65 YEARS OF CREATIVE TALENT

Celebrating the longest running live hairdressing competition in the world and crowning the most outstanding colour work in front of live audiences with jaw-dropping hair shows. Here, HJ outlines just some of L’Oréal Colour Trophy’s key milestones and impressive history...

1954 

The origin of L’Oréal Colour Trophy
Cyril Ashley launched the first UK competition which took place in the Assembly Rooms in Tottenham Court Road, London. There were 300 spectators and only 17 competitors took part with Gloria Heaven being named the first ever winner.

Early 1960s 

L’Oréal Colour Trophy goes on the Road The UK Destination

Cyril Ashley took his team on the road for the first Regional Heats. He compèred a roadshow consisting of models, artists, stylists and musicians, which was a complete innovation!

Mid 1960s 

The UK Destination

The Royal Albert Hall became the destination for the UK Grand Final providing a prestigious stage for UK hairdressers with all 5,500 seats full.

1966 

L’Oréal Colour Trophy Launches in Ireland

This was the year L’Oréal Colour Trophy launched in Ireland and Henri Reynolds was named the first L’Oréal Colour Trophy Ireland winner!

1970

Regional Heats and Grand Final 

Over 30,000 hairdressers attended the UK and Ireland’s 14 Regional Heats and Grand Final.

1980

A 25th Celebration in the UK 

The UK celebrated L’Oréal Colour Trophy’s 25th anniversary.

1999

UK Men’s Image Award Launches 

The Men’s Image Award launched in the UK and the first winner was Guy Kremer. Plus, the UK launched the Next Generation Award from 1999 – 2006.

 2001 

UK Glamour Award Launches

The UK Glamour Award launched from 2001 to 2005.

2005

A 50th Celebration in the UK 

UK L’Oréal Colour Trophy celebrated its 50th anniversary at Earls Court with a staggering audience of 3,000 attendees. It featured incredible artistry from TONI&GUY, Antoinette Beenders, Charles Worthington London and Trevor Sorbie. Alan Edwards won the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Award for the second time. The Men’s Image Award launched in Ireland with Brown Sugar being named the first winner.

2007 

UK Young Colourist Category Launches

UK L’Oréal Colour Trophy launched the Young Colourist category, later renamed the STAR Award. Yvonne Frankel from Exclusive Hair Company was the first winner.

2009

UK Afro Award Launches 

UK L’Oréal Colour Trophy launched the Afro Award and Craig Chapman was named the first winner.

2010

Ireland Tatler Award Launches

Ireland L’Oréal Colour Trophy launched the Tatler Award from 2010 to 2014.

2011

 Young Colourist Category Launches in Ireland 

Ireland L’Oréal Colour Trophy launched the Young Colourist category, later renamed the STAR Award. Elaine Farrelly of Hession Hairdressing was named the first winner.

2015

A 60th Celebration in the UK 

UK L’Oréal Colour Trophy celebrated its 60th anniversary with four live hair shows and Abacus Hair Studio was named the winner. Ireland launched the People’s Choice Award won by Style Club & Zeba.

2016

A 50th Anniversary in Ireland 

Ireland celebrated L’Oréal Colour Trophy’s 50th anniversary with hair teams such as Peter Mark & Zeba performing at the awards ceremony. The 2016 winner was named Dylan Bradshaw Academy

2021

A 65th Celebration in the UK

The UK is set to celebrate 65 years of the longest running live hairdressing competition in the world. L’Oréal Colour Trophy will be held as one united event for the first time and will bring the UK and Ireland together.