Northern Ireland / Scotland

Biography

Sean's accomplishments are numerous and include winning the Glamour Award at the L'Oréal Colour Trophy. He was the youngest person ever to receive a 'Fellow with Distinction' from the Fellowship for British Hairdressing and was a member of the 1999 Fellowship F.A.M.E. team, taking over as co-ordinator in 2002. His passion is illustrated by his perfectionism and ability to create and predict fashion trends.

Sean's photographic work has been published in leading glossy magazines worldwide and seen him style celebrities such as Madonna, Kylie and Robbie Williams. He has written columns for Glamour Magazine and appeared on ITV's 'This Morning' and BBC's 'Style Challenge'. Sean has presented shows and seminars in over 100 cities worldwide. 

As well as holding the role of European Artistic Director for KMS California and membership of the revered 'Global Style Council', Sean is currently creating a KMS London Art Team, (launch July 2007) and contributing to the coordination of the new KMS California launch in Europe (Autumn/Winter 2006).

In April 2006, Sean became President of the Fellowship for British Hairdressing, following in the footsteps of Richard Thompson, Beverly C and Andrew Collinge.

Interview

What is the significance of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy to the hairdressing industry?
In my opinion the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy is one of the most exciting events in the industry calendar for a number of reasons; it's trend-driven, considers the total look, takes place in front of a live audience and is linked with an amazing fashion tour which cements the hairdressing industry as a part of the fashion industry.

What are your favourite L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy competition memories?
I have so many memories but I guess it would be split between me winning the first 'Glamour Award' in 1999 and my reaction to walking into the room at the 50th anniversary Grand Final - it made the hair stand up on the back of my neck! Any memories of the judging tour are far too precarious to talk about…

What is your criterion for a L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner?
A strong interpretation of current trends and technical execution. The model needs to be strong as does the make-up and styling.

What does it mean to win the competition?
Winning the Colour Trophy is the opportunity of a lifetime. It really is the launch pad to fame and the doors it opens are incredible.

If you were entering in this year's competition, what advice would you like to be given?
Prepare, prepare and prepare. Ensure you research the trends on fashion websites and produce a mood board to display your ideas to your team. Remember that your model is the most important factor. Year after year I see great colour and cut on a weak model. If you win your heat, your model will have to make it down the Grand Final catwalk on her own. She does not have to be a professional model, but ensure she is tall, slim and confident and get her to practice her walk! 

What personal / character traits do you think make a L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy winner?
Organisation, preparation, confidence, technical ability, practice and communication skills.

How do you think the standards of the competition have changed in recent years?
The competition gets harder and harder to judge every year. The focus is much more trend driven and the colour and styles are now more commercially aware.

What are the benefits of competing and being a part of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy competition?
The benefits are endless… any competition you enter strengthens your technical ability as well as your confidence. Getting to the Regional Finals is a feat in itself and competing in the pressured live environment certainly gets the adrenaline flowing. The benefit of competing in the Colour Trophy is you get all this and an amazing, exciting night out as well.