Ushoshi Sengupta in a hair style by Md Mehboob. Picture by Pabitra Das

Tress fashion took centre stage at Pala, ITC The Sonar, last week. The eastern leg of the L’Oreal Professional Colour Trophy 2008 drew over 400 entries, out of which 27 finalists showcased their snip and styling creativity in front of judges Asha Hariharan, winner of the 2006 title; designer Neeta Lulla; editor of Grazia magazine, Nandini Bhalla; and fashion photographer Joy Datta. The panel was looking for wearable styles for the upcoming autumn-winter season.

The areas that won points were innovation, creativity and the over-all look that included make-up and clothes. Said Neeta: “The group has a lot of talent. They are creative.”

Models sported colours and cuts of all kinds. Tinges of red seemed to be a favourite with most participants. So there was auburn red, chestnut red and ebony red. And then there were shades that were closer to red like glazed cranberry. Also on display was nutmeg, ginger blonde, golden wheat… Multi-tonal shades and shadow shades introduced the element of drama. The length for most was short or shoulder length.

Participants in the New Generation category had to be below 25 and in the first year as hair-stylists. Curls were common with many and so were side-swept front bangs. The winners in this category won a three-day workshop at the Jo Hansford Academy, UK. Diana Rozario of A.N. John (Park Street) was judged the best female stylist and Md Wahid of Head Turners was named best male stylist.

Short was the mantra in the Men’s Image category. Front bangs, spiked crown, tousled back… Shakil Ahmed of A.N. John, (Salt Lake) and Vikash Rana of A.N. John (Park Street) made the cut as winner and first runner-up respectively.

For the Colour Trophy category, Md Rashid’s look — that he described as a “straight out of bed look but with a wacky twist” — was the eye catcher. Susan Francis of Head Turners was judged the second runner-up and Shweta of A.N. John, (Salt Lake) was the first runner- up. The winner was Md Rashid of Head Turners Next.