Winning the young colourist award - yvonne frankel

Yvonne Frankel is 23 and from the Exclusive Hair Company in Belfast. She won the Young Colourist Award at last year’s L’Oréal Colour Trophy. Here is Yvonne's story

To enter the competition I had to initially send a photographic entry. This was the first shoot I had ever done so working with a professional model, photographer and make-up artist was completely new to me. I cut and coloured the hair and as a result, got through to the Northern Ireland regional final. There were four finalists in the Northern Ireland final, then once I won that I was in the last eight for the Young Colourist category, which is in association with HJ. The final session was held the week before the awards night, at the academy in London. I went along on the day with my model and had three-and-a-half hours to cut and colour the hair. It went well and the judges were really nice, but I then had to wait 10 days until the big night. It was the longest 10 days ever! The night itself was brilliant, but I was very nervous. I could not believe it when they announced that I had won, and the prize was amazing. Part of my prize was to undertake a Colour Specialist Degree with L’Oréal Professionnel. It took me six weeks, training three days a week, but I passed it and it was fantastic. The course gave me so much knowledge – it was very intense, but really worth it. This qualification has made such a difference to the business and personally; I am so much more confident with my colour work, and as a result clients are more confident in my ability. I also won tickets to HJ’s British Hairdressing Awards. It was so good to watch and it was great to be in the same room as all those amazing hairdressers. Another part of the prize was a photo shoot with Hairflair magazine. It was mentored by my hairdressing hero, Jo O’Neill from Toni & Guy. It was brilliant and Jo taught me so many techniques that I have since been using in the salon. The final part of my prize was a place on a L’Oréal Exposure Tour, which I will be going on this year. Winning the Young Colourist Award has ignited the spark for hairdressing and has boosted my passion for my trade. It was the first time I had entered any award and I am so pleased that I made the effort.