20 May 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Dean Lawton-Taylor is an award-winning colourist who has lived in St Albans for over 20 years, building a loyal client base over two decades, with many clients continuing to travel back for his polished, ‘French chic’ modern colour work. He currently works at Johnson Blythe in Harpenden. In 2025, while working with Trinder Hair Studios, he was named Eastern regional winner of the L’Oréal Colour Trophy, one of the world’s longest-running live hairdressing competitions. He is also a member of L’Oréal’s Pro Edit team. Alongside this, Dean has mentored apprentices for more than seven years, helping to train the next generation of hairdressers and stylists.
What’s the first thing you do after you’ve woken up in the morning?
As soon as I wake up in the morning, I down a pint of water to rehydrate, followed by a double-shot cappuccino. Then I’ll have a look through social media, emails, news sites and my work app to see how the day is looking, while slowly waking up properly. Most days in the salon are busy and full-on, so that first quiet moment is essential.
If you could have a conversation with someone who had died, who would it be?
I’d love to have another conversation with my grandpa again. I’d also be very tempted to speak to Marilyn Monroe and finally find out whether all those theories about her are true or not.
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
Victoria Beckham, Rachel Zegler and Audrey Hepburn. It would be an incredible, very fashion-heavy conversation, which is probably no surprise given how much fashion and style influence my work.
If you could travel back in time and offer your younger self some advice, what would it be?
The one piece of advice I’d give my younger self would be to not overthink every situation, to trust your gut, go for it and enjoy every moment, even the not-so-good ones. Looking back, even the setbacks, including trying to join the L’Oréal Professionnel Paris ID Artist programme three times and failing twice, helped me grow and pushed me to refine my skills. I earned my place in the end, and things really do work out. Now, after mentoring apprentices for more than seven years, I’m even more aware of how important confidence and encouragement are early in your career.
What superpower would you like to have?
I’d love to be able to pause time, where everything stops except me. It would be perfect for when I’m running late somewhere, or when I need a few extra minutes before a big competition like the L’Oreal Colour Trophy or a packed day in the salon.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
As a child, I wanted to be an actor, specifically on the West End, after my mum took me to see a production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Unfortunately, my lack of singing and dancing ability put an end to that!
What was your first job?
I “accidentally” entered the hairdressing industry at 15 to avoid a part-time job at a fast food place. My mum told me to get a part-time job or she’d send me there, so I went around town, applied in salons and got a job as a Saturday boy. I ended up loving it, and almost 22 years later, I’m still here.
What’s your favourite hidden gem in the district?
It’s not really a hidden gem for people from around here, but The Waffle House has always been my favourite place in Hertfordshire, who doesn’t love it there?
Which day of your life would you most like to relive?
I’d love to relive last year’s L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final, where I won the Eastern Region and then came third overall in the country while working with Trinder Hair Studios. It was something I’d always dreamt of, but never imagined I would actually achieve. I was with my best friends when I heard I had won, and being able to share that experience and feeling with them made it even more special.
I was already proud of the work I was doing, but the win felt like the cherry on top. It not only brought new clients, but boosted my confidence and gave me real validation that people I’ve long admired recognised what I was creating. It’s definitely raised my profile and opened the door to new opportunities within the industry.
If you had a time machine, what year would you choose to visit and why?
I’d go back to 1977, specifically Studio 54. To be in that room with all those amazing people at the height of disco-era glamour, I imagine the energy and vibe would be incredible. I think I’d come back with a lot of creative inspiration.
