When it comes to creating exceptional hair colour and the hottest catwalk looks, a team of hairdressers from Haringtons in Reading have
proved they are among the best in the UK having made it through to the Grand Final of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2007.
Helen Malloy and James Beech beat off stiff competition from thirty-nine salons across the Southern region to clinch their place in the
Grand Final in London on Monday 21 May. They are now one step closer to winning the prestigious L’Oréal Colour Trophy and a
once-in-a-lifetime prize that could see them jetting over to New York to produce a photo spread for fashion bible Vogue.
At the 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.”
The team had just thirty minutes to create a winning look under the brief ‘hair inspired by fashion’. Using the Autumn/Winter 07
catwalk collections as a starting point, they had to demonstrate an acute understanding of hair and fashion trends. Their model was
then sent on to the catwalk to present their creative interpretation in front of an audience of over 300 hairdressers.
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.”
While the judges deliberated, guests were treated to a stunning men’s fashion show from hot young designer Steve J with catwalk hair
by Jonny Engstrom and the Guy Kremer Artistic Team.
The whole room was on tenterhooks waiting to hear who had made it through to the Grand Final and upon hearing their name announced the
team from Haringtons leapt off their chairs in delight.
“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.”