Mizani afro catwalk look award winner chosen
A panel of afro hair gurus have chosen the winner of the inaugural L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy Mizani Afro Catwalk Look Award.
Michelle Thompson from Francesco Group, Junior Green from Junior Green Hair & Beauty, Tony Hegarty from Identity UK and award-winner Errol Douglas examined the models created at a live final held at the L'Oreal International Academy in London.
Inspired by the catwalk trends for autumn/winter 2009, the regional finalists had to create a total look on a female of African descent featuring a forward thinking hair cut and finish complemented with beautiful colour. 
The winner will be announced at the Grand Final on June 1 - so what did the judges think?
Michelle Thompson
"I was looking for amazing condition. If Afro hair has been relaxed and coloured it's been through two chemical services so it was great to hear the competitors talking about how they planned to avoid any compromise on the end result. A lot of time and effort had been invested into researching trends, creating mood boards and interpreting the brief. It was a thoroughly inspiring day."
Junior Green
"I was looking for individuality, creativity and, ultimately, a look that made me stop in my tracks. Everyone was very individual in their direction and had given a lot of consideration to how they would deliver the brief. The competitors have set a really impressive standard and will inspire many hairdressers to enter this category in the future."
Tony Hegarty
"It was great to see how the competitors had interpreted the brief of a catwalk-inspired look. The standards were very high and there was a lot of positive energy in the room. 
My advice would be prepare and practice every aspect of your presentation and remember the Mizani Afro Catwalk Look Award is not just about the hair. Fashion and inspiration play a big part in achieving a winning look."
Errol Douglas
"I was looking for something new, something directional. Afro hair should embody catwalk, fashion forward and exciting yet mainstream hair - it shouldn't be seen as difficult or problem hair to style. You want to make the judges think wow - I didn't know you could do that with Afro hair! But most of all, it must be beautiful."
