Young Colourist Award

Biography

Jo's unparalleled colouring skills, love of teaching and effervescent personality have given her a reputation as one of the best hair colour educators in the world. Toni&Guy's ever-growing empire provides Jo with the perfect international platform from which to present. As a vital member of the renowned Toni&Guy Artistic Team, her colour combinations and revolutionary ideas shout loud and clear from every presentation and collection.

Director of the colour department at Toni&Guy, Jo is responsible for leading the world-renowned colour team in all areas. Her arrival in 1994 transformed Toni&Guy's colour training as she devised the company's successful 'Area Network Training' programme - unique for its revolutionary mentoring and shadowing technique.

Through innovation of classic colour techniques, Jo has built a reputation as a colour-guru, helping to spread the word that Toni&Guy colour is the best in the industry. A champion of new talent, she has worked to nurture Toni&Guy's young colourists, Breakthrough Team and award-winning International Art team.

Interview

What is the significance of the L'Oréal Colour Trophy to the hairdressing industry?
It firmly places the colourist on the creative map.

What are your favourite L'Oréal Colour Trophy competition memories?
Nichola Scott and Gaynor Hodge presenting. They uplifted the regionals and whipped us all into a frenzy!

What is your criterion for a Colour Trophy winner?
They must display taste, a well thought through look and a keen eye for colour detail i.e. clever technique and colour that suits.

What does it mean to win the competition?
L'Oréal is amazingly supportive and the winner is generously rewarded. This allows them to network, learn and be part of a world they may never have known.

If you were entering in this year's competition, what advice would you like to be given?
I would like advice on whether the competition was looking for an education or editorial image.

What personal / character traits do you think make a L'Oréal Colour Trophy winner?
It takes exceptional technical skill plus taste, an eye for colour suitability and the strength to pull a team into your world in order to win.

How do you think the standards of the competition have changed in recent years?
The models and styling have upgraded immensely.

What are the benefits of competing and being a part of the L'Oréal Colour Trophy competition?
Being a part of the L'Oréal Colour Trophy is an amazing journey from start to finish i.e. from the shoot to the Regional Finals to the Grand Final - it's such a great buzz!