casting
Portraits and action photography: Jared Beck
Photography assistants: Pierre Lequeux, Morgan Shaw
Behind the scenes and Polaroid photography: Harvey Williams-Fairley
Digital technician: Brian Clever
Production: The Creative Partnerships division at Creative HEAD

Shot on location at Harrow skatepark

CATEGORIES > CONNECT

SIX FINAL CHECKS AHEAD OF THE MOST WANTED AND IT LIST ENTRY DEADLINE

You’ve made the time and done the work, so don’t fall at the final hurdle. Consult this checklist for the best chance of success.

1: Don’t miss the deadline.
It may sound obvious, but set 50 alarms and reminders, highlight the date on your calendars, pin a giant note to your wardrobe door… 9pm, Monday 20 May is the cut-off for submitting your completed entries.

2: There’s an age limit for It Listers.
If you’re entering the It List, you must be aged 30 or under at the competition closing date (Monday 20 May), and proof of age is required at the time of entry. Make sure you’re within range – and if you’re not, remember, there is no age limit for Most Wanted.

3: Re-check the category criteria.
Each category asks for specific entry content, and how you supply this content differs between them. So, make sure you provide precisely what’s stated within the criteria – and if you’re entering multiple categories, don’t assume the same applies. To further hammer home the importance of this point, we provide our judges with criteria for entry, and this is what they refer to when delivering their scores. Missing content = missing the mark.

4: Keep to the page counts, timeframes and file delivery formats.
After pouring time and energy into your entries, don’t let an oversight like exceeding the maximum number of PDF pages, or going over the stated video duration, be your downfall. To avoid disqualification, stick within the limits and adhere to the file delivery instructions as outlined on the category page for the award you are entering. Again, these details can differ, so check and check again, to make doubly sure you aren’t over- – or incorrectly – submitting.

5: Don’t forget your ‘supporting imagery’.
It’s a small but crucial detail; each category asks for some ‘supporting imagery’, which may be used to promote your success if you reach the finals. We need it, so don’t forget it! For It List categories, this also includes proof of age (such as a copy of the picture page of your passport, your driving licence, or your birth certificate). Omit nothing!

6: Supply correct – and your OWN – details on the entry form.
When you upload your entries, you are required to complete an online entry form. This part’s vitally important, because if the judges put you through, we use the details you provide to showcase your success as a finalist and to keep in touch throughout the next stages of the competition. The details must be your own, as the entrant (they cannot be those of a third party – for example, a PR representative), so take a minute to check everything’s present and correct before you hit ‘upload’.

So, that’s it – six final checks to help you deliver your entries in line with requirements. For general guidance on how to enter, and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the ‘entry instructions’ sections at the Most Wanted and It List pages.

Now, go forth and master MWIT!

CATEGORIES > CONNECT

MILES TWIST - THE ONES TO WATCH

Not just creative director at Architect Hair, Leeds, but also a session stylist working in London and overseas, Miles’ regular assisting credits include Adam Garland, Syd Hayes, and Cyndia Harvey. He’s worked on shows including Dior, Gucci and Valentino.

“This year has been tremendous fun – I’ve had some amazing opportunities.”

Follow @milestwisthair

A tip from Miles for entering the It List

How did you get into hair?

I used to work with a photographer who used to be a hairdresser. It was interesting to see a new form of creativity. I turned to hairdressing originally just to fund the photography, but as I continued in the industry it has become a real passion.

What do you love about your job?

The duality of creativity and energy through my fashion work; the wholesome and poignant side of working with people in the salon and transforming their confidence through hair. I love the transformation it can make on a person or a model and how you can change the atmosphere and perception of a person completely with a different style.

Any gripes?

The majority of jobs and agencies pay after 90 days. Invoices often lapse into six months-plus (I currently have three which are over a year). It’s unacceptable and creates issues of only the rich and privileged being able to work in our industry. We must start pushing for it to be the norm to be paid within 60 days of invoicing.

What have you been up to this year so far?

I’ve been first assisting Adam Garland’s shows in London, the highlight being Erdem A/W24 – beautiful hair in the British Museum. I joined Gary Gill’s team for the first time this season, which has been a great experience, and I’ve also been assisting the amazing Syd Hayes – we recently had a shoot with Kate Moss, which was definitely a bucket list moment.

Who in your generation do you look up to, and why?

The Hair Bros for their blending of business and creativity – their style is unique and they have a great way of presenting how they do hair. Lucy Muyanga (@thehair.co) is a peer, amazing hairstylist and friend. She’s killing it and I’m really excited to see where she goes. Finally, Emma Sommers in my salon, who balances three kids with a busy column and does it all off her own back and graft.

What makes you proud about your generation of hairdressers?

Curls and coils are becoming much more accepted, educated on and celebrated. We’re going away from the need for a “specialist” for Type 3 and 4 hair and we’re educating ourselves to deal with all types of hair. Progress in the right direction!

How does it feel to be part of the cohort that’s rewriting the rules of hairdressing now?

The rules of hairdressing don’t need to be rewritten. I feel it’s important to respect the history of hair and the key people who’ve developed our craft. It’s important to evolve the industry from the foundations that we have, to keep pushing boundaries and focusing more on the equality of hair and hairstylists.

Any advice for someone just starting out in hair?

Throw yourself into as many experiences as you can, make sure you have your fundamental foundations of hairdressing locked in and learnt, don’t forget manners and kindness go a long way with hairdressers and clients alike!

What made you enter the It List?

My boss, Louise Howard-Long, insisted I should go for it. I normally shy away from awards but with the age limit coming up and 2023 having been a great year for my career, I felt it was important to go for it!

Any advice for the 2024 entrants?

Choose imagery carefully, write with eloquence and make it more than just hairdressing. Add more to your application and career and look at the bigger picture!