24 March 2026, Leeds – Local salons and colourists from across the North East have been named as finalists in the L’Oréal Colour Trophy semi-final, as the world’s longest-running live hairdressing competition comes to Leeds to mark its 70th anniversary.
Taking place at The Met Hotel in Leeds on April 20, 2026, the North Eastern semi-final will see local finalists compete live in front of industry judges and an audience, with those progressing to the national final announced on the night.
L’Oréal Colour Trophy Award North Eastern semi-finalists include:
- Isabelle Hill — Allertons, Leeds
- Kymberley Holmes — Allertons, Leeds
- Samuel Bristow — Allertons, Leeds
- Aimee Hirst — CRC-Hair, Leeds
- Amanda Hall — CRC-Hair, Leeds
- Georgina Bradshaw — Hooker & Young, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Sophie Lenton — Hooker & Young, Newcastle upon Tyne
- Millie Nesbitt — Hooker & Young, Stockton-on-Tees
- Ella Lewis — House of Kennedy, Leeds
- Lucie Moisey — House of Kennedy, Leeds
- Connor McIntyre — House of Lunor, Brigg
- Nicole Linfoot — Ivy House Salon, Darlington
- Laura Eatwell — Room97 Creative Hairdressing, Leeds
- Lain Ashley Woodman — Russell Eaton, Leeds
- Morgan Hirst — Russell Eaton, Barnsley
- Blossom Veitch — Saks Hair, Redcar
- Issac Pearson — Saks Hair, Bishop Auckland
- Jessica Prudhoe — Saks Hair, Bishop Auckland
- Samantha Shillito — SAS Hair Lounge, Leeds
- Stephanie Holroyd — SAS Hair Lounge, Leeds
- Lewis Inkles — Scullion & Scot, Sheffield
- Jessica Elwell — Scullion & Scot, Sheffield
- Lucy Moore — The Styling Studio, Newcastle
- Aaliyah Toor-Keita — Tint Leeds, Leeds
- Sophie Totty — Willow Fox Hairdressing, Sheffield
- Natasha Mosely — Willow Fox Hairdressing, Sheffield
L’Oréal Colour Trophy STAR Award North Eastern semi-finalists include:
- Charlie Barcoe — CRC-Hair, Leeds
- Emily Johnson — Denham Hair & Beauty Studio, Guisborough
- Olivia Rae — House Hairdressing, Rotherham
- Robert Sommerville — House Hairdressing, Rotherham
- Millie Grierson — Scullion & Scot, Sheffield
- Heidi Hughes — Tate Hair, Middlesbrough
Angie Dromgoole, Zeba Hairdressing, L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 Judge:
“Lots of excitement out there, so I think we’re going to see some bigger looks, something different”
Dylan Bradshaw, Dylan Bradshaw Dublin, L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 Judge:
” A lot of people were trying new things, which for me is the most exciting part”
Rob Eaton, Owner of Russell Eaton Hair Salons, L’Oréal Professionnel Hair Artist & L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 judge, said:
“The L’Oréal Colour Trophy has been celebrating the best colourists in the UK and Ireland for 70 years. It has been part of my life and career for nearly three decades, from watching as a teenager to winning, and now returning as a judge in its 70th year.
It’s always been about more than just beautiful hair. It’s about craft, creativity and community, and giving the next generation the chance to push the boundaries ”
Cos Sakkas, TONI&GUY Global Creative Director & L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 judge, said:
“Judging the L’Oréal Colour Trophy is really special. You’ve got the young, up-and-coming stars of the industry. They’re all putting their passion and inspiration on the line for industry leaders to judge.”
On the night, guests will experience a live artistic and educational showcase led by industry icon Robert Eaton of Russell Eaton Hair, alongside model presentations from the regional semi-finalists, and the announcement of the stylists progressing to the national final.
The North Eastern heat forms part of a nationwide tour marking the L’Oréal Colour Trophy’s 70th anniversary, and its return to regional stages for the first time since 2019. This year’s programme spans eight cities across the UK and Northern Ireland, including Belfast, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, St Albans, Brighton and London, before a national final brings the country’s top colourists together to compete for the overall title.
For more information on L’Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 and to follow local talent through the competition, visit https://www.lorealcolourtrophy.com/
