The talented team realised their dreams and created an award winning look that drew its influence from retro eighties styling. Bold, blonde and ice-cool, their vision is set to be a big hit with style conscious male clients in their Brighton-based salon.

Over 1,300 of the world's top hairdressers gave a standing ovation as Anna and Kate collected their award from the evening's ultra-fashionable presenter Fearne Cotton and Mr Nicolas Hieronimus, President Professional Products Division Worldwide. Speaking moments after they came off stage, it was clear that the enormity of their achievement would take a while to sink in, "We're absolutely speechless,” said Anna.

Talent, drive and determination saw them through three tough rounds of the competition which started way back in March. Over 1,200 salon teams entered, 351 Regional Finalists were short-listed; with 45 Finalists selected to compete at the Grand Final.

The win means that the team have hit the big time in hairdressing and will now pick up a prize package that includes a five star all expenses paid trip to New York, a photo spread with fashion bible Vogue and numerous opportunities that will boost their profile.

On the day of the Grand Final Anna and Kate represented the Southern region and were among just seven teams from across the UK vying for the top spot in the L'Oréal Professionnel Men's Image Award. Under the brief 'hair inspired by fashion' competitors spent 2.5 hours colouring, coiffing and styling their model to perfection before a host of hairdressing legends were brought in to judge their work.

Hair Gods Richard Ward, Charles Worthington and Errol Douglas were among the panel of industry peers deliberating over who should be the winner.

Unaware of their fate, competitors and their supporters made their way to the spectacular Grand Final at Earls Court 2 to experience total glamour, total sophistication and total inspiration - the very best of British hairdressing. They watched with pride as their model stepped out onto the catwalk. Throughout the evening there were stunning shows by Andrew Collinge and Alan Edwards in addition to an exclusive showcase of fashion designer Marios Schwabs' Autumn/Winter 07/08 collection.

As the competition headed towards its dramatic conclusion, Anna and Kate were on tenterhooks as they waited to hear their fate. When it was time to reveal the winning team and they heard their name called, there was disbelief then delight as Kate explains;

"We are absolutely overwhelmed and ecstatic. We knew our look was strong but it could've gone either way - love or hate! Essentially this was the whole point of the style and we are so pleased that the judges understood what we were trying to get across.”

The judges agreed that the talented had met the brief to reflect Autumn/Winter 08/09 trends as set by L'Oréal Professionnel as Charles Worthington explains;

"The girls showed that they possess true hairdressing vision and raw talent - essential ingredients for a winning L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy team. Their look was original, beautifully executed and worked in perfect harmony with the clothes styling. It met the brief with razor-sharp precision.”

Anna and Kate will now begin their year-long journey as winners of the L'Oréal Professionnel Men's Image award and they are clearly relishing the opportunities that lie ahead.

"We're both looking forward to the New York trip. Our next step on the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy journey will be to re-create our look at the winners shoot. It will be a fantastic feeling to stand back and reflect on what we have achieved before moving forward into our year as title holders.”

The talented team realised their dreams and created an award winning look that drew its influence from texture, colour and metallics. Their vision is set to be a big hit with style conscious male clients in their Goffs Oak-based salon.

Over 1,300 of the world's top hairdressers gave a standing ovation as Marc and Jody collected their award from the evening's ultra-fashionable presenter Fearne Cotton. Speaking moments after they came off stage, it was clear that the enormity of their achievement would take a while to sink in, "We are delighted with the result,” said Marc.

Talent, drive and determination saw them through three tough rounds of the competition which started way back in March. Over 1,200 salon teams entered, 351 Regional Finalists were short-listed; with 45 Finalists selected to compete at the Grand Final.

On the day of the Grand Final Marc and Jody represented the London region and were among just seven teams from across the UK vying for the top spot in the L'Oréal Professionnel Men's Image Award. Under the brief 'hair inspired by fashion' competitors spent 2.5 hours colouring, coiffing and styling their model to perfection before a host of hairdressing legends were brought in to judge their work.

Hair Gods Richard Ward, Charles Worthington and Errol Douglas were among the panel of industry peers deliberating over who should be the winner.

Unaware of their fate, competitors and their supporters made their way to the spectacular Grand Final at Earls Court 2 to experience total glamour, total sophistication and total inspiration - the very best of British hairdressing. They watched with pride as their model stepped out onto the catwalk. Throughout the evening there were stunning shows by Andrew Collinge and Alan Edwards in addition to an exclusive showcase of fashion designer Marios Schwab's Autumn/Winter 07/08 collection.

As the competition headed towards its dramatic conclusion, Marc and Jody were on tenterhooks as they waited to hear their fate. When it was time to reveal the winning team and they heard their name called, there was disbelief then delight as Marc explains;

"Winning the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy in 2006 has made us very passionate about the competition and we are very proud of the look we created.”

The talented young hairdresser from Manchester scooped the coveted award in the world's longest running, most stylish competition with his stunning colour work and incredible passion.

Over 1,300 of the world's top hairdressers gave a standing ovation as James collected his award from the evening's ultra-fashionable presenter Fearne Cotton and Jayne Lewis-Orr, Editor-In-Chief of industry bible Hairdressers Journal. Speaking moments after he came off stage, it was clear that the enormity of his achievement would take a while to sink in; "I was absolutely speechless when I heard my name - I still can't believe it.”

Talent, drive and determination saw him through three tough rounds of the competition which started way back in March. Over 1,200 salon teams entered, 351 Regional Finalists were short-listed; with 45 Finalists selected to compete at the Grand Final.

The win means that Jay is on his way to hitting the hairdressing big time at the age of just 22. In addition to the industry recognition he will gain, he picks up a once-in-a-lifetime prize package that will catapult him ahead of his peers and into the future of a glittering career.

Two weeks prior to the Grand Final, Jay represented the North Western region alongside eight aspiring Young Colourist's from across the UK at the L'Oréal International Academy in London. They had 3.5 hours to create a fashionable, high-street look on their model. The pressure was on to perform as a panel of prestigious industry judges observed them at work and then interviewed each competitor about their inspiration and ambition for the future. "I was really nervous but I soon realised that everyone was feeling the same and that gave me a lot of comfort! It was a brilliant experience and I got so much out of the whole day,” said Jay.

Unaware of his fate, Jay and his supporters attended the spectacular Grand Final at Earls Court 2 to experience total glamour, total sophistication and total inspiration - the very best of British Hairdressing. Throughout the evening there were stunning shows by Andrew Collinge and Alan Edwards in addition to an exclusive showcase of fashion designer Marios Schwabs' Autumn/Winter 07/08 collection.

After an anxious wait, it was time to reveal the winner. Upon hearing his name called out, there was disbelief then delight for Jay who was clearly overwhelmed at the news that she had won; "Just to be at the Grand Final is a dream come true - to win is simply the best feeling in the world. My prize is amazing and I'll be working on magazine photo shoots and I will also be shadowing a top colourist. It will be great to find out all the tricks of the trade and bring them back to the salon to my clients.”

Despite stiff competition, the judges unanimously agreed that Jay was the most promising young colourist in the UK as Jo O'Neil, Global Technical Director for Toni&Guy explains: "We were able see and feel everything that Jay was hoping to achieve. He described the robustness of his tones and the intricacy of his technique with an eloquence that belied his youth. Jay's incredible spirit shone through and upon on completion his look, it was exactly as he had described.”

The talented team realised their dreams and created an award winning look that drew its influence from Roberto Cavalli. Glossy, gorgeous and ultra-sophisticated, their vision is set to be a big hit with style conscious clients in the popular Compton salon where they both work.

Over 1,300 of the world's top hairdressers applauded as the team collected their award from the evening's ultra-fashionable presenter Fearne Cotton and hairdressing guru Charlie Miller. Sophie and Michelle were delighted with the result, speaking moments after they came off stage Michelle said; "We are absolutely ecstatic.”

Talent, drive and determination saw them through three tough rounds of the competition which started way back in March. Over 1,200 salon teams entered, 351 Regional Finalists were short-listed; with 45 Regional Finalists selected to compete at the Grand Final.

Royston Blythe was one of three teams representing the Midlands region on the day of the Grand Final. Under the brief 'hair inspired by fashion' they spent 2.5 hours colouring, coiffing and styling their model to perfection before a host of hairdressing legends were brought in to judge their work.

Hair gods Richard Ward, Charles Worthington and Errol Douglas were among the panel of industry peers deliberating over who should be in the winning line-up. They agreed that the salon team of Sophie and Michelle had met the brief to reflect Autumn/Winter 08/09 trends as set by L'Oréal Professionnel.

Unaware of their fate, competitors and their supporters made their way to the spectacular Grand Final at Earls Court 2 to experience total glamour, total sophistication and total inspiration - the very best of British Hairdressing. They watched with pride as their model stepped out onto the catwalk. Throughout the evening there were stunning shows by Andrew Collinge and Alan Edwards in addition to an exclusive showcase of fashion designer Marios Schwab's Autumn/Winter 07/08 collection.

After a nail-biting wait it was time to start revealing the winning teams. In the first round of awards, Royston Blythe was named as Midlands Regional Winner of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy. Then, later in the evening they were awarded second place in the overall national competition. Upon hearing their name read out there was disbelief then delight and the cheers from their supporters could be heard across London!

"We were very proud of our look and had a feeling we'd done well,” explained Sophie. "It was an incredible feeling to be on stage in front of the whole industry, knowing that the very best British hairdressers had judged our work so highly.”

The talented team from Mack in Chelmsford realised their dreams and created an award winning look that drew its influence from Alexander McQueen's Autumn/Winter 08/09 catwalk collection. Their gorgeous curly style is set to be a big hit with style conscious clients in their popular salon.

Over 1,300 of the world's top hairdressers gave a standing ovation as Catherine and Lisa collected their award from the evening's ultra-fashionable presenter Fearne Cotton and Mr Nicolas Hieronimus, President Professional Products Division Worldwide. Speaking moments after they came off stage, it was clear that the enormity of their achievement would take a while to sink in, "We're absolutely speechless,” said Lisa.

Talent, drive and determination saw them through three tough rounds of the competition which started way back in March. Over 1,200 salon teams entered, 351 Regional Finalists were short-listed; with 45 Finalists selected to compete at the Grand Final.

The win means that the team have hit the big time in hairdressing and will now pick up a prize package that includes a five star all expenses paid trip to New York, a photo spread with fashion bible Vogue and numerous opportunities that will boost their profile.

On the day of the Grand Final Lisa and Catherine represented the Eastern region and were among 27 teams from across the UK vying for the top spot in the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy. Under the brief 'hair inspired by fashion' competitors spent 2.5 hours colouring, coiffing and styling their model to perfection before a host of hairdressing legends were brought in to judge their work.

Hair Gods Richard Ward, Charles Worthington and Errol Douglas were among the panel of industry peers deliberating over who should be the winner.

Unaware of their fate, competitors and their supporters made their way to the spectacular Grand Final at Earls Court 2 to experience total glamour, total sophistication and total inspiration - the very best of British hairdressing. The team watched with pride as their model stepped out onto the catwalk. Throughout the evening there were stunning shows by Andrew Collinge and Alan Edwards in addition to an exclusive showcase of fashion designer Marios Schwab's' Autumn/Winter 07/08 collection.

As the competition headed towards its dramatic conclusion, Lisa and Catherine got their first taste of success as they were announced winners of the Eastern region. When it was time to reveal the winning team and they heard their name called again, there was disbelief then delight as Lisa explains;

"We just couldn't believe it! There was a very strong contender from the North Western region and we had pretty much assumed they had taken the title. When our salon name was announced we were absolutely gobsmacked. From that point on, the night is a blur! We are absolutely over the moon.”

The judges agreed that the talented team had met the brief to reflect Autumn/Winter 08/09 trends as set by L'Oréal Professionnel as Charles Worthington explains;

"The girls showed that they possess true hairdressing vision and raw talent - essential ingredients for a winning L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy team. Their look was original, beautifully executed and worked in perfect harmony with the clothes styling. It met the brief with razor-sharp precision.”

The girls will now begin their year-long journey as winners of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy and they are clearly relishing the opportunities that lie ahead as Catherine explains. "To have your work featured in Vogue is the ultimate achievement and we are really looking forward to the New York trip. We are very, very excited about the future and can't wait to get started on our journey as L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winners!”

The talented team realised their dreams and created an award winning look that drew its influence from the gothic trend that has been spotted on the Autumn/Winter 08/09 catwalks of top designer Gareth Pugh. Short, sassy and ultra-modern, their vision is set to be a big hit with style savvy clients in the popular Camberley based salon where they work.

Over 1,300 of the world's top hairdressers applauded as the team collected their award from the evening's ultra-fashionable presenter Fearne Cotton and hairdressing guru Charlie Miller. Rachel and Scott were delighted with the result, speaking moments after they came off stage Rachel said; "This is the proudest moment of our careers.”

Talent, drive and determination saw them through three tough rounds of the competition which started way back in March. Over 1,200 salon teams entered, 351 Regional Finalists were short-listed; with 45 Regional Finalists selected to compete at the Grand Final.

Toni&Guy was one of three teams representing the Southern region on the day of the Grand Final. Under the brief 'hair inspired by fashion' they spent 2.5 hours colouring, coiffing and styling their model to perfection before a host of hairdressing legends were brought in to judge their work.

Hair gods Richard Ward, Charles Worthington and Errol Douglas were among the panel of industry peers deliberating over who should be in the winning line-up. They agreed that the salon team of Rachel and Scott had met the brief to reflect Autumn/Winter 08/09 trends as set by L'Oréal Professionnel.

Unaware of their fate, competitors and their supporters made their way to the spectacular Grand Final at Earls Court 2 to experience total glamour, total sophistication and total inspiration - the very best of British hairdressing. They watched with pride as their model stepped out onto the catwalk. Throughout the evening there were stunning shows by Andrew Collinge and Alan Edwards in addition to an exclusive showcase of fashion designer Marios Schwab's' Autumn/Winter 07/08 collection.

After a nail-biting wait it was time to start revealing the winning teams. In the first round of awards, Toni&Guy was named as Southern Regional Winner of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy. Then, later in the evening they were awarded third place in the overall national competition. Upon hearing their name read out there was disbelief then delight and the cheers from their supporters could be heard across London!

"It hasn't really sunk in yet,” exclaimed Rachel. "We want to say thank you to everyone who helped us to reach this stage of the competition, especially to our bosses Nina and Christian who are so supportive in everything we do. The whole L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy journey has been amazing and we are delighted to have achieved so much this early in our careers.”