Hairdressers use their knowledge of fashion and hair trends to inspire clients on a daily basis. Now it's time for a team from Craig Chapman Hair Design in Launceston to take their creative vision to the catwalk to participate in the competition of a lifetime.

The salon has won three places in the Southern and South Western regional final of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy 2009, the world's longest running most stylish hair competition. On Monday, April 6, Lisa Blatchford (24) and Jenna Aldridge (19) will join twenty-five teams to compete in the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy, the most coveted award in hairdressing.

Meanwhile, Phillipa Smith (22) and Cally Eaton (19) will be showing off their prowess in the field of male hairdressing as they compete against ten teams for the L'Oréal Professionnel Men's Image Award.

Leading the teams in their quest for success, salon owner Craig Chapman will be one of the first ever hairdressers to compete for the Mizani Afro Catwalk Look Award, a brand new category for 2009. But he will have to wait a little while longer to show off his skills as the live final for this award will not take place until Friday, May 15.

"I'm feeling quite nervous as this is unknown territory," explained Craig. "There isn't really anywhere in the West Country that offers afro services so success in this category could help us to diversify into a new area of expertise which will do something really special for the business."

STUNNING

To arrive at this stage, the salon saw off stiff competition from over 1,200 salons with their stunning photographic entries. This is the not the first time that Craig Chapman's salon has experienced success in this competition and they are determined to relive their success from previous years, notably in 2007 when they were overall winners of the western regional title at the grand final.

"I'm so proud of the girls and have the utmost confidence in their abilities," said Craig. "We will be using the same model that helped us to achieve such incredible success in 2007 and we have our sights firmly set on taking home the main prize."

Each team will have to create a winning look that is inspired by the autumn/winter 09/10 catwalk collections. Their work will be judged by some of the most successful names in British hairdressing before the results are announced at the grand final at Earls Court 2 on Monday, June 1.

Hairdressing talent alone is not enough to win this incredible award. The hair, make-up, model and clothes styling must connect with razor-sharp precision to create an image that's worthy of gracing the pages of a top fashion magazine.

PHOTO SHOOT

The overall winners of the L'Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy will pick up a once-in-a-lifetime prize package which includes a photo shoot with British style bible Vogue in addition to countless opportunities that will firmly position them as Britain's top colourists.

"The L'Oréal Professi­onnel Colour Trophy is a fantastic vehicle to raise profile of every salon that competes," explains hairdressing guru Charles Worthington.

"To get to this stage, it shows that the salon is forward-thinking, fashion savvy and dedicated to the highest standard of hairdressing. Cong­ratu­la­tions to everyone who is successful in getting this far in the 2009 competition and good luck with the rest of your journey."