Anne Veck has become the first ever UK based hairdressser to reach the finals of the International Talents Trophy of Haute Coiffure Francaise. Now in it's second year, this most prestigious of French hairdressing awards attracts entrants from the elite of European hairdressing and will take place at the Louvre in Paris over the weekend of 13th and 14th February.

Anne was born in France and qualified with the Brevet Professionnel Coiffure Mixte at the Academie de Paris in 1984. She explained, "I am truly honoured to receive this recognition in my native France. It's going be a huge thrill for me to represent the UK industry before an audience of the creme de la creme of French hairdressing."

Entrants were asked to submit two images highlighting cut,colour and creation, to be enhanced by the aesthetics, styling and make-up. Following rehearsals on Saturday 13th, the ten finalists will recreate their looks on their models live on stage on Sunday 14th February at the Carrousel du Louvre before an audience of 2000. The winner of the Trophee International des Talents will feature in photo shoots and shows for Haute Coifure Francaise during 2010.

The identities of this year's finalists will be kept a closely guarded secret until the day itself, although Anne has been told she is the only UK representative. In 2009, the ten finalists hailed from Russia, Poland, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium and Greece as well as France.

Anne's two succesful images can be seen on the right, selected from her Eye Candy and Vanilla Fudge collections.