April 2026, Glasgow – Scotland’s leading colourists took centre stage at The Engine Works this week for the L’Oréal Colour Trophy semi-final, where judges revealed the finalists who will go on to represent their salons and region at the national grand final.
Founded by L’Oréal Professionnel, the L’Oréal Colour Trophy, now in its 70th year, remains one of the industry’s most respected platforms, celebrating colourists who push creative boundaries, set new standards and elevate the profile of their salons, teams and local communities.
The competition was judged by industry experts Lloyd Court, seanhanna Salons, Mike Decanter, Zeba Hairdressing, Karen Dodds, CRC-Hair, Marcello Moccia, Room 97, and Adam Reed, ARKIVE by Adam Reed.
The salons progressing to the national final are:
L’Oréal Colour Trophy Award:
- Charlie Miller – Ellie Gilhooley, Edinburgh
- Garcon – Grant Carr, Glasgow
- Mcintyres Salons, Radoslaw Lewandowski, Dundee
L’Oréal Colour Trophy STAR Award:
- Copperfields Hair And Beauty – Kasey Abernethy, Perth
- Jackandivy – Abbi Ross, Dunbar
“Hearing my name called was pure joy and a lot of smiling. I’m incredibly proud, both personally and for the whole salon, as it reflects the support and creativity we have as a team every day. I entered to challenge myself creatively and to step out of my day-to-day , and with the level always so high, you never expect anything. That makes moments like this even more special when things go your way. It’s an amazing experience and pushes you in the best way” – Ellie Gilhooley, Charlie Miller
“You put so much into moments like this, fitting competition prep around day-to-day work and other commitments, so for it to pay off was incredibly rewarding. It’s a big moment and means a lot to the whole team, it’s recognition of the standards we hold ourselves to. You never know how it will go, but I knew the work was strong and wanted to push myself. Competing live brings a whole different kind of pressure, so you have to trust your process completely. I’ve been in the industry for a long time and still treat every opportunity like it’s one that can move things forward.” –Grant Carr, Garcon
“Getting through to the finals was such a shock, especially with it being my first entry, but it’s been the best feeling. It’s already bringing more interest to Jack and Ivy, with people seeing my work online and getting in touch. It’s an amazing opportunity to grow my client base here and attract more people who are excited about creative colour.” Abbi Ross, Jackandivy
The competition has championed the craft of hairdressing for seven decades, providing a launchpad for emerging talent and celebrating the salons that sit at the heart of the British high street.
“The standard across Scotland was exceptional this year, and it genuinely made judging difficult. Every look felt considered and strong, but what really stood out was how many competitors balanced bold ideas with something still wearable, modern and relevant for clients. Scottish talent has always had a real sense of fearlessness, a willingness to take risks, trust their instincts and back their ideas. After 40 years in the industry, that confidence and originality still really stands out to me. As L’Oréal Colour Trophy celebrates its 70th year, it remains a brilliant celebration of the creativity, skill and passion that drives our industry.” –Adam Reed, ARKIVE & 2026 L’Oréal Colour Trophy Judge
“There’s a real sense of togetherness at L’Oréal Colour Trophy, where the industry comes to celebrate and support one another. The standard in Scotland was incredible, some of the best hairdressing in the UK. What really stood out were the bold colour choices and those genuine wow moments, with competitors doing things I hadn’t seen before.” – Mike Decanter, Zeba Hairdressing & 2026 L’Oréal Colour Trophy Judge
The evening also featured a live artistic showcase led by Robert Eaton, from Russell Eaton Hair and supported by a talented team of emerging L’Oréal Professionnel artists from the “ProEDIT” programme, demonstrating colour and styling techniques, giving the audience a direct view of the colour directions and techniques shaping the industry right now.
The Northern Ireland semi-final is one of eight regional heats in this year’s nationwide tour. The L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 UK Grand Final will take place on July 6, 2026, at The O2, London. The national final will bring the country’s top colourists together to compete for the overall title.
For more information on L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026, visit https://www.lorealcolourtrophy.com/
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