North Western / North Eastern

Biography

Alan Edwards' hairdressing career began 29 years ago with the world renowned Rusk Group.  He opened his first salon in 1987 with his partner Elaine Hill - today the company comprises of 3 salons, a beauty spa and an educational studio in Glasgow.

Alan and his team are highly respected for their unique approach to hairdressing and education. Their photographic images have adorned some of the world's finest hair and fashion journals and their in-housing training programme continues to produce some of the country's most innovative and creative hairdressers. Alan and his art team travel the globe to share their knowledge at seminars and shows.

Awards and accolades include winner of the L'Oréal Colour Trophy in 1993 and 2005 (50th Anniversary), three times winner of the Scottish Colour Trophy Award, seven times nominee for Scottish Hairdresser of the Year with wins in 1992 and 1993, three times short-listed for Art Team of the Year and continuing guest artist for the Alternative Hair Show in London and Chicago.  Alan's latest venture is the Alan Edwards Educational Studios in Glasgow. The studios were launched successfully in 2005 and allow Alan and his education team to share their vast expertise with a wide and diverse audience. 

Interview

What is the significance of the L'Oréal Professionel Colour Trophy to the hairdressing industry?
Annually the L'Oréal Professionel Colour Trophy plays a vital role within our industry, continually creating and producing a bond between hair and fashion, keeping British hair in the forefront of the hairdressing world. 
 
What are your favourite L'Oréal Professionel Colour Trophy competition memories?
My favourite memories are the years that we won the L'Oréal Professionel Colour Trophy (1993 and 2005). It is an unbelievable feeling of fulfilment knowing that you've achieved a dream. 

What is your criterion for a L'Oréal Professionel Colour Trophy winner?
Ultimately the emphasis is on the hair. However, that standard and quality has to be kept throughout the whole look with model, makeup and clothes. 

What does it mean to win the competition?
Winning the L'Oréal Professionel Colour Trophy gives you a fantastic break personally, the company's business profile and your artistic opportunity.

If you were entering in this year's competition, what advice would you like to be given?
I'd probably say that the outline of the brief is substantial. However, preparation and research is paramount.

What personal / character traits do you think make a L'Oréal Professionel Colour Trophy winner?
You need to have self-belief, patience and focus. But above all, you need to be team player. It's not just about one person… it's about the whole team. 

How do you think the standards of the competition have changed in recent years?
The standards have always been very high. However, each year the competition is developing, becoming much closer. The standard was always strong, it just seems that more and more people are getting it right now.  

What are the benefits of competing and being a part of the L'Oréal Professionel Colour Trophy competition?
It unleashes team sprit, creativity and motivation, giving you great focus for researching and creating future hair trends.