The Headmasters Colour Innovation Heroes Finals 2025 took place at the L’Oréal Academy on 11th July – and what an incredible day it was. This annual competition is one of the highlights of the Headmasters calendar, a chance for our stylists and apprentices to push their creative boundaries, showcase their technical excellence and remind us all just how much talent exists across our salons.
The Brief
This year’s brief challenged finalists to create a modern, wearable and trend-led colour look – judged on exceptional colour technique and placement, complemented by a precise cut and blow-dry with a polished, professional finish.
Stylists were encouraged to draw inspiration from emerging trends and translate them into innovative, salon-ready looks using any L’Oréal Professionnel hair colour, on any length or texture – all while respecting and enhancing the condition, shine and integrity of the hair throughout.
It sounds straightforward. With the countdown clock running and the pressure of the room, it’s anything but.
The Competition
Finalists came from across our salons bringing fresh, bold ideas and real colour artistry to the floor. They stepped well outside their comfort zones, worked under pressure, and delivered looks that genuinely impressed – demonstrating exactly the kind of skill and ambition that makes the Headmasters team so special.
But the day didn’t stop at the chair. Every finalist also took part in a professional photoshoot – and here’s what makes it particularly special: they directed it themselves. Under the guidance of the Headmasters Creative Ambassadors, each finalist stepped into the role of creative director for their own shoot, building their portfolio and bringing their vision to life in a fully editorial setting. For many, it was a career-defining experience.
Congratulations to our five outstanding Stylist Category Finlists:
Amber Shirley – Wimbledon Broadway (Winner)
Lauren Bowers -Sutton
Ryan Ullah – Brighton
Amanda Cummings – Cobham (Runner-up)
Kara Mullins – Sutton
Headmasters Apprentices
Alongside the Stylist category, our Apprentice finalists showed that the future of Headmasters is in very safe hands. The looks they created demonstrated exceptional skill, imagination and maturity – and more than a little courage. Watching the next generation rise to a brief like this, in a setting like this, is one of the most exciting things we get to do as a company.
Clare Hansford, Creative Director, said it best:
“I can’t express how proud I am of all of the competitors in this year’s competition. They made the judging process so difficult as they all put their hearts, souls and talent into their looks.”
Congratulations to our three Apprentice Category Finalists:
Dorka Kiss Marshall – Weybridge
Kaylynn Hassen – Staines (Runner-up)
Jessica Harman Welsh – Kingston (Winner)
What’s Next
Our winners now progress to the prestigious Headmasters Photographic Awards, where they’ll compete for the ultimate recognition. One exceptional stylist will be awarded Colour Innovation Image of the Year, and one outstanding apprentice will receive the Christine Sanders Future Star Award – our most meaningful honour, recognising the raw talent and ambition that Christine herself championed from the very beginning.
We cannot wait to see what they create next.
To every single competitor who took part this year – thank you. Your passion, creativity and professionalism made this competition everything it should be. This is what Headmasters is all about.
Inspired by what you’ve seen? Find your nearest Headmasters salon and book an appointment today – and follow @headmastersuk on Instagram for all the latest from our Creative Ambassadors and Art Team.
