What Happened at the L'Oréal Colour Congress 2023

Held at the brand new L’Oréal Academy in London’s White City, over 100 guests attended the L'Oréal Colour Congress 2023. Exclusively open to colour specialists and experts, this year’s theme was centred around Balance in Colour.

The one-day event is designed to inspire colourists in their work, their business and their own self-care. Darren Ambrose and Frazer Wallace kickstarted the day with a stunning Creative Artistry presentation of four models, with step-by-step details on creating wearable colour looks for clients this coming season- a beautiful platinum blonde, a rich velvet brown and a deep mulberry red were paired with stunning haircuts taking inspiration from Stevie Nicks, luxurious bobs and polished blow dries.

Renowned for his beautiful editorial work, Darren talked about the history of hair and the importance of knowing where a look has originated from. Meanwhile, Frazer demonstrated the importance that cut and colour have in complimenting one another.

Research by L’Oréal Professionnel discovered that self-care and mental wellbeing are the biggest concerns for hairdressers. The Resilient Hairdresser, Hayley Jepson, has worked with L’Oréal Professionnel on its new Head Up program available on ACCESS, and held a workshop titled Balance in Self-care. The session gave delegates the opportunity to think about their own mindfulness and self-care routines. “It’s more than just your mental health, it’s how you feel physically as well. Self-care shouldn’t be complicated,” she explained.

Both from Bloggs Salons, 2022 Colour Trophy winner Rachel White, and L’Oréal Colour Specialist winner Esther Wood, dissected their winning looks. Plus, they discussed the positive impact that entering and winning awards can make on businesses in their Commercial Colour & Balance at Work session. The pair talked about the process from concept to creation, the opportunities entering awards can have on your personal profile, salon awareness and attracting new clients.

Following a jam-packed day, guests returned to L’Oréal Gateway Academy in the evening where they watched a stunning runway show presented by Darren Ambrose and Frazer Wallace and styled by Jackie Ambrose. Day-time models’ appearances were transformed into avant-garde works of art. The surreal production, with its dynamic holographic backdrop, was an extravaganza delight where dramatic lighting, choreography and styling perhaps felt like an extension of London Fashion Week.