Since 1954, the L’Oreal Colour Trophy has been a beacon for emerging talent within the hairdressing industry. Entries for the 2025 L’Oreal Colour Trophy are now open – with six categories; L’Oreal Colour Trophy Afro Award, L’Oreal Colour Specialist Award, L’Oreal Colour Trophy Star Award, L’Oreal Colour Trophy Future Talent Award, L’Oreal Colour Trophy Moving Image Award and the main award, L’Oreal Colour Trophy.
Each category has its own criteria to give entrants an opportunity to showcase their colour vision and to help you along the way here’s some advice from a few of last year’s finalists on how to creating a winning entry. You’ve got to be in it to win it!
P.s. Closing date for entires is 3rd April 2025.
Gee Kent Ho, winner of 2024 L’Oréal Colour Trophy
1 Step outside your comfort zone and enter competitions such as L’Oreal Colour Trophy. The feeling of excitement when you get through to the finals is amazing, but you have to enter to be in with a chance of winning! Don’t let fear of failure stop you from entering.
2 You have to spend time putting together a winning entry, so set time aside and don’t rush it; don’t underestimate the time you need to do it.
3 You don’t need to be a big fish to make a big splash in the industry. Just believe in your own skills. You have the knowledge you already need so put it into practice.
4 Don’t get distracted by what other people are doing, keep doing what you’re good at and concentrate on your own vision.
Marlon Hawkins – L’Oreal Colour Trophy London winner
1 The L’Oreal Colour Trophy is the ultimate platform to showcase your creativity talent and colour so just go for it, don’t hold back!
2 For me personally, it’s about how can you showcase colour in a modern, thought-provoking way. For example, my regional win was completely inspired by the L’Oreal Colour Trophy’s rules of merging the two existing categories. I found a model that sat in an androgynous beauty and worked on a wedge-inspired haircut, playing around with colour through the graduation. My message was that androgynous colour fits everyone.
3 Finding a model that has a presence is super important.
4 Alongside a beautiful finish that encapsulates your vision, remember to showcase the condition and beauty of the colour.
Edd Moss – L’Oreal Colour Trophy Afro Award
1 My biggest piece of advice is to know the rules inside out – and stick to them. Read them repeatedly to make sure you’re meeting every requirement because they’re there for a reason, and they can make or break your entry.
2 Beyond that, having a strong creative concept is key. Your look should tell a story and showcase your vision.
3 Even the most stunning colour work needs a flawless finish to truly stand out.
4 So, invest time in your styling, the condition of the hair, and the overall presentation – it’s all those elements combined that will make your work shine.
Mark Byrne and Lisa May, winners of Irish L’Oreal Colour Trophy
1 Be authentic. It’s important to stay true to your own style and vision. The judges are looking for creativity and originality, so don’t try to replicate what others have done – bring your own unique perspective to the table.
2 Focus on technique. The technical aspects of your work matter. Ensure your cutting, colouring, and finishing techniques are flawless. It’s the detail that makes a difference, and those are the elements that set winning entries apart.
3 Don’t be afraid to experiment. The L’Oreal Colour Trophy is all about pushing boundaries and showing off your innovation. Be bold with your choices and experiment with colour, texture, and techniques. Take risks – it’s a competition that rewards creativity.
For all the categories, criteria and terms and conditions head to www.lorealcolourtrophy.com
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