'preparation key to winning the l'oréal colour trophy'

The L'Oréal Colour Trophy is one of the most prestigious prizes a hairdresser can win.

We caught up with the team at Russell Eaton, Leeds, winners of the L'Oréal Colour Trophy 2011, to find out what it takes to lift the trophy.   

What made you enter the L'Oréal Colour Trophy?



We have entered the L'Oréal Colour Trophy for many years now and it has always been one the highlights of the year for our team in our salons.

We won in 2003 and, having experienced the benefits of winning once for or team and business, we have always wanted to win again.

 

Tell us a little bit about your entry - what do you think made it stand out?

We really wanted to create a look that was simple, stylish in line with the brief but also really represented what we are about as a salon.

 

Once you'd submitted the image you had to recreate it in the regional finals. Did you do anything special to prepare yourself for this?

We prepared and practised creating the finish very carefully to ensure the regional final went smoothly, and constantly looking to improve the look further.

We have found that it helped to get other team members input this not only involves everyone but also helps to make the look stronger.

 

And what about the regional finals - was there anything about it that you hadn't expected or did everything go to plan?

Because we prepared well, everything went well for us. The main thing was to stay focused on what we wanted to create and not get too distracted by other looks created on the evening

 

When you were announced as a Grand Final Winner how did you feel? How was the night?

Amazing for the whole team there was a real buzz in the salon after that. It made all the hard work worthwhile!

 

You won some great prizes. What has been your highlight?

The prestige of winning the main award at the L'Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final is amazing, but for the team the Vogue shoot was a real highlight. We also loved the educational and networking trip to Madrid and watching the Brooks & Brooks team on stage was great.

 

What advice would you give to other people considering entering?

To plan and prepare as much as possible and really read and follow the brief.