Local hairdresser, based at French&Ivi in Belper, and Creative Director for MOOD, Tracey Ann Smith, has been announced as the winner of the Colour Collaborator Genius category at the Colour Genius Awards 2026.
The Colour Genius Awards, run by hairdressing trade publication Colour World, celebrates outstanding talent and creativity in hair colouring, recognising the best colourists across multiple categories each year.
Colour Collaborator Genius is awarded to a colourist working specifically on colour as part of an artistic or creative team. Someone who has the vision to create a colour that works perfectly with someone else’s cut and style, and a team player who brings the magic to make the entire group effort really pop and sing.
As Creative Director for MOOD, Tracey leads on all the brand’s creative decisions, from product development to visual identity and campaign imagery. Tracey also established the MOOD Lifestyle Team – an Artistic Team of six members that are the new face of the brand and that will support the brand throughout the year, showcasing on stage at industry events and being involved with MOOD photoshoots. The team receive ongoing mentorship from Tracey and MOOD Ambassador, Marlene Lamont.
Tracey’s incredible work with MOOD, helping the brand grow and become a highly sought-after professional brand for salons, is what led her to winning this award, in addition to the captivating recent MOOD campaign images Tracey submitted with her entry to demonstrate her advanced colour skills and expert colour techniques.
Tracey was announced as the winner of the category at the gorgeous Poulet, just moments from London Bridge, where 125 guests were in attendance for an evening dedicated to colour, creativity, and inspiration. Drinks were flowing, and the atmosphere was packed with anticipation as winners across 15 categories were revealed.
Following the announcement of her win, Tracey Ann Smith said: “What an honour to win this award, to be recognised for my colour work and my work with MOOD creating new, editorial, and luxurious brand imagery using their incredible colour line that I love and use every day. It’s already been an incredible year, with the news I have finalised for one of the most coveted industry awards – British Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards, plus winning Global Stylist at the Salon Business Awards and Best Hair Transformation at the Hair Awards. Hopefully the rest of the year is just as incredible!”
Tracey was also thrilled to present a trophy on the night to the 2026 Blonding Colour Genius, handing over the title following her 2025 Blonding Colour Genius win.
The night ended in a great celebration and networking with some of the industry’s finest.
For further information on Tracey Ann Smith and MOOD, please contact Alex Clark at AJC 93 PR by emailing alex@ajc93.com or by calling 0131 202 0659.
