Local salons and colourists from across the South of England have been named as finalists in the L’Oréal Colour Trophy semi-final, as the world’s longest-running live hairdressing competition comes to Brighton to mark its 70th anniversary.
Taking place at The Grand in Brighton on April 28, 2026, the Southern semi-final will see local finalists compete live in front of industry judges and an audience, with those progressing to the national final announced on the night.
L’Oréal Colour Trophy Award Southern semi-finalists include:
- Amir Komeyli — Coco Hair & Beauty, Kent
- Julia Chrusciel — Coco Hair & Beauty, Kent
- Charlotte Barker — Dorothy Johns, Bromley
- Jacqui Beattie — Hair of Dreams, Welling
- Amelia Dodwell — Joseph & Jenkins Hair, Brighton
- Calum Jenkins — Joseph & Jenkins Hair, Brighton
- Adam Carson — Marcella, Margate
- Chris May — Marcella, Margate
- Harley Mitsinga — Marcella, Margate
- Jessica Barber-Cruz — Marcella, Margate
- Luke Miller — Marcella, Margate
- Natalie Richards — Meraki Hair Lounge, Jersey
- Giuseppe Di Rosa — Palette & Bristle, Hove
- Daniel Stanley — Peg Hair, Brighton
- Brooke French — PS Hair Co., Tunbridge Wells
- Rhi Taylor — Simon Webster Hair, Brighton
- William Ackerley — Studio 2, Brighton
- Louise Upson — Studio 2, Brighton
- Luke Tyrrell — TGB Spa, Brighton
- Mary McDermott — TGB Spa, Brighton
- Jessie Clark — Tribe Salons, Kent
L’Oréal Colour Trophy STAR Award Southern semi-finalists include:
- Bella Evans — Marcella, Margate
- Isabella Finnis — Peg Hair, Brighton
- Jessica Nelson — The Prep Rooms, Swancombe
- Brooke Francis — Tribe Salons, Chislehurst
- Chiana Penny — Wendy Stevens, Salisbury
Hear from the judges
Angie Dromgoole, Zeba Hairdressing, L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 Judge: “Lots of excitement out there, so I think we’re going to see some bigger looks, something different”
Dylan Bradshaw, Dylan Bradshaw Dublin, L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 Judge: ” A lot of people were trying new things, which for me is the most exciting part”
Rob Eaton, Owner of Russell Eaton Hair Salons, L’Oréal Professionnel Hair Artist & L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 judge, said: “The L’Oréal Colour Trophy has been celebrating the best colourists in the UK and Ireland for 70 years. It has been part of my life and career for nearly three decades, from watching as a teenager to winning, and now returning as a judge in its 70th year.
It’s always been about more than just beautiful hair. It’s about craft, creativity and community, and giving the next generation the chance to push the boundaries ”
Cos Sakkas, TONI&GUY Global Creative Director & L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 judge, said: “Judging the L’Oréal Colour Trophy is really special. You’ve got the young, up-and-coming stars of the industry. They’re all putting their passion and inspiration on the line for industry leaders to judge.”
Live artistic showcase
On the night, guests will experience a live artistic and educational showcase led by industry icon Robert Eaton of Russell Eaton Hair, alongside model presentations from the regional semi-finalists, and the announcement of the stylists progressing to the national final.
The Southern heat forms part of a nationwide tour marking the L’Oréal Colour Trophy’s 70th anniversary, and its return to regional stages for the first time since 2019. This year’s programme spans eight cities across the UK and Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, St Albans, Brighton and London, before a national final brings the country’s top colourists together to compete for the overall title.
For more information on L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 and to follow local talent through the competition, visit https://www.lorealcolourtrophy.com/
Photo: L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2025 Winners UK & Ireland
