North Western / North Eastern / Young Colourist Award

Biography

Nathan Walker came to Trevor Sorbie in 1994 because of the calibre of training and stayed there for the very same reason. As lead colourist he plays an integral role in creating signature styles for the Trevor Sorbie award winning collections. Achieving the role of Technical Director, Nathan implements the Trevor Sorbie training programme for colour throughout Europe. He collaborates with Creative Director Angelo Seminara on Trevor's shows and is personally responsible for the colouring element in the company's Artistic Team Seminars. Nathan has exemplary teaching skills and shares his knowledge with Trevor's trainees as well as his own team.

Interview

What is the significance of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy to the hairdressing industry?
This event has celebrated the art of colour for over 50 years and its continued success is down to the amazing skills of the entrants. This is how the event has such an impact on the industry - the drive, passion and motivation it gives to everyone who loves working with colour.

What are your favourite L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy competition memories?
For me it has to be the 50th Anniversary. To be seated with the winner and see the reactions of the crowd during Trevor's show, especially when the stage lifted to reveal an ice rink and hair that lit up as the skaters span… it was a night I could never ever forget.

What is your criterion for a L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner?
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. The right clothes, right style, right colour, right make-up and, of course, the right model.

What does it mean to win the competition?
It means completion of a dream for most; a journey that began with the decision to enter but never ends there. Once won, the salons can be seen year after year submitting entries. When the win is announced is when the really tough work begins - you've got the press the shoots and, of course, the pressure of an internationally recognised top colour salon. If that's not enough, you've got it all to go through again next year!

If you were entering in this year's competition, what advice would you like to be given?
Research, research, research! You can never learn enough about the upcoming trends. Magazines and the internet are cheap ways of looking at the next trends. Think forwards, taking your inspiration and preferences from the trends. Create a look you love and feel is the way you want hair to be in the next season and always dare to be different.

What personal / character traits do you think make a L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner?
The strength of character to co-ordinate a team and bring the best of your team's collective ability to produce your vision of a directional look for the coming season.

How do you think the standards of the competition have changed in recent years?
The effort, the hard work and the dedication are as strong as the first ever L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy. The big change has been the preparation people make in creating their looks. It's about having more skills, improved products and a higher standard throughout the industry that makes the standard higher each year.

What are the benefits of competing and being a part of the L'Oréal Proffessionnel Colour Trophy competition?
The experience will be with you for your whole life - the skills you learn, the team spirit you create and the motivation you give others will be something you can never forget. You'll probably want to do it again and again.