June 30, 2005

Colour, style, fantasy... and that's just the hair

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A record 505 entrants in New Zealand's most prestigious hairdressing awards has been trimmed back to the top 20 individual stylists.

The finalists face off in a live competition in late July to determine the country's supreme hairdresser.

Now in its 12th year, the L'Oréal Colour Trophy Awards is the best known and most anticipated professional hairdressing event.

L'Oréal Professionnel general manager Anya Haarhoff is delighted with the calibre of this year's finalists.

"We couldn't really ask for more," Ms Haarhoff says. "Innovation and inspiration are fundamental to L'Oréal Professionnel's commitment to the hair industry and we're thrilled with the exceptionally high level of talent coming through. Many of the entries display true originality, creativity and innovation - some are simply outstanding.

"The L'Oréal Colour Trophy is the definitive measure of this country's talent and only continues to grow. In the last five years, the number of entries has more than doubled."

The finalists vie for four major individual awards: the Supreme Award: New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, the Young Colourist Award, the Couleur Pour Hommes Award (colour for men) and the brand new Au Début Award (for never before finalists).

In addition, six salon teams will go head to head for the Salon Team Award.

There are also three special awards - Make up Artists' Award, Photographers' Award and Estetica Magazine Award (hairdressing industry publication).

New Zealand hairdressers together with celebrity and fashion icons will celebrate the winners when they are announced at one of the fashion industry's most anticipated gala events - The L'Oréal Colour Trophy Awards at The Edge's Aotea Centre in Auckland on July 30. The Awards are hosted by Alison Mau and Oliver Driver.

The individual awards finalists are judged 'live' on the day of the awards as they work to re-create the colour and style submitted in their original photographic entries. The winners are then announced at the gala event the same evening.

Three top international hairdressing experts have selected the finalists and will be judging the winners on the night. They are British hairdresser and Saks International Creative Director Andrew Barton and Australian salon owners Paul Divitaris of Biba Salons and Academies and Benni Tognini of the prestigious Togninis Salon in Brisbane.

The judges look for New Zealand hairdressers who 'shine' by demonstrating creative and beautiful hair colour, accentuated by an innovative cut and finish for an overall stunning look of fashion.

The Supreme Award: New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2005

Caroline Gardiner, Surreal Hair and Beauty, Christchurch Celine-Marie Lamberton, True Grit Hairdesign, Christchurch Hayley Pullyn, Servilles Mission Bay, Auckland Lauralee Nolan, ME, Auckland Mihi Tiananga, Soho Hair Styling, Christchurch Nicky Robertson, NV, Hamilton Toshiro Takeda, ME, Auckland Vesna Coklo, Ryder Salon, Auckland

The Au Debut Award (for never before finalists)

Jason Davies, Hairworld, Tauranga John Birnie, Balliage Hair, Wellington Rebecca Hill, Carl Watkins & Associates, Christchurch Rebecca McMahon, Durham Hair and Makeup, Auckland

The Young Colourist Award

Amy Hall, Servilles Mission Bay, Auckland Ashlee Coombes, Servilles Newmarket, Auckland Emma-Jane Casse, Servilles Mission Bay, Auckland Ursula Hansen, Hairworld, Tauranga

The Couleur Pour Hommes Award (colour for men)

Danny Meadows, Hairworld, Tauranga Mana Dave, Maelstrom Hairdressing, Auckland Olivia Noble, Servilles Newmarket, Auckland Sarah Jones, Vanilla, Wellington

The Salon Team Award

Bettjemans, Auckland Jan Waite Hairdressing, Auckland Servilles, Takapuna, Auckland Soho Hairstyling, Christchurch Toni & Guy, Newmarket, Auckland Vada, Auckland

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ENDS