Brighton hairdresser Daniel Stanley wins prestigious L'Oréal Colour Trophy
Daniel Stanley from Peg Hair has been named Southern Regional Winner at the world's longest-running hair competition during its 70th anniversary year.
Brighton's finest takes home regional title
A talented Brighton hairdresser is celebrating a major accolade after being named Southern Regional Winner at this year's L'Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final. Daniel Stanley, who works at Peg Hair on the city's bustling high street, earned the title at the prestigious event held at The O2 in London.
The competition, now celebrating its 70th year, holds the distinction of being the world's longest-running live hairdressing contest. This year's event saw finalists selected from thousands of colourists and salons across the UK, with competitors making it through one of eight regional semi-final heats before reaching the Grand Final.
Back-to-back success
The win is particularly sweet for Daniel, who also claimed the Afro Award at last year's competition. Speaking about his achievements, he reflected on the pressure he placed on himself to perform again.
"Winning the Afro Award last year and now the Southern Regional title this year has been huge for us at Peg," Daniel explained. "After last year's win, I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well again, so to be recognised in the 70th anniversary year feels really amazing."
Interestingly, Daniel had considered stepping back from competing this year. "I was actually going to take a year off, but a series of events pulled me back in, and I'm so glad they did," he shared.
Community pride and creative energy
Beyond the trophy itself, Daniel is most proud of the impact the award has had on his salon and the wider Brighton community. The recognition has created a wonderful sense of pride and inspiration amongst his team and clients.
"Our clients in Brighton love seeing the images in the salon, and it brings a real sense of pride and creative energy to the whole team," he said. "That's the real win for me, seeing that buzz ripple through the salon and back into the community we care about."
Industry recognition at the highest level
The Grand Final brought together the country's top colourists, all competing live on the day in front of a panel of leading industry professionals. Among the judges was celebrity hairstylist Adam Reed, founder of ARKIVE and a regular L'Oréal Colour Trophy judge.
Adam praised the competition's significant legacy and its importance to the hairdressing industry. "We are celebrating the 70th anniversary of the L'Oréal Colour Trophy, a pioneering industry hair competition," he said. "What the Colour Trophy does, what it brought to me, and what it brings to hairdressers is inclusivity. It brings inspiration, innovation."
He added: "It really is the standard when it comes to hair colour competitions on a global level. 70 years is the longest-running hair competition in the world, and it champions the expert. It champions the hairdresser behind the chair to create incredible hair."
Daniel's double win is a testament to his skill, dedication, and the creative excellence that Peg Hair brings to Brighton's beauty scene.
Source: City hairdresser's 'amazing' win at world's longest-running hair contest