Hair industry competitions explained

Entering industry awards takes commitment but the rewards can be immense for both the individual and the salon. Whether it is a photographic competition or a written entry, entering - and hopefully winning - a competition can take a career to the next level and elevate a name into the spotlight overnight. As for the salon, or indeed the salon group, there are multiple benefits of entering competitions, including:

• • a motivated team
  • enthused clientele
  • media interest

a fantastic recruitment tool If you are thinking of entering industry competitions then here is a check-list of some of the biggest, most prestigious events in the industry. British Hairdressing Awards | British Hairdressing Business Awards | Colour Trophy | Trend Vision | Trend Zoom  

HJ's British Hairdressing Awards, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional

How long have the British Hairdressing Awards been going? They started 24 years ago. Who can enter? There are various categories, including specialist - Men's, Newcomer and Afro - and regional. What are the criteria for entering? Entrants must send in four 10 x 8in images for the first round judging, with another four if you get through as a finalist, making a collection of eight photographs. What does it cost? It doesn't cost anything to enter, only the price of putting together a collection. What is the prize? Winners of regional and specialist awards receive a stunning trophy as well as industry and consumer awareness. What do past winners say? Lisa Shepherd, who is in the Hall of Fame for winning Midlands and Colour Technician three times, says: "I completely believe in entering competitions, they are beneficial in so many ways. Being nominated and winning creates a fantastic buzz in the salon, gives you opportunities for local and national press and keeps the columns full."  

HJ's British Hairdressing Business Awards

How long has it been going? It started seven years ago. Who can enter? There are 13 categories to choose from like Junior of the Year, Manager and Team of the Year so there is something for everyone. What are the criteria for entering? Entrants need to put together an entry with evidence and explanations of why they deserve to win. What does it cost? Nothing. What is the prize? A beautiful trophy as well as recognition from the industry and consumer. What do past winners say? Current winners of the Salon of the Year - 2, Tommy van der Veken and Esther Prins from Tommy's Hair Company says: "It's not only the winning that brings benefits to business. Initially, when you are putting the entry together, it enables you to examine your business operation in great detail. Winning the award has been fantastic for our business.  

L'Oréal Colour Trophy

How long has the L'Oréal Colour Trophy been going? It started 53 years ago and runs in 33 countries around the world. Who can enter? You have to be a trading salon on the closing date of entry each year.

• For the Colour Trophy you need a team of four people, including your model, of any age.
• For the Men's Image award you need a team of three, including your model.
• Young Colourist must be under 25 on the closing date of entry.

What are the criteria for entering? You need to send a 10 x 8in colour photo to L'Oréal Professionnel by 3 March 2008. The brief is to create a female (or male for the Men's Image award) total look featuring a technical cut and colour inspired by one of the catwalk trends for autumn/winter 2008/09. Young Colourists need to send a 10 x 8in colour photo by 3 March 2008. The brief is to create a female look that demonstrates a wearable, commercial, fashion-led, high street colour and finish. What does it cost to enter? Only the cost of putting together a photographic entry. What is the prize? The prize for L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy and L'Oréal Professionnel Men's Image includes a photo shoot in the UK, plus a photo shoot and five-day, five-star all-expenses paid trip to New York and a double-page spread in Vogue. What do past winners say? Last year's event was won by Maria O'Keefe of Sanrizz. Salon owner Tony Rizzo says: "The award has definitely increased business, mainly because they whole salon group was inspired to want to do better. It takes a lot of time to prepare for a competition, and costs us about £5,000. I would advise anyone to be focussed and go all the way."  

Wella Professionals Trend Vision Award

How long has it been going? 2008 will be the competition's fifth year. Who can enter? Any stylist under the age of 30. What are the criteria for entering? An interpretation of one of the four Trend Vision trends: Wonderland, Mineral Splendour, Couture Allure and Factory Lyrics. What does it cost? Nothing, except for the price of putting together a photographic entry. What is the prize? The prize includes a shoot with HJ and a chance to represent the UK in the International Final. What do past winners say? Gary Gill, salon owner of Monroe Hairdressing in Leatherhead Surrey, says it made a major difference to 2006 winner Victoria Nebbett: "Victoria was a great example of someone who had never entered a competition or done a photo shoot before. Winning increased her confidence ten fold."  

Goldwell Trend Zoom

How long has Trend Zoom been going? It started last year, as an evolution of the previous Elumen Award, as there are two further categories for entry and the criteria is slightly different. Last year the competition attracted entrants from more than 26 countries. Who can enter? Anybody - there is a category for everyone aged 18 or over. What are the criteria for entering? Choose a trend you want to interpret from the Trend Zoom Collection 2008 - Rockmantic or Newstalgia - and which category you belong to:

• Creative Colorist
• Elumen Colorist
• Partner Colorist

You need to create your look on a model, and send in a photo of the finished look - a Polaroid or digital image. Also, a description of how you created the look, and which Goldwell colours have been used. Entries will be judged on the trend interpretation as well as originality. What does it cost to enter? Nothing apart from shooting an image. What is the prize? The National prize includes presentation at the Trend Zoom UK finalists party, an all-expenses paid trip to the International Final, trophy and tickets to seminars. The International prize includes international PR and an opportunity to be part of the Trend Zoom creative team and create the next Goldwell Trend Zoom collection. What do past winners say? Tamara Doncova from Lexingtons won the Creative Colourist Award. She says: "Having an award on display has been fantastic for business. Our existing clients spend more money as they believe they are coming to a more prestigious hairdresser, and it attracts lots of new clients too. I would really recommend anyone to enter competitions, it can open doors for you if you win."