"You need a clear understanding of current trends and fashion along with a passion for hair. Our criterion is the overall look from head to toe - great girl, cut, colour and outfit”.

"Have a complete look. Keep it simple and well thought-out. The 'wow' factor must reflect the hottest look and be perfectly finished, as well as photograph well and look good on the catwalk."

"Preparation and research are paramount and quality has to be kept throughout the whole look with model, makeup and clothes. 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.”

"It's important to remember that although the judges will be looking for technical expertise, they want to see that the finished look will inspire others and appeal to the consumer or even start a new trend. Keep the cuts simple but really well delivered. Be confident in the cutting and deliver a style that is quirky enough to be different but still has an appeal."

"You need a clear understanding of current trends and fashion along with a passion for hair. Our criterion is the overall look from head to toe - great girl, cut, colour and outfit”.

"People are getting more sussed about the whole package. You need to be in touch with what's going on in fashion and our industry as well as be aware of who and what others may be doing to win - and then be even better than that! Keep it beautiful, think fashion but think out of the box and get the very best face you can afford."

"Think about your model's silhouette on the catwalk, a strong one will 'grab' the judges attention in nano seconds. Combine ultra fashion with pure beauty and remember fashion should always flatter and beautify."

"Making colour highly technical for technical sake doesn't guarantee successful results. Keep it simple, getting the preparation and design perfect before you start. Mixing some unobvious and opposite colours can create some of the most interesting colours that can give that special differentiation to results.”

"People are getting more sussed about the whole package. You need to be in touch with what's going on in fashion and our industry as well as be aware of who and what others may be doing to win - and then be even better than that! Keep it beautiful, think fashion but think out of the box and get the very best face you can afford."

"You need focus and determination. Look for inspiration from the catwalks and fashion world, as well as scanning magazines for emerging trends. I am looking for an overall look and impact - not just hair but make up and clothes too”.

"Create a look you love and feel is the way you want hair to be next season and, always dare to be different! The winner has to have an amazing talent for getting it right, not just with the colour but also the whole image. Team skills are so important, as it takes up to four people to create one unique look”.

"You have to have inner confidence, talent and great teamwork. Be progressive, be totally prepared and get a great model with great hair that you can really work with. Don't get over complicated, keep it simple but have a clear vision of the overall look that you want to create and think about whether it would make a great front cover!”

"Prepare, prepare and prepare! Ensure you research the trends and produce a mood board to display your ideas to your team. Remember that your model is the most important factor. She needs to be strong as does the make-up and styling. Year after year I see great colour and cut on a weak model.”

"It's been great to see strong haircuts and subtle colouring techniques working together to create an impressive total look."

"Choice of model is key. A tall model with the charisma to carry of your look will stand out. Remember if you are a regional winner she has to be able to walk confidently on a catwalk in front of thousands in London!"

"Focus on creating a new colour technique and then ensure you choose the right model and hair type to showcase your unique colour. You must push yourself and be brave as the winning image needs to inspire the industry. Start by experimenting on a mannequin head, wigs and hair pieces to allow yourself complete creative freedom.”

"Study forthcoming fashion trends - you can check this out on the internet. Look at what fabrics and textures are going to be on trend for the forthcoming season. Create your texture with colour. Go for beautiful, glossy, healthy not overdone techniques and combine with the fashion in clothes that inspired you in the first place.”

"Even though hair is the focal point, the models clothes and makeup are equally as important.”

"Always have reasoning behind what you're doing - don't do anything for the sake of it. It's about creating something beautiful - if you're working on a woman's cut it still needs to have a feminine edge and highlight the model's best features."

"Obviously start by thinking about hair cut and colour, to define a winning look you have to choose a forward thinking hairstyle and shape, but not one that's too 'out there', it has to have both commercial appeal, and appeal to the hair icons on the judging panel. I'm looking for a definite shape, wearability, beautiful colour and a beautiful model. Make up shouldn't be too heavy - nobody likes a drag queen.”

"The L'Oreal brief is excellent. Every guidance for both entrants and judges is in the brief. I will be looking for fantastic and innovative colour combined with a great cut and finish but which follows the brief."

"Look at the trends that come out of the fashion weeks, do a mood board and look at what will compliment each element - you may have to do a few mood boards before you all agree on the direction you to go. Try out a few looks and once you have agreed on your total look, practice, practice and practice again.”

"Getting the right model is crucial - a strong look works best - memorable, striking faces - not just pretty. Make sure they are photogenic, expressive and that they move well. All these qualities make models like Kate Moss and Agyness Deyn streets ahead - don't just go for conventional looks. Choose styling that is consumer friendly but that is equally on-trend. Study trends through the magazines catwalk reports or on the internet to find something that women will relate to. I'm looking for styling that is innovative but also speaks to women about wearable, achievable glamour."

"Remember the brief - this is the most important aspect of any competition as it's what your entry will be judged on. Work has to be of the highest technical standard and its fashion focus needs to be spot on. If the trend represented is at the forefront of catwalk trends and excellently executed with the vision to bring the clothes and the make-up too then that is what signifies a winner”.

"Hair should be tasteful, beautifully executed and most importantly, should suit the model. The finished style should be wearable but at the same time excite. Something with broad appeal that could become a glossy magazine trend and the most requested salon look for next season."

"You need to be a talented hairdresser with good communication skills and ability to translate catwalk onto a model. Follow the brief from the website, show innovation and creativity on a great, photogenic model and put together the total look.”

"The standard always seems to improve each year so strive for perfection. I look for excellent hairdressing that combines brilliant cutting and colouring skills. You've got to have ambition, talent and determination”.

"The image must be really engaging. I want to see evidence that the entrant has planned well and worked hard to create a strong colour story with real consumer appeal. I want to see something that is technically interesting on a model with a great face and a total look.”

"The secret is not to focus on just one designer but to look at work from a variety. You can do this by looking at Style.com. Remember the catwalk styles are usually over the top and its okay to tame and adapt them with your own signature style.”

"Thorough analysis (consultation) of your models hair texture and condition is very important. This will be the deciding factor in the type of colour or technique that is suitable for your look.”