If you’re looking for summer hair inspiration, choppy and colourful styles are on trend going into the new year, if the 2014 L’Oreal Colour Trophy competition is anything to go by.

Selected from nearly 300 photographic entries, the beauty giant has revealed the 20 finalists to compete in the grand final next year at Auckland’s Vector Arena.

Short, messy pixie cuts highlighted with soft pinks were popular among the colourists, as were blunt-cut balayage styles and messy, beachy curls.

The finalists will now participate in a live recreation to compete for the NZ Hairdresser of the Year, Young Colourist, Men’s Image and the Salon of the Year awards next February.