Ben Semple has this week been crowned as the 2024 Australia and New Zealand L’Oréal Professionnel’s Style & Colour Trophy.

On August 19, 2024, L’Oréal Professionnel’s Style & Colour Trophy ANZ, the longest-running and most prestigious hair event in the world, held its grand finale at Ciel The Venue, Southbank. In a dazzling showcase before over 300 attendees, Ben Semple, an Expert Stylist at Circles of Hair in Perth, emerged as the 2024 champion. Semple’s Utopia-inspired creation won acclaim for its embodiment of freedom, harmony, and self-expression.

As winner of the ANZ Style & Colour Trophy, Ben will continue on to represent Australia and New Zealand on the global stage as well as featuring on our print mag cover.

The event, now in its 68th year globally, celebrated exceptional talent in hair styling and colouring. Semple’s victory marks a significant milestone in his career, reflecting his dedication to his craft and his impressive track record, including being a finalist in past years and his work with the Foundation Guillaume team at the Intercoiffure World Congress 2017 in Japan.

Moments after being crowned, we cornered Ben backstage to capture his post-win euphoria. How did he feel upon hearing his name called? “It was so surreal,” Ben expressed. “I was like, oh my god they said MY name.” 

“I cannot believe that I get to shoot THE JOURNAL MAG’s front cover in two weeks. Thank you everyone, it’s insane. I’m so unbelievably grateful.”

Natasha Monastra of Koko Blaq Coiffeur WA and Loren Polidori of Ensemble Salon took second and third places, respectively. This year’s competition, which unites professionals from Australia and New Zealand, continues to spotlight emerging talent and inspire creativity across the industry.

Ben Semple’s winning look will now advance to the Style & Colour Trophy Global Semi-Final, where it will compete against top creations from around the world for a chance at the global title in November 2024.