A HAIRDRESSER at the town’s Toni & Guy salon has been named a winner at this year’s prestigious Toni & Guy L’Oreal Breakthrough Team competition.
James Parr, who has styled the likes of Kate Moss’ famous tresses, took home the award last Tuesday (November 17) at the L’Oreal 2015 Breakthrough Team Xtra Grand Final in London.
The 26-year-old, who has only been based in the Redditch salon in Evesham Walk for the last five months, has three years at the brand’s flagship store in London’s Sloane Square under his belt and has been featured in various campaigns including Vogue and John Lewis.
James beat off competition from 2,000 entrants and was, ironically, the very first competitor to be interviewed and auditioned.
“It was mental,” he said. “I didn’t have a clue I would win – I just can’t describe it, I’m still speechless.”
Talented James, who is the salon’s art director and specialises in both men’s and women’s hair, has been involved in the industry since he was 14 – after finding inspiration from Channel 4’s The Salon television programme.
The reality series, which was broadcast in 2003 and 2004, featured the ‘heavyweights’ of the hairdressing world, Adee Phelan and Paul Merritt.
“It was just after Adee did David Beckham’s mohawk and I was working in the salon and just thought this is for me,” said James, who is originally from Coventry.
Steve Hurley, art director and franchisee of the Redditch salon, said: “It’s a great achievement and for someone to win who isn’t based in London is amazing – we are all really proud of James.”
