Salon Magazine, January/February 2021

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Contessa 2021 Winners

JA N UA RY+F E B RUA RY 2 0 2 1

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January+February 2021 14

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Editor’s Letter

Salon Interior Design Her Studios Inc. Burlington, Ont.

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Publisher’s Note

John Steinberg Award for Community Service

18 SalonMagazine.ca

Looking to get your fix on the latest industry news?

Head to our website for more announcements, interviews, how-tos and more.

Stephanie Schewe Salon Collage, Toronto

Chelsea Sutherland Chelsea Laine Salon and Colour Bar, New Glasgow, N.S.

It’s time for their Contessa close-up! See snapshots of the winners, along with a heartfelt thank-you to our Contessa judges, sponsors and special guests.

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Multicultural Hairstylist

Salon Collage Toronto

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Norm Wright Taz Hair Co., Toronto

Texture Hairstylist & Quebec Hairstylist

Master Colourist

Rossa Jurenas Studio Rossa, Tillsonburg, Ont.

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Elite Master Hairstylist Rodrigo Araneda Olab Coiffeurs, Montreal

And the Winners Are...

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Silas Tsang Blushes, Ottawa

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GA L A

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Freestyle

Canadian Salon Team

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T E AM C ON T E S S A 3 2 : D & J AM B R OS E F OR WE L L A PR OF E S S ION AL S

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Canadian Hairstylist

Concrete Blonde Hair Body Sherwood Park, Alta.

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L E T ’ S G E T D I G I TA L

Vicky Busque Hangar Coiffure, Drummondville, Que.

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British Columbia Hairstylist

Hannah Hewitt Axis Hair Salons, Vancouver

Atlantic Hairstylist

Avant Garde Hairstylist Denise Meikle Salon Origins, Vancouver

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International Hairstylist

Danny Pato D&M Hair Design, Auckland, New Zealand

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Men’s Hairstylist

Dorothy Tsang Blushes, Ottawa

Michelle Finlayson Freelance, Edmonton

Florencia Taylor Florencia Taylor Makeup, London, Ont.

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Session Hairstylist

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Canadian Colourist

Victoria MacInnis Valentino’s Grande Salon, Whitby, Ont.

Alberta Hairstylist

Saskatchewan/ Manitoba Hairstylist

Renn VonDyck Elan Hair Studio, Winnipeg

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Michelle Nahmad Blushes, Ottawa

Joey Marchese Bob + Paige Salon, Toronto

Emerging Hairstylist

Ontario Hairstylist

Hairlines

Learn about the latest haircare, colour and styling products you’ll want this season.

Makeup Artist

Canadian Nail Artist

72 W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

Liliya Leheta Freelance, Mississauga, Ont.

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Fan Favourite

Ana Mae Villagracia Tips Nail Bar, Toronto

There was no shortage of talent at the first-ever virtual Contessas, which featured incredible presentations

by Redken, Schwarzkopf Professional and Wella Professionals. Check out our behind-the-scenes photos and insights from each team.

W H AT ’ S N E W

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Team Contessa

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Paul Pereira Solo Bace, Toronto

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GA L A

Events + Scoop

74 #CONTE SSA 2021

Staying Connected

See how Contessa attendees made the most of the virtual festivities in the comfort of their homes (and salons!)

ON THE COVER: CONTESSA 2021 CANADIAN SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR SALON COLLAGE, TORONTO MAKEUP & PHOTO: GIANCARLO INTINI salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021 13

Editor’s Letter —

S E E S T U N N I NG C OL L E C T ION S !

BU I L D A R E WA R DI NG CA R E E R GE T T H E L AT E S T I N DU S T RY N E WS F I N D T H E T E C H N ICA L A DV IC E YOU C R AV E

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The Show Must Go On Fun Fact: This was my fifth Contessa Awards, but it was actually my first year being able to watch the show live. Usually I’m “backstage” interviewing the winners, whom I’ve hugged, laughed and cried with over the years. You can imagine my disappointment when I realized this year would be so different.

While I missed being able to connect in-person, I admit that getting the opportunity to watch the winners accept their awards in real-time was unforgettable. Connecting live with as many as possible was by far the number-one item on our wish list when we were planning the virtual event.

We knew it wouldn’t be perfect. We knew there would be a few bumps along the way. But one positive thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has done is force a lot of us out of our comfort zones— myself included! For example, you may have noticed that I stepped in as our red carpet host this year.

As someone who dreads the idea of even having her photo taken, taking centre-stage was definitely new for me, but I’m always up for taking one for the team. And it was so much fun!

I’m extremely thankful to everyone who joined us on our first-ever virtual journey. From our sponsors and judges, to our host and special guests, to you— our finalists and attendees—we are forever grateful.

As we enter a new year, I encourage you all to take some time to reflect on the last 12 months, which I know have been difficult to say the least. My hope is that you choose to find the beauty in adversity. There are always lessons to be learned when you take the time to seek them out. Onward and upward!

SalonMag Salon_Magazine salonmagazine SalonMagazine

Veronica Boodhan Editor-in-Chief

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Publisher’s Note —

ART DIRECTOR (ACTING) Barbara Burrows ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR (ON LEAVE) Stephanie Gallant ASSISTANT EDITOR Sami Chazonoff sami@salonmagazine.ca SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST Emily Arkell emily@salonmagazine.ca CONTRIBUTORS Liz Bruckner

GROUP PUBLISHER Laura Dunphy laura@salonmagazine.ca SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jordan Miandro jordan@salonmagazine.ca PRODUCTION MANAGER Alan Swinton production@salonmagazine.ca

Going the Extra Mile

“Despite being a virtual event, it still had a great energy and vibe. It was nice to see some familiar faces in the industry and that we’ve all come together during these crazy times!”

“Very well done! Loved the in-studio host and special guests, the DJ, and seeing the winners in their element. Bravo!”

“I loved it!! I loved how interactive it was still, and I truly thought it was done beautifully and the production value was incredible.”

Something positive to look forward to as we enter the new year!

Laura Dunphy Publisher 16 salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021

CIRCULATION MANAGER Adrian Holland helpdesk@subscriptions.salon CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Tom Arkell tom@salonmagazine.ca

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ALVARO GOVEIA, HAIR AND MAKEUP BY DIANACARREIRO

When we made the decision to move ahead with the Contessa Awards virtually, we knew we were taking a leap of faith. Not only because we were determined to deliver a great show—even without a live, in-person audience—but because we knew we had the support of our amazing Contessa community behind us.

In the early planning stages, we discussed the need for key elements that our audience would connect with and love. That meant keeping our focus on building a show that would put the spotlight on the finalists, while still making the overall experience entertaining and tightly timed. I’d say we succeeded in achieving that goal!

Watching the night unfold from the studio’s green room, I recall feeling nervous and moments of adrenaline-filled excitement. Seeing months of planning come to life was exhilarating, as was taking in the finalists’ collections. And those spectacular presentations from MJ Deziel for Redken, Essential Looks for Schwarzkopf Professional and D&J Ambrose for Wella (who shot an amazing art-house-inspired video exclusively for the Contessas)? Simply amazing.

But, I have to say that what really filled my heart with joy was seeing the winners’ reactions live. From pure shock and awe to watching people jump around their homes with their families, kids, and co-workers, this real-life response was new for us all.

And to be honest, it offered an authenticity that’s not easily found in a hotel ballroom.

For 2021, our hope is that the Contessa Awards will return to what they’ve always been: a live gathering of our beloved beauty community. That said, if we ever need to go the virtual route again, we asked you—our attendees, finalists and sponsors—for feedback on the night and any suggestions. Here were a few insights:

OFFICE MANAGER Cathy Donaghy cathy@salonmagazine.ca

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salonmagazine.ca So You Think You Can Colour?

➣

Hair Love In need of some New Year hair inspo?

Check out our collection archive to find the ultimate hair motivation.

Having Contessa withdrawal? Relive the magic by re-watching the virtual gala. Plus, see all the winning collections, showstopping presentations, full Q&As with each winner and so much more!

18 salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021

Work Hard, Play Hard Are you searching for a new job opportunity or hoping to find the perfect addition to your team? Take a look at our online job board today!

➣

Contessa Craze

Learn a Little

Need something to do with your downtime?

Brush up on some education! We’ve rounded up free classes and events you’ll want to add to your calendars.

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE): COLOUR: KRISTIE KESIC, COBELLE CREATIVE, AUSTRALIA, HAIR: AMANDA O’CONNOR, MAKEUP: GEMMA ELAINE, WARDROBE STYLING: TAMZEN HOLLAND, PHOTO: DAVID MANNAH; GETTYSTOCK; HEIDI CARR

Congratulations to Heidi Carr from Niagara Falls, Ont., on her first-place win in the “So You Think You Can Colour?” Elumenated Edition contest, sponsored by Goldwell! Find out what inspired her winning look and more at SalonMagazine.ca.

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Is 2021 the year to change the way you run your business?

DID YOU KNOW?

Salons involved in the Summit Salon Business Center program were up 20%* vs. a national average of 3.3% in 2019

L’Oréal Professional Products Division is happy to announce its partnership with the Summit Salon Business Center (SSBC) across all L’Oréal professional brands, including L’Oréal Professionnel, Kérastase, Matrix, Biolage, Pulp Riot, Pureology, Redken and Shu Uemura.

SSBC is a business-building program to help salons learn how to be more profitable and improve the overall experience for their guests and employees. Founded in 1993, SSBC equips salons with the necessary business skills to reach their full potential and help ensure the salon industry foundation is strong for future generations.

Since 2020 was an incredibly challenging year for the salon industry—due to the COVID-19 pandemic that caused salon closures and decline in revenue—L’Oréal decided to partner with SSBC to help salons get back on their feet with customized courses, resources and support.

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As a leader in the industry, our role goes beyond selling products; our mission is to elevate the hairdressing industry. Hairdressing schools teach a lot about mastering the trade but there is limited education on how to run a profitable salon and grow a team of stylists.

Some salon owners may be unprepared and lack some key knowledge to maximize their salon’s potential. This partnership with SSBC will allow us to provide salons with tailor-made content and top of line industry best practices to run their business in the most effective way. SSBC is not only about financial benefits—it’s also about looking at how to create a career path for employees and learn great leadership skills that will help the salon’s team perform. I’m super excited about this program because it demonstrates a true partnership with our salons. We are there for them—we are there to help them grow their business and become more profitable, which will help them achieve their dreams. We know that 2020 was a very difficult year for salons and we are proud to be able to offer our support with this new partnership.

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Going through the SSBC program and working with their coaches gave us the necessary foundations to create the systems and structure we needed for our growing business. Definitely one of the best investments I have ever made in myself as a leader and in my salon company!

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Congratulations to our Contessa 2021 winners!

See their full collections and Q&A interviews at SalonMagazine.ca

Contessa Winners

“I want to create images and work that will always be remembered.”

Canadian Hairstylist

Silas Tsang BLUSHES, OTTAWA

BUSINESS AS USUAL On winning his seventh Contessa trophy: “It’s amazing! I started entering the Contessas in 2008 but I didn’t receive an award until 2013, which was for Salon Team of the Year. So I’ve been working at this for five-and-a-half years.

I even remember one year, I believe it was 2009, when I was a finalist in five categories, but I didn’t take any trophies home. It was my dream to have a trophy in my hands, so I kept going.”

On the inspiration for his winning collection: “I’ve always liked animation. Walt Disney is a hero of mine when it comes to animation and how he created Mickey Mouse, a character everyone knows; there’s only one and he’s iconic yet relatable. I want to create hair that people will [recognize]; styles that are more wearable and real. When I discussed this vision with my team, I wanted to include real hair with only some hair pieces—no wigs.”

On his secret to winning: “Being organized and well prepared is best. You want to be on time because you’re paying for the models, studio and photographer. You want to know what your first look is, what your second look is, and what you’re aiming for overall.”

MAKEUP Kylie O’Toole WARDROBE STYLING Karly Brown PHOTOS Andrew O’Toole

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021 25

Contessa Winners

“I wanted to bring the team together.

The whole purpose of having a salon is to create your perfect team. Everyone has their own expertise, so why not utilize that for team-building in a competition?”

Canadian Salon Team

Salon Collage TORONTO

UNTITLED On his team win: “It was definitely a shock; we weren’t expecting to win. I was looking at all the work we’ve done over the years and while this collection is strong, I felt like we took a chance with shorter cuts.

Obviously, it worked out well so we’re excited.”

On the inspiration for their winning collection: “I wanted to showcase haircutting skills—the sharp lines and the angles.

My motivation was to show more of an androgynous woman and not necessarily gear towards your generic beautiful model. I wanted to showcase her as a powerful woman—a woman who means business, and not your everyday version with long, flowing hair. That’s also why I chose [to style them with] a white shirt and tie.”

On having Ontario Premier Doug Ford visit the salon after the first lockdown: “He came in as a customer to support a small business, and we treated him as we would anybody else—we didn’t want to make a big deal about it. A lot of people ask me if I asked him about COVID or about education and the answer is no, I asked him how he would like his hair cut. I’ve been trying to get him into the salon for a long time, but then [the pandemic] hit. He heard about me and our salon, and how we’ve won many awards with the Contessas. He was impressed with that.”

—Sandro Macri, owner

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MAKEUP & PHOTOS Giancarlo Intini

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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Contessa Winners

“Years ago, the things we thought were wrong to do are now right. We never mixed certain colours together before and now we’re doing it.”

Master Colourist

Rossa Jurenas STUDIO ROSSA, TILLSONBURG, ONT.

CHROMA On winning her sixth Contessa award: “Whether it’s being at the event or at home, it’s an amazing feeling—especially with everything we’re all going through this year. Sometimes you kind of feel like you’re losing a bit of inspiration, so to hear and see my name come across the screen was amazing.”

On the inspiration for her winning collection: “I spent a lot of time analyzing Gucci and the beginning of their spring/ summer collection. They overlapped and layered fabrics, textures and colours.

I was looking at one of their fabrics on one of my journeys home, at the airport in Munich, Germany. I saw the Gucci display and it caught my eye.

The fabric of the jacket. I just love the intermixing of colour. I started drawing and sketching it out, and thought ‘let’s play with this.’”

On the importance of competing: “I’ve entered and won my fair share of awards, but my number one thing is to always challenge myself. Showcasing and pushing myself to create art is the best. The photo shoot stuff is not what we’re doing every day in the salon; we get to push boundaries, try different techniques and colour combinations, and then I get to teach about it later on.

It creates this inner spark that pushes you to want to do more.”

MAKEUP Florencia Taylor WARDROBE STYLING Liz Crawford PHOTOS Paula Tizzard

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021 29

Contessa Winners

“I just want to do everything differently.

I watch everything that has been done and want to do something that’s the complete opposite.”

Elite Master Hairstylist

Rodrigo Araneda OLAB COIFFEURS, MONTREAL

LOSING MY MIND On his first Contessa win: “It feels great because I’ve won a lot of prizes in the last several years, which I’m humbled by, but this was my first Contessa win! It was my eighth time entering, so I achieved a goal I had. You have to be perseverant. I’m very happy and I feel very honoured.”

On the inspiration for his winning collection: “I was inspired by last year’s Gucci fashion show. The models were walking down the runway holding heads. I loved that idea, so we tried to bring it to another level. This collection could be creepy if you don’t see the artistic side; even my photographer wasn’t very sure about this. But we decided to do it and see what happened. My style is very avant-garde, but also very vintage— 1920s and 1930s looks. The haircuts in my collection are quite simple but I enhanced them with colour and shapes.”

On opening his salon (Olab Par Rodrigo) during the COVID-19 pandemic: “I always try to see the positive side of things, but I’ve cried at home more than once during this process. I didn’t have a salon for the first time in my life, so I was very insecure. It was not the process I wanted or expected when opening my dream salon but it is my dream salon. I can’t complain about everything—I’m still having a great year!”

WARDROBE STYLING Sarah Bruneau PHOTOS Leda et St-Jacques

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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Contessa Winners

“I keep entering because I want to keep up with myself. If you don’t get into competitions, you don’t move forward— you move backwards.”

Session Hairstylist

Dorothy Tsang BLUSHES, OTTAWA

TRAILBLAZERS On the inspiration for her collection: “The collection was inspired by women and their courage to break new ground and blaze a trail for others to follow. It’s something I’ve never done; I’ve never cut hair that choppy before. The bright colours and creative textures celebrate the bold strides and innovations of women.”

On competing alongside her husband, Silas: “He is one of my mentors. We spend so much time on the collections. We don’t normally enter the same category, so we work together, and we really help each other out. When working on a collection, it’s not only one person who can do it. We’re really complementary to each other.”

On why the Contessa Awards mean so much to her and her team: “I always say it’s a really good opportunity for all hairstylists to get together and show their talent and work.

You need that energy for yourself or else you’re just cutting hair. You have to keep yourself and your clients motivated.”

MAKEUP Kylie O’Toole WARDROBE STYLING Ella Murphy PHOTOS Andrew O’Toole

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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Contessa Winners

“I’ve learned that less is more. Sometimes you want to throw all of your ideas on your canvas, but sometimes you have to step back and show a little restraint.”

Canadian Colourist

Victoria MacInnis VALENTINO’S GRANDE SALON, WHITBY, ONT

RETRO GLAM On winning her first Contessa award: “I’ve entered for the last six years in a row and was fortunate to be a finalist whenever I’ve entered, but this is my first Contessa win and it feels great. I’m glad I didn’t have to go up [on screen] because I think I would have made a fool of myself—I was a blubbering mess!”

On the inspiration for her collection: “There’s a big ’80s influence in the collection. We wanted bright colours, bold shapes, crimped textures, and fun fashion. Ashley Lindsay is my stylist (she’s done all of my haircuts for the last six years) and I couldn’t have done this without her. Anytime we do a collection, I get her to cut all the hair first so I can see what my canvas is and have fun with it. It all came together so well; the styling and finishing were very important.”

On attending the Contessa Awards since she was 13 years old: “My dad and my uncle were up for Canadian Salon Team of the Year, and they brought our entire family and salon team, which was probably close to 60 of us at the time; I think we had 10 tables.

They won and it was wild—we all went up on stage. It was pretty cool and since that moment, I’ve wanted to do this and compete. I haven’t missed [attending] the Contessas since then—it sparked my passion for the industry.”

MAKEUP Ashley Lindsay WARDROBE STYLING Victoria MacInnis PHOTO Kale Friesen F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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Contessa Winners

“Everything I did was just pushing my own skills to the limit.”

Emerging Hairstylist

Michelle Nahmad BLUSHES, OTTAWA

THE #1 On being named the Emerging Hairstylist of the Year: “I’m so honoured. I have less than five years of experience doing hair. When I first graduated, I was intimidated. I wanted to be in an environment where people have more [drive] towards being the best. This was my first experience of the adrenaline rush of doing a photo shoot. The hand cramps, sweat and tears definitely paid off.”

On the inspiration for her winning collection: “I would say my biggest inspiration was to be successful. I just kept going back and forth figuring out what is the best way to succeed at this and perform at my best. I definitely love warm colours and colour blocking. I find that balayage and painting is something that I may need to do more of, but I don’t gravitate towards that. I like a lot of structure.”

On being part of the award-winning salon team at Blushes: “I feel so lucky to be a member of Blushes. Silas and Dorothy have done an amazing job. They may seem intimidating (to those who don’t know them) because they win so many awards and they’re so good, but they’re so down to earth. For myself, I just want to be as amazing as they are and see what I can do in the future.”

MAKEUP Maria Li WARDROBE Sirena Shonuck PHOTO Babak

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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MATRIX IS VERY PROUD OF ITS CANADIAN ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, FOR BEING A CONTESSA WINNER IN ELITE MASTER HAIRSTYLIST CATEGORY THIS YEAR! With an impressive track record, Rodrigo has always been able to keep it simple and highlight the beauty of each of his clients.

Don’t hesitate to follow him on Instagram @rodrigohairdresser to see his beautiful work!

RODRIGO ARANEDA

Canadian Artistic Director for MATRIX Owner of Olab par Rodrigo, Mtl, Quebec

St-Jacques Photo: Leda

Contessa Winners

“It showcases a little bit of everything; colour, cut and styling. When you have the right model, everything works in unison.”

Freestyle

Stephanie Schewe SALON COLLAGE, TORONTO

PURITY On winning the first-ever Freestyle award: “I haven’t entered [this photo] into the Contessas before. I only had one shot—not two others to go with it [to make a collection]. I was in love with the photo and model, so I felt the stars were aligned. With Contessas being a Canadian competition, it means so much to us just to be there as a finalist, but to win is always amazing.”

On the inspiration for her winning photo: “Nature really inspired me for this photo. My model was my muse; I wanted something very pure, but still unique, different and with colour. I wanted to include a really strong bang to show strength, with strong lines to represent her personality. Almost like an androgynous woman but still very feminine.”

On tips for identifying the “perfect” photo: “Even when we’re picking photos for a collection, I always look for the one photo that stands out from all of them.

Even in a collection with five or three photos, there’s usually one strong photo that will suck you in. I think everything has to work together—the model really has to pull off the look. If it’s a haircut, it has to look like it’s made for her. When I’m picking out a photo, it’s the one I gravitate to. If I have to think too much about it, it’s not the right one.”

MAKEUP Elizabeth Halliday PHOTO Giancarlo Intini

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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Contessa Winners

“Afro and ethnic textures need to be brought to the forefront.”

Multicultural Hairstylist

Norm Wright TAZ HAIR CO., TORONTO

FROLIFIC On winning this award for the second consecutive year: “It was great! This year was tough, but the Contessas kept me going, especially in this industry where people were starting to lose hope. The three-and-ahalf-month deficit and hiatus were a big ask for all of us. This gave me purpose and something to look forward to.”

On the mentor who inspired his collection and craft: “It’s from working with Jean-Baptise Mazella, a Sassoon alum from England, who sometimes comes to Toronto. He came here for a show five years ago and asked me to do the colour for it. I got to watch him cut an afro and while I’ve been a colourist for 35 years, he made me want to start cutting hair.”

On the importance of diversity in the beauty industry: “Canada has a large multicultural presence and excluding ethnic texture from the equation is not representative.

I think a lot of people are losing out. If you can hone your skills and work on these textures, it makes you a wellrounded stylist. Some black women will ask a stylist if they do black hair and in a lot of cases, the answer is still no. That’s a travesty.”

MAKEUP Katie Foster WARDROBE STYLING Melissa Stetski PHOTOS Natasha Gerschon

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E .CA .

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Contessa Winners

“I hope to inspire the new generation of stylists to persevere and pursue their dreams.”

Texture Hairstylist and Quebec Hairstylist

Vicky Busque HANGAR COIFFURE, DRUMMONDVILLE, QUE.

VICTORIENNISTA On winning two awards in the same night: “I am very honoured! I’ve been entering the Contessas for several years but it’s the first time I won, and in two categories on top of it! I am very moved.”

On the inspiration for her winning collection: “My inspiration came from the Victorian era. I wanted to represent texture in my collection and to go back to basics, to essential raw textures and basic geometric shapes. The accessories from that time were also an inspiration, like the collar, fabrics like lace, and also the styling with bare shoulders. In terms of colour, I wanted to represent the era with natural, matte and raw colours to highlight texture in a pure way.”

On the importance of competing: “I take part in competitions every year.

It’s a great opportunity to create and share my inspiration, given the scale of the Contessa Awards. Creating a collection is a privileged moment for me to push my limits and share my artistic vision. It already is a gift for me to be in the creative process of putting a collection together. It’s a precious moment where time stands still—where the only thing that matters is pure creation.”

MAKEUP Gabriel Plante & Émilie Lainesse WARDROBE STYLING Vicky Busque PHOTOS Alain Comtois

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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Contessa Winners

“I love structured cuts, but added texture and movement to it so it’s softer. I wanted the whole image to speak to you.”

British Columbia Hairstylist

Hannah Hewitt AXIS HAIR SALONS, VANCOUVER

ESSENCE On winning her first Contessa award: “I’m so happy to be recognized. I feel like I’ve worked so hard for it, so it feels great. It was amazing to be a finalist, but to win—wow! When I first moved to Canada three years ago, [competitions] were something I wanted to pursue more. In the U.K., I didn’t work with the right team of people to push me forward but being in the salon I’m at now, it’s nice to be surrounded by so many creative people.”

On the inspiration for her winning collection: “My grandmother passed away last fall.

I was looking at all the beautiful fall colours and thought I could do a shoot with the browns, oranges, yellows and greens, so that’s where it all started. I remember Michelle Pargee telling me that creativity comes from emotion and it’s always stuck with me. I shot this collection in January and I’m so glad I did. I know so many people didn’t have a chance to do a [photo shoot] this year.”

On the power of manifestation: “I’ve always dreamed of winning awards and showcasing my work. This brings me one step closer to something bigger in the future. I actually wrote in my journal throughout the shutdown about my goals of being a Contessa finalist and Contessa winner. To look back at that now shows me manifesting is a real thing. If you write it down on paper or envision what you want, it’s going to come back to you. Trust the process.”

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MAKEUP Colleen Barber WARDROBE STYLING Lovisa PHOTOS Kale Friesen

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

Contessa Winners

“I always think [it's worthwhile] to showcase the variety your skills can create. I often start with thinking about how I can create the palette that’s required but push the envelope a little bit.”

Alberta Hairstylist

Michelle Finlayson FREELANCE, EDMONTON

OFFICE PARTY On winning her fifth Contessa award: “I’m always shocked every single time.

I got a body rush [when I heard my name]; it was so exciting and I really felt so much love and pride. For all the energy I put into the collection, it’s just such an honour.”

On the inspiration for her winning collection: “I wanted to show the colours of the rainbow in a non-traditional way. I love the way that light looks through a crystal and reflects back to you, depending on the way you hold it in the sunlight. The collection is meant to be conservative yet feminine with vibrant energy. In terms of hair colour, I wanted to show as much as possible—variation is key.

I think it’s cool when you mix rainbow colours with really simple cuts like long bobs—haircuts that anybody can wear but you add those colours and it completely changes the way you see that person or look.”

On how the virtual Contessa Awards compared to the live gala: “I felt like there was a real community, and not just for people that follow the Contessas or have a complete love for it and attend every year. There was so much true and genuine excitement for the night. I’ve been to the gala in Toronto every year for over 10 years and it’s always an exciting night. [This year] I was FaceTiming other contestants throughout, so the energy was still there.

It was such a beautiful night—the best it could ever be.”

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MAKEUP Renee Rampersad PHOTOS Donna Lewis

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

Contessa Winners

“I’m always thinking outside the box; that’s how you get the most creative looks.”

Saskatchewan/ Manitoba Hairstylist

Renn VonDyck ELAN HAIR STUDIO, WINNIPEG

SHIMMERING CLOUDS On winning this award for the fourth time: “It was great—it never gets old. I wasn’t quite sure how I was going to do because the other collections were great, as well.

There was another one with brilliant hair, but I felt it wasn’t as unique as mine was. I’m happy the judges saw that.”

On the inspiration for this winning collection: “Each image was from a different shoot, so I had to get all the pictures to go together and match up the backgrounds.

I wanted to make it dark but at the same time fun, too. The whole mood of it was a little bit subdued but, at the same time, I wanted there to be a shimmer and glamorous side to it.”

On his unconventional style when working on a photo shoot: “I just let the creative juices flow and see what I come up with. I don’t plan my shoots super detailed in advance—I just know the gist and maybe come prepared with a few hair pieces, but that’s it.

When on set, if nothing is working, you have to be prepared to shift gears and try something else. That’s the fun of it, though—I like doing that. I don’t always use the traditional techniques either—I go out of the box. I like to do things they never do in the salon like paint the hair.

As long as I could get it out afterwards and the model doesn’t hate me, I’ll do it.”

MAKEUP & WARDROBE STYLING Lori VonDyck PHOTOS Renn VonDyck

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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Contessa Winners

“It’s always fun getting to turn your vision into reality. It’s something that I don’t think many people can do, but as hairdressers with the ability to transform the way people look, we’re a very different breed.”

Ontario Hairstylist

Joey Marchese BOB + PAIGE SALON, TORONTO

NU-PUNK On celebrating his birthday with a Contessa win: “The day before the Contessas was my birthday, so I felt like I might get a gift—and this time I did! We had an amazing time. It’s something that I look forward to every year. Not to say that I didn’t miss being with everyone; seeing everybody at the Contessas is usually the best part. I do wish that could have happened, but I don’t know if I would have made it up on stage [to accept my award]—I probably would have been crying in my chair!”

On the inspiration for his winning collection: “Originally, we thought it would be very colourful with the [wardrobe] styling the same colour as the hair. Instead, we went in the opposite direction and went for white to let the hair tell its story. I called it Nu-Punk—a minimal, futuristic vibe with block colour. I wanted it to be simple and to flow together. I wanted to keep to the theme of futuristic, clean, minimal—exactly the way I like things.”

On the importance of persevering: “I’ve been entering for eight to 10 years with multiple collections. This year was the perfect one for me because I had this collection sitting in my pocket and decided to enter. In our industry, [competitions] are the things that make us push ourselves to inspire other people and inspire ourselves, and that’s the greatest part about it.”

MAKEUP Kelly Cloney PHOTOS Ivan Otis

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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Contessa Winners

“It was a personal challenge of mine to be able to showcase pure tonality but with a sheer, almost phosphorescent finish. It was a bit of a risk, but it was a risk I wanted to take.”

Atlantic Hairstylist

Chelsea Sutherland CHELSEA LAINE SALON AND COLOUR BAR, NEW GLASGOW, N.S.

POWER PLAY On shooting the collection before the COVID-19 lockdown: “I was just so lucky that we planned the shoot for February, before there were any talks of the pandemic. It was a miracle that the timing lined up because it was less than a month later that salons were being shut down. Then, I wasn’t sure if there would even be anything for me to use this collection for, other than my own portfolio, so I was so grateful for the Contessas.”

On the inspiration for her winning collection: “I like to look at the overall mood that fashion and trends are having. I love the empowered female movement—strong women who are choosing fashion and beauty that’s not based on what’s commercially on-trend. I partnered that with my own personal preferences; I’m really digging pastels and cool shades, so I married those ideas altogether.”

On competing with one of her best friends and mentors: “Ali Pike and I competed together in another competition in 2011, and we just connected on so many levels. Even though we live in different provinces, she’s one of the women I’m so inspired by. She knows she’s a big part of me reconnecting with competitions. I think all the women in the [Atlantic] category were all rooting for each other. It’s important that our hard work stands up and comes out strong with the rest of the country. A win for one of us is a win for all of us.”

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MAKEUP Heidi Fleming PHOTOS Denis Duquette

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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Contessa Winners

“Avant-garde has always been my passion.

Whenever I see something truly artistic, I’m always drawn to it and wondering how I can do something similar.”

Avant Garde Hairstylist

Denise Meikle SALON ORIGINS, VANCOUVER

POETICALLY POIGNANT On winning her first Contessa award: “At first I was shocked that I even made it as a finalist in both categories I entered. I was really hoping to walk away with Avant Garde Hairstylist of the Year and I did. It just made my day!”

On the inspiration for her winning collection: “I’ve volunteered my time for a local fundraiser called Shine No Stigma, a charity dedicated to raising funds and awareness for addiction and mental health. There are three key hairstylists, makeup artists and designers, who all collaborate to come up with the theme of the collection. For the last few years, I’ve taken a look at the clothing designs and dreamed up what I thought would look great with them. I wanted to go as big as I could with the hair. I’ve always played with things like this but never really had the confidence to present anything until now, and it’s only inspired me to do more.”

On watching the virtual Contessa Awards gala with multi-Contessa winners Dana Lyseng, Joan Novak and Michelle Pargee: “It was so sweet that Michelle wanted all four of us together because three of us were finalists. She invited us to her house and it was an awesome night!

We’re all salon owners and we had so many stories to discuss, from the trials and tribulations of COVID to not being able to go to Toronto to experience the gala. The four of us decided to get all dressed up anyway and Michelle put out this beautiful charcuterie for us. It really was a bonding experience.”

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MAKEUP Sima Shoker WARDROBE STYLING Kari Hong PHOTOS Natalie Fiteni

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

International Hairstylist

Contessa Winners

“I wanted to create something to remind us of how we need to love and care for the natural world.”

Danny Pato D&M HAIR DESIGN, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

TORI On being named the International Hairstylist of the Year: “I feel honoured and grateful. It feels really special to be recognized by these iconic industry judges. Canadian hairstyling is well regarded around the world.”

On the inspiration for his winning collection: “The original seed of the idea came to me when I was in Kyoto, Japan. I was exploring the temples, museums and gardens and saw traditional clothing with birds and flowers carefully sewn onto them. I wanted to reinterpret this with a contemporary design aesthetic and tell this story of an emotional relationship between nature and humanity. The relationship between the birds and the models are shown as completely loving and caring—one in the same.”

MAKEUP Kiekie Stanners WARDROBE STYLING Danny Pato & Rachel Morton PHOTO Mara Sommer

On what the year has been like for him and his team: “A positive from the disruption is that it’s forced us to look at how we operate, to focus on the team’s wellbeing and how we look out for each other. Earlier this year, we [decided] to move to a four-day working week, opening the salon during the evenings—Tuesday to Friday— so everyone gets to have Saturday, Sunday and Monday off for a healthier work-life balance.”

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Contessa Winners

“A lot of people stay on trend but I’m always chasing the next trend.”

Men’s Hairstylist

Paul Pereira SOLO BACE, TORONTO

PORTAL (PAST AND FUTURE) On winning this award 15 years after his first Contessa win: “I was shocked! I went into it thinking that I wasn’t going to win because there was a lot of good work in the category. It was pretty strong. If you go in thinking you’re going to win, you’re going to get disappointed. I went into it with no expectations.”

On the inspiration for his winning collection: “I went to the U.K. and Ireland five years ago and all these kids were wearing [their hair] forward and floppy—a forward flow that was pretty cool. But I knew that three forward flows wouldn’t work in competitions so I decided to [combine] what’s ‘in’ now but also something that’s ahead of its time. We paid homage to the guy with great hair with lots of texture and a beard—a mix of older to newer and fresher, androgynous looks. The collection is dark and dirty with lots of texture.

The images really look like they are sketches.”

On staying motivated and creative: “I love competing and I love creating something. You come up with an idea and the idea doesn’t always pan out, but that’s OK. We recently did a collection and it was the total opposite of what we thought it would be. You’ve got that creative energy in the studio when things are going the way you want and it’s amazing what happens when you get a good team together and everyone relies on each other. Sometimes you just create on the fly and sometimes those are the best collections.”

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WARDROBE STYLING Paul Langill PHOTO Ivan Otis

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

Makeup Artist

Contessa Winners

“I get inspiration from the imperfect— I don’t look for balance. Natural beauty has no balance. Imperfection is beautiful and natural skin is beautiful.”

Florencia Taylor FLORENCIA TAYLOR MAKEUP, LONDON, ONT.

BUENOS AIRES On winning her second Contessa award: “It’s crazy! Maybe it’s because this year the collections were amazing. They’re all amazing artists—I follow them all on social media. I really feel like any one of us could have taken it this year.

They deserve it as much as I do. I feel honoured.”

On taking a more natural approach: “In the beauty industry, on social media and in society as a whole, everyone is trying to measure up to these unrealistic expectations that you have to fit this mold; that you have to transform your whole face to look pretty and to be somebody. Beauty and makeup have walked away from it but there’s still that insecurity of showing who you truly are and being confident in yourself without having to transform your [features].”

HAIR & WARDROBE STYLING Julie Vriesinga PHOTO Paula Tizzard

On the importance of collaborating with other artists: “I’m always brainstorming with hairstylist Julie Vriesinga; we talk at night after our kids go to bed. I’m a big believer in joining forces—building everybody up rather than just stopping people beside you or in front of you from growing. I work with a lot of hairstylists.

There are about 15 or 20 hairstylists that I do work for and all of them bring something to my creativity.”

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Contessa Winners

“I wanted to do something different.

I want people to look at nail art from a completely different angle.”

Canadian Nail Artist

Liliya Leheta FREELANCE, MISSISSAUGA, ONT.

FUTURISTIC GEOMETRIC On winning her first Contessa award: “This was actually my fourth attempt.

Honestly, I was disappointed and upset in the past—not that I didn’t win, but I knew that I needed to work harder on myself. It took four to five years to do something different and to actually win.

It shows that hard work really pays off.

You just have to push yourself and try something completely different.”

On the inspiration for her winning collection: “My passion is jewellery. When I look at jewellery, I see nail designs in everything. I wanted to create something that would look different and open up people’s eyes to art on every different angle. This collection was 4D and geometrical. I wanted to show people there are no boundaries or limits when it comes to nails and nail art.”

On how she created the nails for her collection: “I wanted to create super-sharp objects like cubes and triangles and other 3D shapes made out of acrylic. It was not just nail techniques but also engineering.

A collection gets a sense of sleekness when you choose black and white. I added a pop of colour to each set to offset the futuristic look of it.”

MAKEUP Iryna Gromada PHOTO Yulia Trunova

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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“My collection is pretty bright and bold. I like to stand out.”

Fan Favourite

Ana Mae Villagracia TIPS NAIL BAR, TORONTO

GROOVY On winning the first year she’s entered: “It’s crazy because you’re wanting it and thinking about it for a very long time.

All the hard work that you put into the collection—all the hours that I practiced and all the hours I put into my look—it just all paid off. I feel very humbled and grateful for the experience. It’s something that I can put on my resume and always use for the future now that it’s under my belt.”

On the inspiration for her winning collection: “Everything inspires me every day. It could be art; it could be fashion. I could just be walking down the street and see a cool pattern or something. In terms of colours, I love bright and bold shades.

I’m a trendy person, so in terms of techniques, I just follow the trends for the year and what’s relevant.”

PHOTO Ana Mae Villagracia

On shooting a collection during the COVID-19 pandemic: “It was very last minute! I did the looks during the night and we shot them and sent them in the next day. I bet some people didn’t compete this year because of COVID, so I know if people had more opportunities with more photo shoots there would be more entries. I think [competitions are] a great way to stay modern and to always know what’s happening and trending in the beauty industry. They’re a great way to get more experience.”

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Contessa Winners

“We wanted the space to be based on women and empowerment. It’s all about ‘her’.”

Salon Interior Design

Her Studios Inc. BURLINGTON, ONT. On winning Salon Interior Design of the Year: “It was great! We just opened the salon a year ago, so we entered by chance.

While working at the last salon I was with, we were always trying to do new things and looking at the artistic side of the industry. I knew about the Contessas and I've always wanted to enter. Our designer, Sandra Fiore, encouraged me to enter this year, and I’m thrilled that we won.”

On the inspiration for the salon’s design: “I’m more of a funky type of girl who really likes details. I love bright colours and different patterns and textures like velvet, leather and things like that, but Sandra and my husband really calmed me down. We picked three main colours: Blush pink, gold and white, with marble, velvet and a bit of dark blue, which I find complements the space. It’s timeless and elegant yet a little funky and girly, too.”

On being a new salon owner during the COVID-19 lockdown: “It’s hard to say much because I don’t know what’s in the future. I’m just trying to work as much as I can—get clients in and out of the door while staying positive until this is all over.”

—Cobie Durie, owner SALON SIZE: 1,204 square feet TEAM: 10 DESIGNER: Fiore + Greco Design Inc.

PHOTOS Kuba Los

F O R T H E F U L L W I N N I N G C O L L E C T I O N A N D Q & A I N T E RV I E W, V I S I T SA L O N M AGA Z I N E . CA .

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Contessa Winners

“Our lives have been forever changed.

If our small salon team can make a difference each year, we won’t stop!”

John Steinberg Award for Community Service

Concrete Blonde Hair Body SHERWOOD PARK, ALTA.

CELEBRATING COURAGE/ MINDS OVER MOUNTAINS/ TOUR DE CB Hosting a trifecta of local events in 2019 that included a black-tie gala, an outdoor bike ride and a 24-hour indoor cycling event, Concrete Blonde Hair Body raised more than $100,000 for the CASA Foundation, an Edmonton-based charity that raises money for and brings awareness to children’s mental health.

For the past three years, co-owner Chad Stewart and his business partner, Elena Kyle, have been bringing together teams from their Sherwood Park and Fort Saskatchewan locations to support the cause. “[Winning the John Steinberg Award] was such an emotional experience.

We’re so proud of our team and what we’ve achieved over the last three years we've been doing this,” says Stewart.

“I’ve never had such a strong, united, passionate and hard-working team than I do today.”

As for why they chose to partner with the CASA Foundation? He says it's important for salon teams to find a cause that's close to their heart. “Children’s mental health is not acknowledged enough nowadays,” says Stewart. “Find a niche that works for your team and a charity that speaks to you.”

62 salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021

PHOTOS Concrete Blonde Hair Body

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT OF THE 2021 CONTESSA AWARDS! GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

THE WINNERS ARE‌ Denise Meikle, Avant Garde Hairstylist, presented by Michael Parsons of Goldwell.

Michelle Nahmad, Emerging Hairstylist, presented by Greg Moreau of Chatters Hair Salon.

Hannah Hewitt, British Columbia Hairstylist, presented by Jon Paul Holt.

Ana Mae Villagracia, Fan Favourite, presented by Stephen Moody of Wella Professionals.

Danny Pato, International Hairstylist, presented by Mark Leeson.

Liliya Leheta, Canadian Nail Artist, presented by Jan Arnold of CND.

Rodrigo Araneda, Elite Master Hairstylist, presented by Gianni Gagliardi of Schwarzkopf Professional.

Her Studios Inc., Salon Interior Design, presented by Carly Wilson of ABA Canada.

Michelle Finlayson, Alberta Hairstylist, presented by Beverly Robertson.

Paul Pereira, Men’s Hairstylist, presented by David Raccuglia of American Crew.

Renn VonDyck, Saskatchewan/ Manitoba Hairstylist, presented by Josie Vilay of Schwarzkopf Professional.

Stephanie Schewe, Freestyle, presented by Adrian Carew, Contessa 2021 judge.

Florencia Taylor, Makeup Artist, presented by Jason Lee.

Victoria MacInnis, Canadian Colourist, presented by Marianne Medeiros of Wella Professionals.

Concrete Blonde Hair Body, the recipient of the John Steinberg Award for Community Service, presented by Melissa Duguay of Joico.

Joey Marchese, Ontario Hairstylist, presented by Vince Riverso of Venus Beauty Supplies Ltd.

64 salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021

PHOTOS: CONTESSA 2021 WINNERS; HER STUDIOS COURTESY OF AUGUST MEDIA & KAROLINA PRAN

Congratulations to all Contessa 2021 winners, and a big thank-you to our sponsors, judges and special guests!

Contessa Special Guests!

Norm Wright, Multicultural Hairstylist, presented by Sharmaine Bidiyanath of Redken.

4KORNERS, official DJ of the Toronto Raptors

Bill Rowley, master of ceremonies

Jason Lee, celebrity hairstylist and salon owner

Chelsea Sutherland, Atlantic Hairstylist, presented by Dale Abbott.

Dorothy Tsang, Session Hairstylist, presented by Louis Hechter, Contessa 2021 judge.

CONTESSA JUDGES

Vicky Busque, Quebec Hairstylist and Texture Hairstylist, presented by Ilan Cohen of Oligo Professionnel and Jamie Lo of Revlon Professional.

Rossa Jurenas, Master Colourist, presented by Larisa Love of Joico.

Mary Alamine Royals Hair, Sydney, Australia

Leanne Cutler Hair Shots 2 The World, Melbourne, Australia

Alain Audet ABA Canada, Toronto

Lisa Dinh Lisa Dinh Hair Studio, Toronto

Sharon Blain Sharon Blain Education, Sydney, Australia Adrian Carew Hair 91, Toronto Matthew Collins The Wall Group, Los Angeles

Robert Eaton Russell Eaton Hair, Leeds, U.K. Ryan Forsythe Trevor Sorbie, London, U.K. Peter Gray Home Agency, New York Wesley Hanlon Sassoon Academy, Toronto

Salon Collage, Canadian Salon Team, presented by Terri Schwendemann of Oligo Professionnel.

Silas Tsang, Canadian Hairstylist, presented by Jack Ingraham of Redken.

nails

interiors

Jessica Ellison Toronto

Mallory Lennon Reimagine Designs, Fredericton, N.B.

Elle Gerstein New York Rita Remark Toronto

Louis Hechter Orbite, Montreal Tracey Hughes Tracey Hughes Education, Las Vegas Michael Piastrino Ibiza Hair, Melbourne, Australia Allen Ruiz Ruiz Salon, Austin, U.S. Alicia Soulier Salon Scale, Saskatoon Josie Vilay Hairology, Winnipeg Chris Wood Medulla & Co., Toronto

Natalie Stauffer HERR Design, Edmonton, Alta.

Jayne Morehouse Jayne & Company, Cleveland, U.S.

salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021 65

Ungendered Team Contessa 32 - Redken

by MJ Deziel for Redken In an effort to help shatter the stereotypes that have long plagued the beauty industry, Montreal-based hairstylist and Redken artist MJ Deziel premiered her collection of genderneutral cuts and androgynous styles. Deziel, who changed her price list in 2016 to accommodate genderless pricing, says she wanted to create a campaign that would respect her style.

“I wanted to focus on what gendering our services means in our industry. This is an innocuous habit that has far-reaching consequences, not only for the LGBTQ+ community but also on our own perception of our profession.”

The collection featured a series of long-haired masculine styles and ultra-short feminine cuts that have been juxtaposed to highlight genderless hairstyling. |

| Natural and pastel colours were used throughout the collection to demonstrate the gender fluidity of hair colour.

HAIR MJ Deziel WARDROBE STYLING Amanda Breeze CINEMATOGRAPHY Helene Ha 66 salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021

VISIT SALONMAGAZINE.CA TO WATCH THE PRESENTATION, SEE MORE PHOTOS AND READ OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH MJ DEZIEL.

— Some models sported the same cuts and styles as a nod to the blurring of the “rules” associated with gender. “We must ensure that our salon environment is healthy, safe and welcoming for our customers, and that they find themselves in an inclusive space,” says Deziel. “This is a movement that needs to be embraced out of respect of our customers and out of love for our profession. This is a great industry, and it needs to evolve.”

by Schwarzkopf Professional The Schwarzkopf Professional Essential Looks team showcased their latest collection, VivID, which included three key trends: Once Upon A Time, Everyday Decadence and Dark Romance.

The collection featured runway and salon looks with unparalleled colour techniques, cuts and styling to inspire hairstylists to think outside the box. “The VivID collection is about celebrating love, life, passion and identity,” says Rossa Jurenas, North American colour director and Essential Looks ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional. “There are three trends to help our community reconnect with our passion, rediscover the thrill of making people feel beautiful and build stronger connections between us all.”

Team Contessa 32 — Schwarzkopf Professional

The Autumn/Winter 2020 Essential Looks Collection

Once Upon A Time is a key trend that took viewers on the journey — of past meets future—a modern take on vintage Hollywood glam.

For these looks, Jurenas used a dual-blending technique and created a modern two-tone effect with blonde and brunette tones.

“Think outside the box on how you apply colour, or what colour combinations to use,” she says. “By keeping an open mind and not overthinking things, you can create beautiful, modern looks.”

— Everyday Decadence featured more structured looks with luxurious finishing. Among the looks were gender-fluid cuts, ranging from short, choppy layers to long pixie-style cuts, created to encourage hairstylists to embrace their creative freedom.

VISIT SALONMAGAZINE.CA TO WATCH THE ESSENTIAL LOOKS PRESENTATION, SEE MORE PHOTOS AND READ OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH ROSSA JURENAS.

Dark Romance — transported viewers into a fantasy world filled with mystery. The looks included deep hues of purple, violet, mauve, mushroom pink and petrol blue, with choppy layers, chin-length bobs and deconstructed fringe.

CREATIVE DIRECTION Simon Ellis HAIR Rossa Jurenas, Richard Ashforth, Lesley Jennison, Tyler Johnston salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021 67

Team Contessa 32 — Wella

The House of Childhood Freedom

by D&J Ambrose for Wella Professionals British award-winning hairstylist Darren Ambrose of D&J Ambrose returned to the Contessa Awards for the second consecutive year to premiere his new show produced exclusively for the Contessa Awards.

Filmed in an old Victorian-style house in London, England, Ambrose and his team took us on an Alice-in-Wonderland type journey, embracing whimsical themes reminiscent of one’s childhood. “When you take yourself back to those childhood years, it was full of fun, resilience, experimentation, inquisitive thought, and most of all exempt from external influences,” says Ambrose. “The film is about our year of isolation, but while inside our homes, we created and reinvented ourselves to emerge with a playful new beginning.”

With 11 different — looks, Ambrose used precision cutting techniques with broken lines created with slide cutting and razor cutting.

— For the colour, Ambrose and his team worked with natural red infused with yellow hues, midnight black with oxblood, dusty pinks and soft caramels and toffee browns. Rose gold, citrus neon, blue and red melted acrylics and ’90s-inspired gold wet looks were also featured in the presentation.

| Ambrose worked with his wife Jackie on all the extraordinary fashion styling, which featured couture pieces from Alexander McQueen and more. “The fashion aesthetic from D&J Ambrose comes from a strong love of always admiring how garments are created to fit and enhance the human body,” he says. “We don’t really think about it as our signature—we just do what gives us a buzz.”

HAIR Darren Ambrose MAKEUP John Christopher WARDROBE STYLING Jackie Ambrose CINEMATOGRAPHY Eddie Adamson 68 salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021

VISIT SALONMAGAZINE.CA TO WATCH THE PRESENTATION , SEE MORE PHOTOS AND READ OUR FULL INTERVIEW WITH DARREN AMBROSE.

➣ P U T A F I LT E R O N I T

See colour through a new lens with Revlon’s Nutri Color Filters.

➣

Mask Up!

Hairlines — NEWS

Looking to create personalized colour services for your fashionforward clients? Revlon Professional’s Nutri Color Filters should be on your radar. The line features unique 3-in-1 INSTA-PIC Technology, which provides hair with intense colour, care and shine, along with a range of 23 intermixable shades divided into three groups—Fashion Filters, Toning Filters and Mixing Filters. Powered by #lightwaves technology—co-created by Spain-based hairdressing group X-presion Creativos, who’ve developed a technique inspired by the path light takes when going through a filter—the unique colour placement adds dimension and movement to hair.

For those looking for an easy and safe way to change up their colour at home, Moroccanoil’s Color Depositing Masks colour hair while boosting its health from the inside out. The masks are infused with the brand’s ArganID to repair and seal the hair, along with an amino acid blend for colour protection, apricot kernel oil for hydration and hydrolyzed soy protein for additional strength. The masks are now available in two new shades: Copper for medium-blonde to medium-brown hair and Lilac for lightblonde to medium-blonde hair.

➣

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: REVLON PROFESSIONAL, OLIGO PROFESSIONNEL, GOLDWELL CANADA, MOROCCANOIL

Help clients change up their colour with the latest Color Depositing Masks from Moroccanoil.

Staying Neutral Get the perfect blend with Oligo’s Intense Neutral series.

The six shades are formulated to offer up to 50 per cent white hair blending and have been calibrated to deliver neutral results. Plus, the brand’s 13 Volume Cream Developer offers the perfect consistency for bowl and brush applications.

Each Intense Neutral Series kit comes fully stocked with everything you need: 12 shades (two of each), 13 Volume (4%) Cream Developer and a shade selector sheet, enabling you to deliver rich, perfectly blended colour results this season.

➣ Making Waves Transform your clients’ texture with Goldwell’s NUWAVE. With effortless beachy waves being a perennial go-to for many stylists and clients, Goldwell’s semi-permanent shape-change, in-salon service, NUWAVE, is sure to be a game changer. Thanks to the brand’s Smart Control Bond System technology, NUWAVE provides clients with their dream wavy style in four easy steps and can last up to three months. The system includes NUWAVE 1 Prep Cream, which softens bonds and begins the shape-change process, NUWAVE 2 Shaping Lotion, which activates open bonds and shifts hair into the desired shape, NUWAVE 3 Replenishing, which nourishes hair with keratin and amino-acids, and NUWAVE 4 Lock-In Fluid, which finishes the shape-changing process by locking the bonds and sealing in waves. Whether you’re creating classic, bouncy, messy waves or anything in between, you and your clients are sure to fall in love with the innovation, convenience and results of this service. Added bonus: It’s a great service to help build business in the salon! salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021 69

TW ICE AS NICE

➣

Recycle your styles with Healthy Sexy Hair’s Laundry Day and Re-Dew.

Help hair gleam with Redken’s Shine Flash and Oil for All. Help put away flyaways with Redken’s Shine Flash, a fine-mist aerosol spray that tames frizz while providing an instant silky finish to any look. Infused with camelina sativa seed oil for shine, panthenol for smoothness and polymers to create a flexible hold, the lightweight spray is easy to use on all hair types.

Redken has also introduced Oil for All, an invisible, multibenefit oil for smoother, softer and shinier hair. Formulated with a three-silicone blend that minimizes frizz and flyaways on all hair types, your clients will love their sleek and shiny finish.

For those looking to extend their styles, Healthy Sexy Hair’s Laundry Day is the solution they’ve been waiting for. The three-day, stylesaving dry shampoo not only absorbs oils at the roots, it helps retain hair’s natural moisture.

The product works on all hair types and has a residue-free finish.

And for just-left-the-salon looks, Re-Dew is an ultra-lightweight conditioning dry oil and re-styler spray that replenishes hair’s moisture, reduces breakage and provides lasting heat protection.

➣

Tone Zone Get beautifully toned results with Schwarzkopf Professional’s new BLONDME Blonde Toning range.

With blonding services continuing to be in high demand, maintaining your cooler blonde tones is top priority. With this in mind, Schwarzkopf Professional has upgraded their BLONDME toners with new neutral and cool tones, while also launching four new Deep Toning shades. All shades are now integrated with the brand’s Bond Enforcing Technology to help protect hair during the toning process. The ammonia-free line also includes seven new shades in the brand’s signature gel-crème texture for easier, faster application. Plus, all shades are fully intermixable, so colourists can meet the needs of every blonde client this season (and beyond).

➣ Ash, Ash, Baby Neutralize unwanted warm tones with Joico’s LumiShine Ash Ash Series.

This seven-shade lineup of permanent crème and demi-permanent liquid colour increases hair’s shine and reduces breakage while neutralizing warm tones and providing long-lasting colour. Infused with the brand’s ArgiPlex Technology—a bond builder that promotes colour longevity, vibrancy and shine—the line will help you provide clients with healthy-looking, multidimensional results they’ll love.

70 salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021

PHOTOS CLOCKWISE: REDKEN CANADA, SEXY HAIR, PRAVANA, ZOTOS PROFESSIONAL, KENRA, MATRIX CANADA, JOICO CANADA, SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL CANADA

Hairlines — NEWS

Silky, Shiny, Smooth

INCLUDES HINTS OF TANGERINE, JASMINE AND SANDALWOOD AROMAS!

➣

➣

CURL UP

No matter what your client’s hair texture or type may be, this new curl care and styling line is all about helping them embrace their natural texture. Infused with oils and extracts that nourish, defrizz and define curls, All About Curls is silicone- and paraben-free, and includes eight different products. From the No-Lather Cleanser that cleans hair while avoiding dryness and frizz, to the High Definition Gel for taming unruly curls, your clients are sure to thank you for helping them flaunt their natural beauty.

THE PRACTICAL AND SQUEEZABLE TOP-DOWN PACKAGING AND TUBE MADE FROM RECYCLABLE ALUMINUM AND PLASTIC ARE NOT ONLY CONVENIENT, THEY’RE MORE SUSTAINABLE!

Give hair extensions some extra love with Matrix’s Total Results Length Goals.

Since extension services are an investment for your clients, help them maintain their locks with products made specifically for them. Co-created with leading extensions brand Bellami, Length Goals is the first professional range to prepare, maintain and revive all types of extensions. From Cleanse, the line’s sulfate-free shampoo that’s specifically designed for the gentle cleansing of extension hair and wigs to Restore, an extensionspecific conditioner with detangling and nourishing properties, your clients will be totally “wigging out” for these products! Plus, Perfect, the line’s leave-in spray with heat protection, truly lives up to its name and is the perfect way for clients with wigs or extensions to finish their haircare routine for better-looking and longerlasting hair extensions!

➣

Going the ➣ Distance

Hairlines — NEWS

Show your curly-haired clients some love with Zotos Professional’s All About Curls.

Say hello to luminous, multidimensional colour with Pravana’s ChromaSilk Pearl Series.

Did you know that pearls are a symbol of eternal beauty?

Inspired by the iridescence of Mother of Pearl, the new ChromaSilk Pearl Series is a single-step permanent colour series that uses soft pink and silver hues to help tone and add reflection, without adding warmth. Available in five shades that range from Extra Light Sheer Blonde to Dark Pearl Blonde, the line is created with silk and keratin amino acids to help penetrate deep into the hair fiber for long-lasting, high-shine colour. Added bonus: These often delicate, hard-to-mix tones are available in one tube for easy use.

➣

Pretty as a Pearl

Imaginative Colour Take natural and bold colours to the next level with Kenra Color’s Creatives.

Whether your clients want to make a statement with their hair colour or simply want to switch to a new, naturallooking shade, Kenra Color has got them covered with a unique palette consisting of 13 intermixable semi-permanent shades. From increased vibrancy to colour that lasts up to 50 washes, Creatives shades are divided into two categories: Trendy Chic for natural and sophisticated tones, and Classically Bold for everything from fun and saturated to smokey and pastel shades.

The line also has a new Color Remover, which contains a creamy formula to gently lift semi-permanent hair colour so you and your clients can easily try on multiple looks.

salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021 71

Events —

—

Goldwell unveiled their latest couture collection, Night Moves, which combines trends for 2021 with playful, retro-inspired influences.

—

Kao Salon Virtual Experience The company held its first-ever virtual event, which was attended by thousands of hairstylists and beauty professionals from around the world. While their annual hair competition was postponed until 2021, there was no shortage of inspiration and education, with artist panels, product development sessions and the highly anticipated gala show.

When: October 18-19, 2020

With the tagline #CreativityNeverStops, Kao Salon Virtual Experience was hosted

by John Moroney, VP and global creative director for Kao Salon Division. It featured a wide range of educational sessions from the brand’s leading artists, including Mario Krankl, Shane Bennett Mazella & Partners and more.

72 salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021

The show also marked the official debut of Angelo Seminara, global ambassador for Goldwell, who premiered his latest collection, GLANCE.

Moving Up

PHOTOS: KAO SALON VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE, X-PRESION COURTESY OF COMUNICAHAIR, WELLA PROFESSIONALS, L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL

In celebration of their 15th anniversary, Spain-based hairstyling powerhouse X-presion Creativos held a virtual event to provide an immersive experience that combined cutting-edge hairstyling with mindfulness and meditation. Complete with a live, onstage demo and runway show, the event focused on helping hairstylists recharge their batteries while inspiring them to take their craft to the next level.

When: October 18, 2020

Scoop —

Reset: A Transformative Event

by X-presion Creativos

Stephan Arsenault has been appointed the new president of L’Oréal Canada Professional Products Division (PPD) and will be replacing Quoc Chay, who is taking on a new assignment with the company. Arsenault has been with the L’Oréal Group since 2003 and was formerly working as the senior vice president, category management for L’Oréal USA. He has a rich understanding of the industry with a strong strategic vision and leadership skills that will help him easily transition into this new role.

Fresh Start Global investment firm KKR— the majority stakeholder of Coty’s professional beauty division— has appointed Annie Young-Scrivner as Wella’s new CEO. Young-Scrivner, has worked for leading companies around the world and is replacing Sylvie Moreau, who’s decided to step down. “I am honoured to join Wella at such a pivotal time in the brand’s history,” says YoungScrivner. “I’ve long admired Wella’s iconic brands and breakthrough innovations, and I am looking forward to engaging with the team as we work to grow the portfolio of brands.”

Wella has appointed Deanna Spielman as their new education leader for Canada. Spielman, who was formerly Wella’s regional education manager, has more than 20 years of experience in professional beauty. Her relevant knowledge and insight will help Wella’s education grow and meet the evolving needs of hairstylists and salons across Canada.

salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021 73

WE MAY HAVE BEEN PHYSICALLY APART FOR THIS YEAR’S CONTESSA AWARDS, BUT WE FELT MORE CONNECTED THAN EVER! WE ENJOYED SEEING YOUR POSTS AND HOW YOU ALL CELEBRATED THE BIG NIGHT. HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITES.

@J OA N N OVA K

Good luck to all Contessa Finalists and to @denisecmeikle @danalysenghair @michellepargee #queen #contessa2021

@ H A I R BY H A N VA N C I T Y

Last year, I wrote in my journal I wanted to be a contessa finalist and contessa winner.

Well, tonight that came true. Thank you @salonmagazine and all the INCREDIBLE judges, i am forever grateful!!!!!!!

@ L K R E I L LY 1 0

10 minutes until the Virtual Contessa Awards begins. Congratulations and good luck to all Finalists!

74 salonmagazine.ca / January+February 2021

@DEFINE _H A IR _ STUDIO

CONTESSA READY!!! Huge shout out to everyone who made our dream a reality! This honour of being nominated top 5 is everything to us to have the recognition amongst our industry and across Canada.

@J E S S YJ I N S T Y L I S T

This year is little different than usual. Virtual gettogether starting in few hours. I am so excited to have this inspiring moment to watch amazing Hairdressers creativity and innovative work. Congratulations to everyone who made it to be a finalist. Cheers

@ISA BELCW ILSON

Sharing tonight with my favourite people!!!!

My mom who signed me up for hairdressing!!!

My daughter Amy.

@ K AT H YS I M O N M E K K A

This is how “getting ready for a gala” looks in 2020. @salonmagazine CONTESSA AWARDS tonight!

@ C O L O U R BY V I C T O R I A

Matched my lipstick to my hair tonight for the virtual #contessa2021 award show! So excited to be a finalist for Canadian Colourist of the Year along with @ashleylindsay.hair who’s up for Ontario Hairstylist.

@ FA S T F O I L S

Congratulations to all the winners for @salonmagazine #ContessaAwards2021!

It was so nice to see all the amazing submissions.

PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM

#Contessa2021 —

Staying Connected

N OW AVAI L ABLE !

GLOSS MEN

Our revolutionary demi-permanent hair colour has a new manly counterpart!

Calura Gloss MEN shades and co-washes subtly blend white hair up to 50%.

Available in 3 levels for the perfect blend! oligopro.com

PLAY IT COOL NEW ASH ASH SERIES

7 GORGEOUS, BRASSNEUTRALIZING SHADES

REPAIR+ PERMANENT CRÈME & DEMI-PERMANENT LIQUID COLOR

JOICO.CA ©2021 Distributed by Joico, a division of Henkel Corporation, Culver City, CA 90230 USA. Imported by Henkel Canada Corporation, Mississauga, ON L5N 6C3. HAIR & COLOR Larisa Love PHOTO Hama Sanders