Young Colourist Award / Eastern / Midlands

Biography

Anita started her career as a trainee with Beverley C during which time she travelled throughout Europe, Australia, the Far East and USA participating in some of the world's most prestigious hairdressing events, and seminars.  She later became involved with Schwarzkopf and continued to tour the world teaching and presenting the latest cutting and colouring techniques.  During this time Anita was charged with creating visionary trend setting collections for 'Essential Looks', Schwarzkopf Professional's seasonal collection of contemporary hair styles. Anita is now associated with L'Oreal with whom she works closely to promote product ranges and develop creative concepts in hairdressing.

In 1995 a motorbike accident left Anita on crutches for six months and proved the catalyst for the launch of the first ever Anita Cox salon and the beginning of the Anita Cox brand. At the tender age of 27 and on 1st November 1996 Anita opened the doors to the Clerkenwell salon.  Big win awards followed with Anita taking British Colourist of the Year in 2000 and 2002, the first person ever to win an award in this new category.  In 2001 Anita added the L'Oreal Colour Trophy to the Collection.

In 2005 the first ever Anita Cox franchise salon launched in Chelsea and her second franchise in Loughton, Essex in May 2007.  Anita has now relocated to Clapham, the town where she grew up, opening her new salon in a prime spot on Battersea Rise.

Awards

• British Colourist of the Year winner 2000 & 2002
• British L'Oreal colour trophy 'Next Generation Award' winner 2001
• Men's Hairdresser of the Year nominee 2000 -2004
• London nominee 2000-2004

Interview

What is the significance of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy to the hairdressing industry?
Our industry needs to let everybody know that we are fashion predictors as well as followers. This event proves just that.
 
What are your favourite L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy competition memories?
The sheer anticipation, hunger and determination demonstrated on each contestant's face.

What is your criterion for a L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner?
Fashion awareness throughout the look. Get the finishing perfect and seeing the prep work shine through in the final result.

What does it mean to win the competition?
The salon and individual will feel the achievement for a very long time and will be able to use the accolade forever.

If you were entering in this year's competition, what advice would you like to be given?
Look into L'Oréal's predictions for next year.

What personal / character traits do you think make a L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner?
Determination, hard graft and do your homework.

How do you think the standards of the competition have changed in recent years?
People realising what they get out of becoming a winner has made the competition harder. In turn we get better results every year.

What are the benefits of competing and being a part of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy competition?
The recognition.