L'oréal capture the eyes of the hairdressing world in paris
Porte de Versailles, in the centre of Paris, welcomed thousands of hairdressers from around the world as it opened its doors to its annual trade show but this year with a difference - the OMC Hairworld Championships were in town.
Supported by the major manufacturers, L'Oréal Professional Products were out in force with an exhibition stand and stage that demonstrated its huge standing in the professional market - with each of its seven brands represented individually on the show floor.
An opportunity to platform its leading stylists from around the globe, the UK led the way in creativity with Jason and India Miller of Charlie Miller and Darren Fowler of Clipso appearing for L'Oréal Professionnel while Errol Douglas and Jamie Stevens headlined for Matrix.
The shows featured inspirational work that left the watching crowds waiting for more with intricate avant garde from the Millers as opposed to sexy and sassy from Errol and Jamie.
As each of the seven stands depicted the individual brand values perfectly and showcased the products that are familiar the world over; work with trend scouting agencies has led to the development of five new salon concepts that provoked serious food for thought.
As well as the Sports Grooming Bar - dedicated 100 per cent to men's hair care - and the Style Minute Lab for women on the go; 
three eco-responsible concepts gave an insight into how salons of the future may look, where client comfort and wellbeing is inextricably linked with a respect for the environment.
With so many of the company's hairdressing partners from around the world in Paris for the weekend, it was the perfect opportunity to entertain and the beautiful Louvre Museum, in the heart of the city, played host to 3,500 hairdressers for a spectacular gala dinner.
Hosted by outgoing president of L'Oréal's Professional Products Division Nicolas Hieronimus, it was the perfect opportunity to introduce his successor, An Verhulst-Santos. Both share a passion for the professional sector, with An having spent her entire career working in this division of the L'Oréal business.
With a love and passion for hairdressing that was evident to see, An shared her belief in the success of hairdressers and her vision for the growth of the business worldwide in the years to come.
For a company synonymous with fashion, setting the hair trends for the coming season was an essential aspect of the weekend, with renowned session stylist Malcolm Edwards giving the press a preview of what will be hot on the catwalks in the coming months.
From the voluminous and extreme textures of the Days of Disco trend to the classic feel of Inner Minx, as seen at Dior and Moschino, Malcolm explained how he works with hair as his fabric to inspire and interpret the fashion trends coming from the catwalks.
The super shiny Pony trend of Chanel and Celine and the elegant buns of Chloe and Emporio Armani gave Malcolm a canvas to create beautiful finishes that would appeal to all salon clients.
The weekend was the perfect mix of inspiration, education and fun.
