SHOOTING STARS

After their triumphant success and cover shoot, HJ got to know the L’Oréal Colour Trophy UK and Ireland winners a little better

When we saw the stunning work live at the #LCT23 finals and on the cover of this very issue, we were desperate to chat to the L’Oréal Colour Trophy UK and Ireland winners to hear how they felt about the night and their experience of shooting with a crack team of talent.

MEET AND GREET THE WINNERS REVEAL ALL ON THEIR #LCT23 EXPERIENCE

Jessica Elwell and Lewis Inkles, Scullion & Scot, L’Oréal Colour Trophy UK overall winner

► How did it feel to see your creation come to life at the shoot?

We were overwhelmed with pride. We worked so hard to create something new and exciting, so seeing it come together so beautifully is another moment on this journey we will never forget.

► What was it like hearing your name announced at the #LCT23 UK final?

Absolutely incredible! Winning the L’Oréal Colour Trophy is still, and always will be, a huge pinch-me moment for us. From the moment our names were announced we spent the rest of the night just jumping, screaming and crying with happiness! The whole experience was so special.

Molly Rufus, Charlie Miller, Edinburgh, Star Award UK winner

► How did it feel to see your creation come to life at the shoot?

I had only ever assisted on shoots before this – so it was super exciting to play an even bigger part in a shoot. I was so grateful for the opportunity, and to see the effort put in by everyone, from the make-up artist to the photographer was amazing. Having a team supporting my work helped me gain more of an eye for detail, and made me focus on how the hair would look on camera.

► What was it like hearing your name announced at the #LCT23 UK final?

I was shocked! I didn’t even realise they had said my name at first. All the people I went to London with were jumping up and down. I remember I couldn’t even think straight, and I went completely the wrong way to the stage. And, when my Managing Director, Josh, put out a message that I had just won on all our salons’ WhatsApp group chats, well it was such a great feeling!

Mark Sherwood & Augusto Miranda, Zeba Hairdressing, Dublin, L’Oréal Colour Trophy Award Ireland winner

► How did it feel to see your creation come to life at the shoot?

It was so incredible to see our creation come to life and see it being photographed professionally. It was my first time on set for a proper photoshoot, so the whole day was such a buzz. Seeing all the other incredible winner’s looks was amazing.

► What was it like hearing your name announced at the #LCT23 Ireland final?

Where to begin? Shock, excitement, overwhelm... It was something that we had always dreamed of. When it came to the announcement, we literally heard the salon name, looked at each other and started screaming. Throughout the night it was constant kind words from people and I now understand why I love the hairdressing community. Everyone was just so happy for us, which is a testament to how supportive everyone is.

► How did it feel to see your creation come to life at the shoot?

Jess Larrad, Goldsworthy’s Hairdressing, Swindon, L’Oréal Colour Trophy Afro Award winner

► What was it like hearing your name announced at the #LCT UK final?

Proud! I was still in disbelief that I won. I couldn’t have done it without such an amazing model. Meeting all the other winners, being in the room with so many creative people and the whole team at L’Oréal made it an incredible weekend. Now that I’ve done it, I just want to encourage everyone else to have a go!

Diana Gavrila, Headmasters, Wandsworth, L’Oréal Colour Specialist Award winner

Ecstatic! I think the whole Goldsworthy’s team went through a rollercoaster of emotion – Ipractically skipped across the stage with excitement. I had totally talked myself out of winning after being disappointed at other competitions, but it’s been an amazing experience and I still can’t believe it has happened to me.

► How did it feel to see your creation come to life at the shoot?

The atmosphere was incredible and it was such an impressive team. The way creatives work together is inspiring. Seeing it all come together made me feel proud, this was my first shoot and I now just want to do it again.

► What was it like hearing your name announced at the #LCT UK final?

Honestly, it was a surreal experience. I was walking towards the stage and I still couldn’t believe it. It made me feel proud and emotional.

Nadine Brady and Claire Donegan, La Mode Hairdressing, L’Oréal Colour Trophy STAR Award Ireland winner

► How did it feel to see your creation come to life at the shoot?

Seeing our vision and all of our hard work pay off, just made it all feel so worth it.

► What was it like hearing your name announced at the #LCT Ireland final?

Hearing our names being called out as STAR Award winners was an experience we will never forget.

PHOTOGRAPHY: BEN HARDS, THE SQUARE CREATIVE