At the Southern Regional Final their live hairdressing skills were put under the spotlight by a panel of top hairdresser judges including Alan Edwards, Sally Brooks and Carolyn Newman. “I judged this region last year and there is a noticeable improvement in the attention to detail of the looks,” commented Sally Brooks. “Competitors are encapsulating the concept of ‘total look’ and the colour work is particularly beautiful.”

HARINGTONS – Reading Helen Malloy and James Beech from Haringtons in Reading are through to the Grand Final of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2007. Helen Malloy and James Beech explain the thinking behind their striking image: “We wanted to present a strong look that didn’t compromise our personal style of hairdressing. Our model was great to work with as she gave us the freedom to go for a really bold haircut which was inspired by the gothic punk trend that is evident in youth culture.” “James and I were in shock when we heard our name read out,” explained Helen. “It was a bit overwhelming at first but it felt amazing to go on stage and pick up our award.”

LERAZE HAIR - Southsea Alan Le Ray and Gemma Munn from Leraze Hair in Southsea are through to the Grand Final of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2007. Alan Le Ray explains the thinking behind their striking image: “I wanted to show form and style and was determined to move away from the ‘straight hair’ look. Using the word ‘exquisite’ as my starting point, I worked with copper shades to create a strong, modern style and I love the way the curls and the colour work off each other.” “I felt lucky just to be working alongside such strong salon teams at the Regional Final so I was elated when I heard our name read out,” exclaimed a delighted Alan Le Ray. “The whole team bombarded the stage and it was wonderful to share the moment with them.”

SANRIZZ – Guildford Leonardo Rizzo and Antonio Salmone from Sanrizz in Guildford are through to the Grand Final of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2007. Leonardo and Antonio explain the thinking behind their striking image: “We wanted to present a beautiful outline that had a highly polished, clean finish. Using a rich, coppery chestnut colour we applied a subtle shadow inside the style which catches the eye when the model moves. The strong shape of the haircut works with the model’s natural beauty and makes reference to the styles of the 1940’s.” “We were the last team to be announced as a Grand Finalist and we weren’t expecting it at all,” said Leonardo moments after coming off stage. “This is the third time I’ve represented the Southern Region in the Grand Final and each time it happens it just feels better and better. I’m elated.”

TONI & GUY – Guildford Sara Elhaj and Abby Cooper from Toni & Guy in Guildford are through to the Grand Final of the Men’s Image Award of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2007. Sara and Abby explain the thinking behind their striking image: “We had been to watch a colleague compete in the Men’s Image Award last year, and found the potential for creativity really inspiring. Smart trends are huge at the moment, so we decided to use long hair but keep the styling clean-cut, barbered and fashion-forward.” “I think our initial reaction was shock!” says Sara of the salon’s winning moment, “but once it had sunk in we were over the moon. Having only ever watched before, the feeling of competing and being selected for the final stage is absolutely unbelievable. We are thrilled.”

RAE PALMER SALON – Southsea Lou Skillen, at the age of just twenty an ambitious young hairdresser from the Rae Palmer salon in Southsea is through to the Grand Final of the Young Colourist Award of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy. Here Lou explains the thinking behind her striking image: “My photographic entry was part of a creative collection that I worked on with Rae and the artistic team earlier in the year. Using midnight moods as our inspiration, we created strong style with dark purples and reds as our colour direction and I will be looking to present something that is along the same lines at the Live Final.” “I’m really chuffed to be going through to the Live Final and think that it will be a really exciting day,” said Lou. “Rae gives me lots of motivation and is really supportive of my creative development. I love working with the artistic team at the salon and now I can’t wait to get my own work out there”