4 mins
SPOTLIGHTING TALENT
HJ spoke exclusively to the UK and Ireland L'Oréal Colour Trophy Award 2021 winners to find out more about their winner’s shoot and what it feels like to have the coveted trophy in their salon
We chatted to Lorraine Hume and Kerry Beck of Lorraine Hume Hairdressing, and Danielle Garner of Wildflower, behind the scenes on the L'Oréal Colour Trophy 2021 winners shoot, photographed by award-winning photographer Jack Eames. They spilled the beans on the competition experience and what it’s meant for them and their business...
How does it feel to be back shooting in a studio post-pandemic?
Danielle Garner (L'Oréal Colour Trophy Award 2021 Ireland winner): It’s so good to be back in London, networking and meeting new people. I’m so excited to start shooting with Jack Eames today and get gorgeous shots of my model.
Lorraine and Kerry, from Lorraine Hume Hairdressing (L'Oréal Colour Trophy Award 2021 UK winner): It was amazing to see all of the winners together in real life. Our final was virtual so we hadn't met each other. It was fantastic to meet each other in person on set and celebrate our wins together.
KERRY BECK AND LORRAINE HUME, LORRAINE HUME HAIRDRESSING
What motivated you to enter?
Lorraine: I’m a colourist and Kerry is a stylist. We work really well together and so we wanted to do something creative and to create content that worked to our strengths.
Danielle: In 2012 I won the Young Colourist Award. This is my ninth time entering the L’Oréal Colour Trophy. I love dedicating time to just being creative and exploring different tones and new products. Winning has been the pinnacle of my career. Every year I learn so much. There’s no other competition like it!
DANIELLE GARNER, WILDFLOWER
Where did you get your inspiration from for your winning look?
Danielle: I wanted to create an optical illusion with colour. I love Majirel Glow tones. I wanted to showcase iridescent blonde. On part of the hair I used cool tones and on another section I used warm tones. In terms of fashion trends, this was actually the first year I wasn’t inspired by the catwalk. I wanted to express my model’s personality and the tone that suited her.
Lorraine: Our inspiration came from our model too. We decided to go down a route of using warmer tones. The cut and colour have to work hand-in-hand, so Kerry created a layered shag mullet. We wanted to ensure it was high end and different.
Kerry: I love feminine, shag hairstyles. It’s a wearable look that clients want.
BRANISLAV HAMORSKY, FRANCESCO GROUP, CONGLETON
What was the process of getting your model?
Danielle: I am constantly scouting for models! It’s hard to find someone that ticks all the boxes. My model Charlotte was working in my local coffee shop, so I asked her: “Would you like free hair colour for the rest of your life?” You want to do something that they’re going to love and feel confident with. It’s good to have a bank of models to work with.
WINNING HAS BEEN THE PINNACLE OF MY CAREER. EVERY YEAR I LEARN SO MUCH. THERE’S NO OTHER COMPETITION LIKE IT!
LAVINIA QUINN GORMAN AND RICHARD GORMAN, RICHARD MICHAELS HAIR DESIGN
As business owners, what impact has winning had on your salon business?
Lorraine: During the pandemic the L’Oréal Colour Trophy gave us something to push forward for and kept the creative juices flowing. Even though the world was in turmoil we had an exciting project to work on. Winning has created a massive buzz with our clients, family and friends.
Kerry: We have created a wee community spark for Northern Ireland.
Danielle: I’ve entered for the last nine years – my clients have been on the journey with me. Having the trophy on our shelves is unbelievable.
What was it like to hear your name called out at the Grand Final?
Lorraine and Kerry: We were jumping and screaming. Even to say it out loud now is just crazy. It was surreal.
Danielle: I bawled my eyes out. I couldn’t stop crying. It’s a moment that’s up there with the birth of my child!
What would you say to anyone who is thinking of entering?
Lorraine and Kerry: Anyone can do it. We're not a big salon and we're not based in London, we're from a small village. We've had the best time.
Danielle: I think that it doesn't matter where you are from, you do have the creativity and knowledge to enter. Everyone should! Whatever stage you get to.
AMY WOODS, TONI&GUY, NEWBURY
DON'T MISS
There’s still time to get tickets to the UK Grand Final on Sunday 26 June, at Battersea Evolution, London and the Ireland Final on Monday 20 June at The Round Room at The Mansion House in Dublin. You can get your tickets at www. lorealcolourtrophy. com and www. lorealcolourtrophy.ie
HUGE CONGRATS!
A big well done to the 2021 STAR winners...
• Bloggs Salon, Bristol – L’Oréal Colour Trophy STAR Award Winner UK
• Wildflower, Dublin – L’Oréal Colour Trophy STAR Award Winner Ireland.
YOUR CHANCE TO SHINE
Tempted to enter the L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2023?
There are fantastic prize opportunities available and the competition opens in 2023 so watch this space! www. lorealcolourtrophy. com / www. lorealcolourtrophy.ie