Northern Ireland / Scotland

Biography

In addition to his past participation as guest artist for the L'Oréal Colour Trophy show, Dylan Bradshaw's talent and enthusiasm for hairdressing has won him the L'Oréal Colour Trophy twice. Dylan has worked on the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trends Collection in Paris and the latest fashion Trends Collection of this season, From the Catwalk, in association with Central St. Martins and L'Oréal Professionnel. His own salon has enjoyed success for over five years.

Dylan's work has been exhibited in a number of press features and consumer magazines such as Harpers & Queen and Hairdressing Journal.  Dylan has also featured in Vogue's French, British, and American publications as well as Marie Claire's French and British editions.  

Interview

What is the significance of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy to the hairdressing industry?
It is the biggest hairdressing night-out on the calendar as well as the biggest industry awards ceremony. At the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy so many great people are recognised across the board. 

What are your favourite L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy competition memories?
I just love the shows. Last year, for example, Trevor Sorbie's show was incredible. And the 50th Anniversary was outstanding.  Regardless of who wins I think the shows are amazing.

What is your criterion for a L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner?
To be honest, they have to have a great model. There are lots of different judges with different personalities so you need a great model that will carry a look that works across the board. The colour has to be extremely clean, healthy and fresh. The look needs to be commercial too - if it's too edgy or fashion-conscious you're going to have problems. Two out of three judges may love it but it has to appeal to everybody to win.

What does it mean to win the competition?
It's a very big deal. I've won the ladies and the men's, so I know from personal experience that the profile is fantastic. It's great to be recognised amongst your peers. And the trip to New York is amazing. The possibilities are endless when you win the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy.

If you were entering in this year's competition, what advice would you like to be given?
You're not going to win by getting a model the week before. There needs be a lot of preparation involved - get the look sorted in your mind months in advance. Do a few mock trials. The clothes must be great and the model must know how to walk.

What personal / character traits do you think make a L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner?
The winner has to be somebody that works genuinely hard. You don't win by accident. You win because up to that year, up to that point, you've been working hard and you deserve to reap the benefits. It comes to the point when it just happens to you. And it definitely requires self-belief.

How do you think the standards of the competition have changed in recent years?
The standards have gone from strength to strength. From a judge's point of view I've noticed there tends to be winners from the same sort of Region. In the past couple of years however, the Regions that are perhaps outside of bigger cities have been stepping up.  The industry itself is catching up with the bigger salon names and the competition is getting more intense. It's great for the industry and it makes judging all the more difficult. 

What are the benefits of competing and being a part of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy competition?
Competing is brilliant for the salon environment. The salon gets behind staff and the staff get behind the salon. It's just a brilliant buzz… everyone gets together with the same aim in mind.