Belfast's Colourists Claim National Grand Final Places at L'Oréal Colour Trophy
Northern Ireland’s finest colourists stepped into the spotlight at Titanic Hotel Belfast this week for the L'Oréal Colour Trophy semi-final, where judges announced the talent earning the right to represent their salons and region at the national grand final.
Founded by L’Oréal Professionnel, the L’Oréal Colour Trophy competition, now in its 70th year, has long served as one of the industry's most significant platforms for exactly this kind of talent: colourists who push boundaries, raise the bar for their peers, and in doing so, raise the profile of their salon, their team and their community.
The competition was judged by industry experts Charles Dodds at CRC-Hair, Lloyd Court, seanhanna salons, Claire Hansford, Headmasters and Paul Davey, Davey Dublin.
The salons progressing to the national final are:
L'Oréal Colour Trophy Award:
Leighann Rea Hairdressing - Leighann Rea, Belfast
Muse by Del Loughran - Del Loughran McGirr, Omagh
Peter Mark - Stephen Hanna, Lisburn
L'Oréal Colour Trophy STAR Award:
Leighann Rea Hairdressing - Alex Doherty, Belfast
Peter Mark Abbeycentre - Mia Warrington, Belfast
“When my name was called, the feeling was electric, although I didn’t actually hear my name at first, so it took my husband giving me a nudge before it properly sank in. It means a lot to the Salon, especially as we had two team members progress this year, which is a huge achievement for us. Competing live in front of judges is nerve-wracking, but it makes the recognition even more rewarding. We’ve been working on our models since January, perfecting every detail right down to the outfits, so it’s amazing to see it all come together. I always encourage my whole team to enter every year, it’s a buzz you just can’t get in the salon and a great way to connect with others in the industry.” - Leighann Rea - Leighann Rea Hairdressing, Belfast
"As a girl from a very small village in Northern Ireland and a busy mum of three, it means the world to be chosen to compete in the O2 arena in London, I’m absolutely buzzing. I never expected to make it through to the semi-finals, so to now be heading to the final is incredible. I felt really comfortable on stage and genuinely loved the experience. For anyone thinking of entering, just go for it, send the picture and put yourself forward, you never know” - Del Loughran McGirr - Muse by Del Loughran, Omagh
"When my name was called, everything went into slow motion - I just felt this wave of gratitude. Winning the L’Oréal Colour Trophy isn’t just a personal win, it’s validation that what we’re creating in Northern Ireland truly stands out in the world. At 21, I entered because I wanted to push myself beyond the comfort of the salon chair and see where my work really sits in the industry. To come out on top against some of the best in Northern Ireland is surreal. More than anything, I hope it shows other young colourists here that you don’t have to feel 100% ready - back yourself, step out on that stage, and give it everything" - Mia Warrington - Peter Mark Abbeycentre, Belfast
"Making it through from the Belfast regional to the Grand Final this July, we’re over the moon. It’s been a lot of hard work to get to this point, so to see it pay off means everything! I’m really proud of the work that got me here, and having my salon there supporting me on the night made it even more special. Really looking forward to what’s next," - Stephen Hanna - Peter Mark, Lisburn
The competition has championed the craft of hairdressing for seven decades, providing a launchpad for emerging talent and celebrating the salons that sit at the heart of the British high street.
"Northern Ireland continues to be a real melting pot of creativity. From a high‑shine lilac look to a rich red and warm curls, the standard on the night was incredibly high. What really impressed me was how our finalists used hair as a true canvas – taking classic shapes and elevating them with inventive, fashion‑forward colour palettes. After more than 30 years in the industry, L’Oréal Colour Trophy remains unmissable date in my diary, bringing the community together and offering a glimpse into the future of hairdressing." - Paul Davey, Davey Dublin & 2026 L’Oréal Colour Trophy Judge
The evening also featured a live artistic showcase led by Robert Eaton, from Russell Eaton Hair and supported by a talented team of emerging L’Oréal Professionnel artists from the “ProEDIT” programme, demonstrating colour and styling techniques, giving the audience a direct view of the colour directions and techniques shaping the industry right now.
The Northern Ireland semi-final is one of eight regional heats in this year's nationwide tour. The L'Oréal Colour Trophy 2026 UK Grand Final will take place on July 6, 2026, at The O2, London. The national final will bring the country's top colourists together to compete for the overall title.
For more information on L'Oréal Colour Trophy 2026, visit https://www.lorealcolourtrophy.com/
ENDS
For interview requests or images, contact [email protected]
About L'Oreal Colour Trophy
Since 1954, the L’Oréal Colour Trophy has been a beacon for emerging talent within the hairdressing industry. 2026 marks a huge milestone - the 70th year of the longest-running live hairdressing competition.
1954 saw the dawn of a new era in the world of Hairdressing. Tottenham Court Road in London provided the backdrop to the very first L’Oréal Colour Trophy. With a bold move to discover the best colour trends, the best talent and the best colourists, L’Oréal Professionnel Paris launched the L’Oréal Colour Trophy.
From these humble beginnings of what originally was intended to be a quest for the best, the competition quickly took on its own momentum. By the sixties, the L’Oréal Colour Trophy had traversed the regions, uncovering talent from across the UK and touring with a roadshow of models, artists, stylists and musicians. Growing in reach to an audience of thousands, it has fast become one of the most renowned hairdressing competitions.