Salon Magazine, November/December 2024 by Salon Communications Inc.

LUXURY & DESIGN

BENEFITS OF

ofering premium products and services

INTERIOR design tips and tricks

HOW TO reﬁne your haircutting and ﬁnishing techniques

AirLight Pro

Our ﬁrst professional hair dryer powered by infrared light. Faster drying1. Less energy consumption1. No hair damage2. WORLDWIDE PREMIER Available Now.

The science of infrared light.

Infrared is a natural form of energy, part of the natural light spectrum of the sun. Powerful yet safe, its light carries heat that travels faster than any other form of energy.

Unlike traditional hair dryers strictly relying on hot coils warming air around your head, infrared light directly targets water molecules, and replicating natural evaporation at accelerated speed, reducing the time hair is exposed to heat.

Tested and approved by top hair pros.

“It’s more than a hair dryer, it’s a proﬁle builder, you can customize it to whoever is in your chair.” Louis Byrne.

“We clearly see the difference in texture. The hair is sheathed, it looks stronger. I’m amazed.”

Adrien Tavolieri.

Discover an ultra-personalised and connected user experience.

SAM JAMES, SJ ESTABLISHMENT, AUSTRALIA

“We teach people about the importance of highgrade products. The education of the stylist is going to translate down to the clientele that walks through the door.”

JESSICA MCCOLM, SENIOR REGIONAL EDUCATION MANAGER FOR WESTERN CANADA FOR ALTERNA HAIRCARE

ON THE COVER: HAIR: ANDREW SMITH, ANDREW SMITH SALONS, U.K. MAKEUP: LOUISE LEREGO, PHOTO: RICHARD MILES

FEATURE

The Perks of Premium

With more clients willing to spend more on beauty and self-care, it’s time to rethink your guests’ experience by elevating your in-salon services with luxurious offerings. Get expert tips on how to reap the rewards to help boost your business.

FEATURE

The Art of Interior Design

Designing your salon space for the best client and team experience can be tricky. Let us help guide you through this process with dos and don’ts from salon owners and interior designers.

INSPIRATION Collections

Julie Vriesinga; Janet Jackson; Ben Barkworth; Andrew Smith; Sam James; HOB Academy Creative Team

54 CONTESSA GALLERY

Courtney Chung

Meet this Edmonton-based hairstylist, whose collection was inspired by space, Ariana Grande and Sailor Moon.

See the Contessa 2025 ﬁnalists! November+ December 2024

Editor’s Letter

LET’S GET DIGITAL SalonMagazine.ca

If you’re looking to stay updated on the latest industry news, Contessa announcements, trends, techniques and business tips, our website is a must-read.

56 PROFILE

Golden Touch

Discover how editorial hairstylist Ruslan Nureev mastered styling and finishing and why he believes in the power of premium haircare. Plus, learn about his journey of working with celebrities.

58 BUSINESS

The Business of Luxury

Check out our spotlight on ways to incorporate luxurious design and service upgrades to enhance the client experience.

WHAT’S NEW Hairlines

Get holiday-ready with the latest product launches in haircare, colour, styling and more. Plus, explore this year’s holiday sets, brush up on your haircutting artistry and get the scoop on trendy coffee-inspired and cherry cola hair colour.

60 Events + Scoop

SALON SOURCE Colourful Learning

Learn about Wella Company’s partnership with MC College as the official hair brand for the beauty school’s Western Canada campuses.

JULIE VRIESINGA, SALON ENTRENOUS, LONDON, ONT.

BEN BARKWORTH, JUSTB SALON, TORONTO

Salon Magazine

Quiet Luxury

In life, there are many different types of luxuries. While some may equate these to material goods, they can also apply to experiences, feelings and services.

My perception of luxury has evolved over the years. Growing up as the youngest member of a working middle-class family, I didn’t “want” for anything. As I look back fondly on my childhood, I can admit that I was spoiled. While I can see how these overindulgences have shaped my childhood, teenage years and early adulthood, I can reflect back from a different perspective now and realize that true luxury is more about quality than quantity.

As many of you have the luxury of owning your own businesses (which, in today’s economic climate, is no easy feat), having the autonomy to set your own hours and prices is something no one should take for granted. After all, it’s easy to forget that it was only a few years ago that everything came to a grinding halt in our industry.

With this being our Luxury & Design issue, we want to encourage you to rethink the salon experience from a client’s perspective and look at ways to go the extra mile without breaking the bank.

In “The Perks of Premium” (page 29), we checked in with salon owners and hairstylists for their tips on infusing luxury into the salon experience to help increase business and elevate your clientele.

Most would agree that a luxury salon begins with its plush surroundings, so we caught up with interior design experts and salon owners in “The Art of Interior Design” (page 34) for their advice and inspiration to take your space to the next level.

In “The Business of Luxury” (page 58), the owners of two successful luxury salons share their hot takes for offering a premium experience that transcends both design and service.

For me, I also find it a luxury to be able to do what I love: meeting and connecting with people from all walks of life, and seeing and hearing their passion for the truly amazing industry of hairdressing. And there’s no better time to do so than at the Contessa Awards! Tickets are on sale now. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Veronica Boodhan Editorial Director

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Veronica Boodhan veronica@salonmagazine.ca

ART DIRECTOR Barbara Burrows

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Beatriz Ferreira Silva beatriz@salonmagazine.ca

DIGITAL SPECIALIST Shanice Romelus shanice@salonmagazine.ca

CONTRIBUTORS Aleah Balas, Lauren Farrugia, Lucy Mazzucco, Corinna Reeves

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Ignite Your Inspiration

Explore our extensive archive of editorial collections by top hairstylists from around the world. Get ready to fuel your creativity and discover new ideas to help elevate your next creative shoot.

} Be in the Know

Time to Celebrate!

The 36th annual Contessa Awards gala is just around the corner. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable event! Get your tickets now and be part of the celebration. Plus, check out the finalist collections.

DREAM JOB

Looking for a fresh start ahead of the new year? Browse our professional beauty job board for the latest industry opportunities from across Canada.

Get the inside scoop by subscribing to our weekly newsletter for exclusive updates on the latest industry news, expert tips and Contessa announcements delivered to your inbox.

Holiday Magic

’Tis the season for show-stopping glam! Follow our step-by-step guides for recreating dazzling hair looks that are sure to make your clients the star of the party.

WELCOME THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH NEW LAUNCHES IN HAIRCARE, STYLING, COLOUR AND MORE.

Showcasing bold colour placement and striking Pantone shades, Pluralism—created by British award-winning hairstylist Darren Ambrose—celebrates the beauty of nonconformist style. Paying tribute to Tim Burton and inspired by urban street style, the collection combines a wide range of textured looks and hair finishes with vintage, layered wardrobe styling to intensify the rebellious vibe of each model.

Take Cover

Revitalize your clients’ grey hair with Moroccanoil’s Color Rhapsody Ultimates Permanent Cream Color.

Helping to target even the most stubborn grey or white hair, Moroccanoil’s latest colour offers consistent, total coverage that lasts for more than nine weeks. This updated version of the brand’s Color Rhapsody Permanent Cream Color now provides full results for highly resistant (or more than 50 per cent) grey hair while treating it with caring ingredients. The pre-mixed shades include ArganID technology (which uses positively charged micro-particles to reach negatively charged hair fibres) and ProArginine (which expands the cuticle to absorb hair colour). Additionally, this long-lasting colour cream works to increase hair strength, smoothness and shine while reducing breakage by up to 64 per cent.

Versatile Style

Transform your look without compromise with Sebastian Professional’s No.Breaker Leave-In Bonding & Styling Cream.

This leave-in styling cream is the latest addition to the brand’s No.Breaker Bonding System and is designed to provide flexible hold and volume while deeply nourishing and protecting hair. Helping to build bonds and create volume while conditioning and offering heat protection up to 230°C, it can also be paired with Sebastian’s Leave-In Treatment Spray to help style and restyle hair with 99 per cent less breakage for healthy and frizz-free results.

Hello Deﬁ nition, Goodbye Frizz

Embrace texture this season with Joico’s Curls Like Us.

Help your clients celebrate the beauty of their natural hair texture with Joico’s new curl-dedicated line, which is designed to simplify your styling routine while delivering optimal results. Formulated with algae oil, moringa seed oil and vegan protein, this trio helps create bouncy, hydrated and defined curls that will hold without weighing hair down. The Smooth & Bounce Curl Hydrating Foam has a light hold that enhances curl patterns while protecting hair from humidity and frizz for up to 72 hours and can be used regularly for continuous results. For a healthy look and feel, the Hydrate & Define Curl Crème Styler makes hair 88 per cent more resistant to breakage by gently coating curls and coils for naturally defined results while also offering heat protection up to 450°F. For stronger hold, the Define & Seal Curl Defining Gelée provides buildable medium hold and heat protection while sealing in moisture and shielding hair from humidity.

Uniquely You

Bring out your clients’ individuality with Goldwell’s Topchic Iconic Muted Collection.

Ranging from bold coppers to warm brunettes to cool blonde tones, the six new earthy shades have been curated to help you create naturallooking results. Available in the brand’s Topchic Zero, a vegan and ammonia-free colour line, the collection also features two new trend looks— Airy Brunette (with a subtle ombré effect) and Nouveau Copper (with elegant auburn tones)— along with Iconic Muted techniques, Muted Ombre and Color Melting.

Better Bounce

Replenishing Moisture

Hair Oil and revamped Moisture Masque.

Restore and maintain hydrated, deﬁned and refreshed curls with Redken’s Acidic Bonding Curls Styling Trio.

Formulated with the brand’s Curl-Bond Technology, which includes citric acid, glycine and urea, Redken’s Acidic Bonding Curls (ABC) line includes a shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatment that penetrate and internally repair damaged curls.

To continue caring for curls, you can combine them with the brand’s Curls Styling Trio for hydrated, lightweight and defined curls that can last up to 72 hours. The Hydrating Curl Cream provides detangling and hydration with 450°F heat protection. The Sculpting Curl Gel helps style curls without a flaky, crunchy feel. To maintain and refresh your hair between washes, the Refreshing Curl Mist reactivates and rehydrates even seventh-day curls.

Alterna Haircare has expanded its Replenishing Moisture line, which is formulated with marine plant extracts such as plankton, ascophyllum, sea kelp, fucus and sea fennel to deeply condition and protect hair from damage caused by combing. The new Replenishing Moisture Hair Oil can be used as a leave-in treatment or ﬁnisher to help boost shine and softness without weight or greasiness. It also prevents damage, with heat protection up to 450°F, and ofers nine times more resistance to breakage while ﬁghting frizz for up to 72 hours. The reformulated Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Masque provides intense nourishing for up to 24 hours of frizz control and a silky soft look and feel with 11 times more strength.

Help your clients combat hair loss this season with Nioxin’s Ultimate Power Hair Fall Defense Shampoo.

Don’t let winter blues afect your clients’ hair by introducing them to this innovative shampoo that is clinically proven to strengthen strands and reduce hair loss. This cleansing shampoo is infused with niacinamide, lauric acid, cafeine and Sandalore to remove buildup and nourish the scalp for visibly stronger hair growth in just 12 weeks.

Condition, repair and protect with Intense Gloss

Treatment from KMS.

The ColorVitality Intense Gloss treatment is formulated with upcycled pomegranate to restore colour vibrancy and shine while helping to boost hair strength by 99 per cent and make detangling four times easier. To help mend damage, the Moist Repair Intense Restore Treatment uses the conditioning power of prickly pear to significantly reduce split ends and breakage for hair that’s 20 times stronger. As an added bonus, both treatments are vegan, PETA-approved and made with natural ingredients. Plus, they come in biodegradable pouches, so you can feel good about combining high performance with sustainability.

Weightless Waves

Achieve smoother waves with the latest products from Matrix’s A Curl Can Dream line.

This new range of products dedicated to waves can help your clients attain defined and shiny curls without weight or unwanted frizz for up to 48 hours. The line includes Weightless Moisture Shampoo, Weightless Moisture Conditioner and Scrunch N’ Go Defining Spray, which work together to penetrate hair for deep moisture, achieving defined, bouncy and more manageable curls. The products are infused with manuka honey extract, which is a natural humectant to lock in hydration and nutrients, along with rose water for definition and light moisture.

Instant Repair

Restore your clients’ hair from cortex to cuticle with Olaplex’s No. 5 Moisture & Mend Leave-In Conditioner.

Formulated with the brand’s innovative Bond Building Technology, this leave-in conditioner mends disulfide bonds to repair and protect hair from future damage and deeply moisturize for instant conditioning results. The High-Adhesion Sealing Complex repairs split ends, and the Hydramino Replenishing Blend finishes the treatment with intense hydration for shiny, easy-to-detangle hair.

PHOTO: KMS, OLAPLEX, MATRIX

A Vision for Success

How milk_shake is thriving and evolving with fresh vision under new leadership.

the success of our customers and brands,” said Couts. “What I love most about Beautynova is the shared belief that we will succeed only if our salon customers succeed. This is increasingly rare in our industry, and I fully embrace these ideals.”

With a decorated career in the professional beauty industry, Cory Couts, President of Beautynova Americas, brings leadership and passion to milk_shake®, DEPOT® and Medavita in North America. Couts began his journey in the professional beauty industry as a salon manager, and it was not long until he fell in love with the industry and the people in it. Putting beauty professionals ﬁ rst has been one of Couts’ core values, throughout his career.

As the new leader of Beautynova Americas, Couts is focused on sharing his deep appreciation of the industry, through innovation and a vision of shared success. “My role at Beautynova Americas is to bring our vision, created by our CEO, Stefano Banfo, to life in the Americas and to expand and accelerate

For milk_shake® specifically, there has become a cult following of super users, especially of the take-home products, based on the performance and the unique sensorial experience of each one. “Our milk_shake® color, which has impressive performance, is a favorite of salons and stylists,” said Couts. “We have cracked the code on providing stellar performance while ensuring salons can be more profitable on a per application basis. This is all part of putting salons first.”

For milk_shake® speciﬁ cally, there has become a cult following of super users, especially of the take-home products, based on the performance and the unique sensorial experience of each one.

“We love the buzz, and we hear every day about being a ‘best kept secret’ and we are trying to let that secret out! The ﬁrst thing I would want professionals to know is that the color is amazing and performs on par with any of their current

favorite brands,” said Couts. “Regarding our take-home products, our salons tell us these products sell themselves. Repeat purchases tell us their clients are extremely impressed and loyal.”

Michelle Lundy, owner of Hello Beautiful—an independent distributor in London, Ont.,—knows ﬁ rst hand how the power of a high-performance product can impact a beauty business. After being introduced to milk_shake® by a stylist friend, Lundy was inspired to spread the word. She opened Hello Beautiful soon after as a sole product distributor.

“Hello Beautiful has been a long-time dream for me, and I knew the timing was right when I found the milk_shake® product line,” said Lundy. “It reinvigorated the passion I have for the industry, and brought me back to where I started. We are a small, ‘grass roots’ distributorship that believes in partnering with salons, providing them with an outstanding product line, and providing them with outstanding customer service!”

“I have seen and led many beautiful brands and can safely say our brands are incredible,” added Couts. “This is not just in my opinion, but the opinion of those who have used them. Our job is to ensure more people become aware of the brands so they can fall in love with them, too.”

More information at milkshakehairpro.com.

SPONSORED

Cory Couts, President of Beautynova Americas

Shine Bright

Create shiny hair while embracing sustainability with the relaunch of Kérastase’s Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale.

Made with an enhanced formula, the new-and-improved Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale now features French camellia, which is highly concentrated with antioxidants and fatty acids to help deliver frizz control, shine and softness while helping to protect hair from UV-induced damage and heat. While the fragrance of the new formula remains the same, silicone oil has been removed to help reduce its environmental impact. It’s also now available in a refillable packaging that allows stylists and clients to reuse the glass bottle to increase recyclability and reduce its carbon footprint. The case and refill packaging are both fully recyclable (with the exception of the pump), and the new packaging is made from 30 per cent recycled glass, with the refill bottle being made from 95 per cent recycled plastic.

One-Stop Shop

Upgrade your clients’ online shopping experience with Vagaro’s inventory update.

Achieve

luxurious, crystal-like ﬁnish with Oribe’s Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment.

Glassy is in! Inspired by luxury skin care and high-gloss trends, this treatment uses glass-hair technology, a plant-based hydration complex and softening polymer blends, to smooth the cuticle, lock in moisture and condition for intensely hydrated hair that’s softer, shinier and healthier-looking in less than one minute.

Take the organization of your online inventory to the next level with Vagaro’s most recent update. Now, you can sort products by colour, size, shape, volume and more and even include ingredients and instructions with Additional Details. By giving your clients autonomy and flexibility in their shopping experience, you can boost their satisfaction, make your business more competitive and allow yourself to learn about your customers’ preferences. Installation is a simple threestep process. Best of all, Vagaro offers a 30-day free trial, so you can try it for yourself!

Visit vagaro.com for more information.

PHOTO (CLOCKWISE): KÉRASTASE, ORIBE, VAGARO, SHU UEMURA, BALMAIN HAIR COUTURE

Healthy Colour

Enhance the vibrancy and strength of colour-treated hair with Shu Uemura Art of Hair’s Color Lustre Sealer Spray.

This lightweight cream mist is infused with sake kasu, a Japanese ancestral beauty secret that’s rich in antioxidants for moisture, strength and UV damage control. It also contains niacinamide, a popular skincare ingredient that works to give hair body and shine. Together, the spray detangles and smooths hair while preserving 96 per cent of colour and reducing breakage by 98 per cent.

Celebrate Balmain Hair’s 50th anniversary with its DNA Collection.

Rediscover Balmain Hair’s signature and bestselling products with this sumptuous collection of eight products that are sure to add an extra dose of luxury to your clients’ haircare routines. The DNA Collection includes the brand’s Couleurs Couture Shampoo, Conditioner and Mask, which are formulated with Argan Moisturizing Elixir, silk and cashmere protein to gently cleanse, condition and deeply nourish while preserving colour. The Texturizing Salt Spray adds sea-salt texture and deﬁnition for perfect beach waves that are humidity resistant and protected from environmental damage. The Texturizing Volume Spray is ideal for adding lift and body for long-lasting results. For damaged hair in need of extra conditioning, the Argan Moisturizing Elixir is formulated with an innovative blend of oils and minerals to help increase hair elasticity and shine. The Overnight Repair Serum ofers intense care with a combination of natural oils, extracts and vitamins. Additionally, the line includes Balmain Hair’s Signature Hair Perfume, with notes of star anise, tarragon, pinewood, peach blossom, raspberry, gardenia, orange blossom, cloves, jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang, apricot, lilac amber, vanilla, sandalwood, cedar wood, balsamic and white musk.

Happy Holidays

Stock up this season with the latest holiday gift sets featuring limited-edition professional beauty products.

Dazzling Duos

Offer high performance and value with Redken’s iconic Holiday Duos, featuring six of its most beloved product lines. Whether it’s to repair damage, restore curls or preserve colour, Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate, Acidic Bonding Curls and Acidic Color Gloss sets have something for everyone. The brand’s All Soft, Extreme Length and Volume Injection sets can help address specific haircare and styling concerns, such as dryness, breakage and flat hair.

Hair to Celebrate

Offer your clients a holiday assortment that combines art and luxury products with Moroccanoil’s gift sets— tailored to some of the most common hair needs. Each one includes the brand’s signature Moroccanoil Treatment, along with haircare and styling products.

Merry Manes

• For glossy, moisturized hair, the Holiday Hydration Hair Set includes Hydrating Shampoo, Conditioner and All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner.

• For smooth results, the Holiday Frizz Hair Set includes Frizz Control Shampoo, Conditioner and Frizz Shield Spray.

• Ideal for damaged hair, the Holiday Repair Hair Set features Moisture Repair Shampoo, Conditioner and All-in-One Leave-In Conditioner.

• For clients who love volume, the Holiday Volume Hair Set has the brand’s Extra Volume Shampoo, Extra Volume Conditioner, Volumizing Mist and Treatment Light.

• For clients looking for stocking stuffer ideas, the brand’s Holiday Ornaments include options with Moroccanoil Treatment, Moroccanoil Treatment Light or Brumes du Maroc Hair & Body Fragrance Mist.

The Davines Advent Calendar is a fun way to build excitement for the holidays and count down the days until Christmas. The calendar contains the brand’s OI Shampoo and Conditioner, All-in-One Milk and Hand Balm, along with MOMO Shampoo and Conditioner, Naturaltech Renewing Shampoo, DEDY/Micellar Water, TCC Spotlight Mask, LOVE/Smoothing Bar, This is a Primer and This is a Sea Salt Spray.

Proudly Canadian

DesignMe has unveiled its holiday-exclusive gift sets, including a limited-edition collaboration with Framar.

• For clients who love the spotlight, DesignMe’s Volume Mane Character Kit features the brand’s Puff.Me Volumizing Shampoo, Conditioner and Treatment Whip.

DESIGNME HAS ALSO TEAMED UP WITH FRAMAR TO INTRODUCE TIED UP IN VOLUME TO CELEBRATE BOTH COMPANIES’ CANADIAN HERITAGE. DESIGNED FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR VOLUME THIS SEASON, THE SET INCLUDES A FRAMAR DETANGLING BRUSH, DESIGNME PUFF. ME VOLUMIZING MOUSSE AND AN EXCLUSIVE KEYCHAIN, EACH ADORNED WITH RED BOWS FOR FESTIVE FLAIR.

• DesignMe’s Bliss Bundles offer travel-size versions of the Puff.Me, Gloss.Me and Bounce.Me Shampoo and Conditioner with Puff.Me Volumizing Treatment Whip and Fab.Me Leave-In Treatment, Gloss.Me Serum and Hydrating Treatment Mask and Bounce.Me Curl Balm and Curl Spray Gel.

• For all your clients’ styling needs this season, DesignMe’s Hairnaments sets include travel-size Puff.Me Dry Texture Spray, Volumizing Mousse and Volumizing Whip, Quickie.Me Dry Shampoo Light Tones and Dark Tones, Gloss.Me Hair Serum and Treatment Mask, Bounce.Me Curl Spray Gel and Curl Balm and Hold.Me Three-Way Hairspray.

Twice as Nice

• All of DesignMe’s sets are housed in reusable, colour-coded cosmetic bags.

Playful Products

Help clients get holiday-hair-ready from prep to finish with Kenra’s holiday styling duos. Prep & Protect helps prepare the style’s foundation with the moisturizing power of the brand’s Pearl Detangler and heat protection from its Blow-Dry Spray. The Volume duo includes Volume Mousse Extra and Volume Mist to help add flexible and lightweight volume to hair. To lock styles in place, Kenra’s Perfect Medium Spray Duo includes two spray cans for strong hold without stiffness. To freshen up between celebrations, the Texture Refresh duo includes Volume Dry Shampoo and Dry Texture Spray, which absorbs oil and sweat while refreshing hair in between washes.

Level up your clients’ hair this season with amika’s arcade-inspired limited-edition gift sets. To strengthen and repair hair, the Play Your Strength set includes the brand’s The Kure bond repair shampoo, conditioner and mask. For those looking to freshen up their style between washes, the Perk Up Power-Up Dry Shampoo Duo includes a full-size and travel-size dry shampoo. For a stocking stuffer idea, the Mission: Minis set includes travel-size versions of the brand’s bestselling Perk Up Power-Up Dry Shampoo, The Wizard Detangling Primer and Soulfood Nourishing Mask.

Cool Collaboration

Redken names Sabrina Carpenter as its ﬁrst global ambassador.

After sharing teaser videos and photos on social media, Redken has announced Sabrina Carpenter as its first global ambassador. The singer and actress, who is often compared to Marilyn Monroe for her signature blonde locks and celebrity status, has quickly become a popculture sensation, with millions of fans streaming her music and watching her viral content. Carpenter credits Redken with maintaining her signature blonde shade and swears by the brand’s Shades EQ hair colour. Her first campaign features Redken’s Acidic Bonding Concentrate collection. Additionally, Redken is the official haircare partner for the singer’s Short n’ Sweet U.S. tour.

Global Recognition

The Canadian winners of Kao’s 2024 Global Creative Awards.

Winning Transformation

Wella announces the winners of its 2024 Beauty Envision Awards.

The annual photo and video hairdressing and nail art competition has returned with entries from across North America in four main categories and 12 subcategories! For this year’s Beauty Envision Awards, Wella asked entrants to embrace the theme of Super Self, described as being “inspired by the essence and beauty of the golden hour” and “cultural shift toward self-expression and empowerment.” Embracing individuality and inclusivity, Super Self is a celebration of confidence and encourages people to practise self-love with “bold statements, eclectic combinations and a fusion of styles from different eras, reflecting the dynamic nature of personal expression,” with colour trends drawing off human emotions, ranging from light pastels to bright neons. Congratulations to Vicky Tadros of Waterloo, Ont., on winning the Transformative Color Artist category! This year’s winners receive a $1,000 cash prize, valuable connections and industry recognition, along with a complete Wella certification (up to two years’ worth of education, valued at more than US$6,500) for hair categories (and an OPI VIP experience for nail categories).

Kao Salon Division has announced the gold, silver and bronze winners of its 2024 Global Creative Awards. The annual photo-based competition consists of three technical categories (New Talent Colourist of the Year, Creative Colourist of the Year and Creative Haircutter of the Year), as well as two editorial categories (Men’s Hairstylist of the Year and Avant Garde Hairstylist of the Year).

This year, two Canadians were recognized among the global winners from Australia, China, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Spain, Taiwan, Vietnam and the United Kingdom.

Congratulations to Tina Casciato of Renaissance Salon & Estetica in St. Catharines, Ont., on winning gold for Creative Colourist of the Year. Gold winners receive an international gold trophy, a three-day trip to London, social media coverage and worldwide press and editorial coverage with Estetica Magazine, plus a £2,500 cash prize!

Cheers to Sharon LeClair of Shades of Color in Bedford, N.S., for earning the bronze award for Creative Haircutter of the Year!

A special shoutout to Abby Bruneel of Renaissance Salon & Estetica in St. Catharines, Ont., on being the Canadian gold winner (and a global finalist) for New Talent Colourist of the Year.

Artistic Nail Design

No Pictures, Please!—a gold glitter from the Replay collection—is sure to boost your clients’ glow for the holidays.

CND

Prepare for a majestic snowy season with Day to Knight, a shiny silver shade from the Queen-Tessential collection.

Gelish

Your clients will feel conﬁdent for their celebrations with You Sweater Believe It, a soft silver metallic shade from the brand’s A Fuzzy Feeling collection.

Autumn/Winter Glam

From fall’s earthy colours to winter’s sparkling hues, these celebrity nails can help inspire you for your clients’ next nail look.

1 Actress and singer Hailee Steinfeld embraced autumnal tones with this chocolate-cherry manicure, created by celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik.

2 Nail artist Eri Ishizu added a touch of silver shimmer to these tortoiseshell nails for actress Kate Beckinsale.

4 For Ayo Edebiri, Ishizu created a sheer blackand-metallic combination with OPI’s GelColor for the actress and comedian’s Emmy-winning moment.

OPI

Embrace the magical vibes of the holiday season with Oh, For Oz Sake, a white polish with pearlescent pink and green from the ﬁlm-inspired Wicked collection.

3 It looks like model and businesswoman Hailey Bieber might be giving a nod to her new baby boy, Jack Blues Bieber, with this midnight shade from celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt.

Spellbinding Shades

5 For her latest project, actress, director and producer Olivia Wilde rocked Gothic black nails adorned with silver crosses, created by Ganzorigt.

6 Ganzorigt also designed this white sparkly look for singer Sabrina Carpenter at the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards.

Orly

Help your clients shine bright with Double Diamond, a shimmery silver polish from the Après Ski collection.

Inspired by the highly anticipated film Wicked, the OPI x Wicked collection features 12 limitededition colours, including crèmes, pearls and shimmers, that are meant to be reminiscent of the mesmerizing world of The Wizard of Oz Available in the brand’s GelColor, Infinite Shine and Nail Lacquer formulas, the shades include Deflying Gravity, a black with blue-andsilver shimmer; Nessa-ist Rose, a rosy red crème; Let’s Rejoicify, a purple with red-andgold shimmer; Oz-mazing, a light gold shimmer; Witch O’Clock, a positively green crème; Fiyero’s My Mani, a cobalt blue; Ga-Linda, a light pink shimmer; Oh, For Oz Sake, a white with pearlescent pink and green; Ozitively Elphaba, a green with pearlescent gold; I’m the Wonderfullest, a blue with multicoloured shimmer; Glinda the Good!, a hot-pink shimmer; and Love You So Munchkin, a yellow-and-gold shimmer. In addition, OPI is introducing Infinite Shine glow-in-the-dark green OPI’m Phosphorescent!

REFINE YOUR HAIRCUTTING AND FINISHING TECHNIQUES TO HELP YOUR SHORTHAIRED CLIENTS LOOK AND FEEL THEIR BEST THIS SEASON.

Coifed

Cuts

Over the past few years, many clients have enjoyed growing out their hair for longer, lived-in styles. Now, there’s an influx of clients who are looking to make the chop, opting for shorter, more refined styles for the upcoming holiday season.

“We’ve noticed that the holiday season often prompts a desire for more polished and put-together looks,” says Joseph Santiago, creative director at Sassoon Academy in Toronto. “Social media trends, celebrity influences and a return to classic, timeless styles have also inspired this shift. Many men are moving from casual, lived-in styles to cleaner cuts to refresh their image for the season.”

The Quif Diference

As of late, a few different haircut trends have been making waves in the salon and on social media, including the quiff, a classic men’s cut (which can also be adapted so it’s gender-neutral) for all textures that features a trimmed back and sides, with longer pieces in the front.

“The quiff remains a popular, modernized classic,” says Santiago. “On social media, we see versions with more texture, volume or added fade. These styles blend old-school charm with modern versatility, so they’re suitable for all textures and genders.”

“I definitely think a lot of people still like the convenience of not having to

deal with any length, particularly in the sideburn area, so they like to keep the sides nice and short,” adds Kirstin Wolchansky, a senior stylist at Parlour Barba in Edmonton, Alta., and an American Crew educator. “I also think it provides a lot of convenience for people when it’s wash-and-go instead of styling and blow-drying. Now, lived-in styles can get a little bit more functional for the average client.”

When it comes to executing the quiff and other modern takes on the cut,

Santiago says there are different ways to achieve the look. “We tend to start creating a triangular shape through the top, graduating into the sides and back, and adjusting the length through the perimeter with the scissors-over-comb technique,” he explains, suggesting a combination of point-cutting and slicing through the top to refine the look and trimmers for outlines and advanced finishing.

Like many barbers and hairstylists who prefer the efficiency and precision that

come with using a clipper, Wolchansky prefers a clipper over a comb. “I’m not one who has any guards, but to each their own comfort level,” she says. “Keep it nice and tight on the sides, the back and the nape area, blending into something that still kind of creates square layering in the back and sides and then something that’s still convenient on top.”

Customized Cuts

During the consultation, Santiago says it’s important to ask clients the right questions to properly understand the desired look. “Always tailor the cut to the client’s face shape and lifestyle, and consult thoroughly to ensure that they’re comfortable with the change,” he says, adding that it’s important to avoid forcing trends on clients who aren’t comfortable with bold changes or the maintenance required to keep up with the style. He also reminds that it’s OK to let clients know when certain styles may not work

“I THINK THIS SHIFT IS PARTLY DUE TO ACCLIMATING BACK INTO THE OFFICE SPACE [AFTER THE PANDEMIC]. PEOPLE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY [LONGER STYLES] AND I THINK A LOT OF THEM GREW TIRED OF IT.”

KIRSTIN

WOLCHANSKY, SENIOR STYLIST AT PARLOUR BARBA AND AMERICAN CREW EDUCATOR, EDMONTON, ALTA.

for them. “Remember that just because a haircut is trending doesn’t mean it will suit everyone.”

Wolchansky also believes that it’s important to evaluate the hair type and make sure the cut suits the client

PRO TIP

SANTIAGO SUGGESTS USING THE ABC TECHNIQUE, WHICH IS TAUGHT AT SASSOON ACADEMY AND CAN HELP ELEVATE HAIRCUTTING SKILLS. “THE PRINCIPLES OF CUTTING ARE WHAT WE CALL ‘THE ABCS’ IN THE LANGUAGE: LINES, GRADUATION AND LAYERING. [A IS] LINES, REFERRING TO YOUR PERIMETER, WHEN ALL SECTIONS ARE CUT TO THE SAME PLANE, ALLOWING THE HAIR TO FALL IN THIS NATURAL POSITION. B REFERS TO GRADUATION, WHERE THERE IS A BUILDUP OF WEIGHT. AND C IS REMOVING THE WEIGHT BY HOLDING THE HAIR AT A 90-DEGREE ANGLE OR HIGHER TO ADD MOVEMENT AND TEXTURE.”

and their lifestyle. “It’s more about functionality for the individual, as well as what works for their hair type,” she says. “I’m a huge fan of razor cutting, and I think it’s nice to see a little bit more education now because I feel that it’s a misunderstood tool. For people who tend to have finer hair, I find that razors can be overused, so I’ll typically lean more toward clippers and shears and more blunt cuts to create that fullness. For people who have longer or fuller hair, I find that razoring actually tends to complement their hair type really well.”

The Finer Details

For hairstylists to work on perfecting their craft, Santiago says continuous education is key. “Learning new techniques allows for the mastery of classic styles with a modern twist,” he says. “It builds confidence in executing more advanced techniques, such as creative work.”

As with everything, Wolchansky says practice is crucial. “Education is key to our industry. It’s what inspires passion and creates more of a broader spectrum to understanding everything within our industry,” she says. “You don’t really start gaining confidence until you start understanding mistakes.”

At the end of the day, no matter what the cut or length is, it all comes down to the finishing.

“We cut the style into the hair, so a good haircut should hold its shape without product,” says Santiago. “For versatility and extra volume, I recommend texture and definition products, such as sea salt spray, pomade and wax. [For longer lengths], depending on texture and density, heat protection, mousse or smoothing cream.”

Tones Espresso

WARM UP YOUR CLIENTS’ COLOUR THIS SEASON BY EMBRACING DECADENT COFFEE-INSPIRED TONES. WE CHECKED IN WITH EXPERTS FOR THEIR TOP TIPS AND TRICKS ON HOW TO ACHIEVE THESE SHADES WITH AN EXPENSIVELOOKING FINISH. PLUS, WE’RE BREAKING DOWN THE “CHERRY COLA” TREND AND HOW TO TRANSITION YOUR BRUNETTE CLIENTS WHO MAY BE LOOKING FOR A CHANGE THIS SEASON.

As fall officially marks the season of pumpkin spice, cinnamon and nutmeg, it should come as no surprise that clients are looking to explore these rich hues in their hair colour, too.

Although coffee-inspired shades are not necessarily a new concept, there’s been a growing demand for glossy, healthy and natural-looking dimensional colour, so now is the perfect time to take full advantage of this trend.

“These shades bring a really rich and sophisticated feel to a client’s hair colour,” says Lisa Schoor, a Winnipegbased hairstylist and Joico Canada artistic team member. “Espresso tones have a nice, cool and deep brown base, and they offer a polished look that can complement a lot of skin tones, so almost anybody can wear them.”

Recipe for Success

Since this trend can work with both warm and cool tones, clients may not know exactly what shade they’re looking for. Just like any other colour appointment, the consultation is vital in making sure that you and your clients are on the same page.

PRO TIP TO AVOID UNNECESSARY DAMAGE, CONSIDER EXPERIMENTING WITH THE LEVEL OF DEVELOPER AND COLOUR, WHICH CAN SOMETIMES EVEN REDUCE THE NEED TO USE A LIGHTENER.

“Our perception of colour is often never the same as our client’s,” says Catherine Bernier, a Quebec-based hairstylist and Redken Canada artist. “It’s essential to find out what the client likes and how they see the colour. Is it warm or cool? Dimensional or opaque? It’s also important to discuss budget to find out how much time and money the client is ready to spend to achieve the look they want.”

While photos can help bridge the gap between you and your clients, it’s always important to customize the colour based

on the individual client’s features. And just like the menu at your local coffee shop, the opportunities with this trend are endless! Shades can range anywhere from dark mocha to cinnamon caramel to creamy latte.

“Whether it’s black, cappuccino or latte, coffee can adapt its colours, just like in hair colour, so this trend is very versatile,” says Bernier. “The coffee inspiration will be mainly on shades of brown, from a level four to six, but you can personalize the trend and colour to meet the needs of your clients.”

“THE LIVED-IN LOOK OF THIS TREND PROVIDES BEAUTIFUL SOPHISTICATION TO THE HAIR, AND I LOVE THAT IT SUITS SO MANY SKIN TONES. SOMETIMES, TRENDS ARE BETTER SUITED FOR SPECIFIC SKIN TONES OR EYE COLOURS, SO IT’S NICE THAT THIS TREND IS SO VERSATILE.”

LISA SCHOOR, HAIRSTYLIST AND JOICO CANADA ARTISTIC TEAM MEMBER, WINNIPEG

Shades of Brown

With “expensive brunette” on the rise over the past couple of years, coffeeinspired tones are the natural evolution of the trend.

“There are a ton of possibilities when it comes to creating these shades,” says Bernier. “As a colourist, I love anything multidimensional, so I would prioritize a balayage to gradually add highlights.”

She adds that with trends like this, which offer a more fluid and natural look, opting for techniques that allow for depth is key.

“[I like to use a] rotary face-framing technique to create softness and light around the face, with foilayage for maximum impact on the lengths and ends. You can also use a shadow root for clients who want a lighter look closer to the root.”

Blonde Roast

As the seasons change with cooler temperatures, more and more blonde clients are looking to explore life on the dark side and opting for deeper and rich brunette tones, making this trend a great option for them.

“If I can, and if I’m working on a natural base, I would highlight to give the hair that caramel or latte feel,” adds Schoor. “Then, I would go in and enhance their natural base with a deeper tone, but I always start off with highlights, whether that be with a balayage or foilayage, depending on what the client is looking for.”

Both experts also share that lowlights, when used correctly, can be a great technique to add depth. “When adding lowlights, don’t take small sections,” says Schoor. “I think this can sometimes scare new colourists because they might think that it’s going to be too much on the hair, but it isn’t. When I add lowlights, I’m always painting on angles. Whether I’m angling it to the left or the right, I will alternate, sometimes feather down, and the odd time I’ll pull it through. I’m usually rotating those techniques on the whole head as a repeat pattern.”

PRO TIP SINCE MANY BLONDE CLIENTS WILL INEVITABLY WANT TO REVERT BACK TO LIGHTER TONES ONCE THE WEATHER WARMS UP, BERNIER RECOMMENDS AVOIDING ANYTHING TOO OPAQUE OR MORE THAN TWO LEVELS DARKER.

“Latte shades can be great to satisfy blondes who want a little more depth for the colder seasons while still remaining blonde,” says Bernier. “This can be achieved by adding some lowlights or by adding a more natural shade to the blonde.”

“I like to go in and use one to two levels darker than their natural base,” adds Schoor. “I’ll leave less of that light blonde, but you can do a similar application for your brunette clients—just use a lighter level. I like to do a lot of heavier weaving—maybe go in and do four chunky weaves to add in that dimension. I also like to use a foilayage technique, but I like to make sure I’m leaving triangle sections either underneath and around the head or at the side of the head. That way, when the hair is curled, you get even more dimension.”

Product Picks

Joico

LumiShine Mocha and Natural Beige Series

This range of eight permanent cream colour shades ofers grey coverage, dimension and twice the shine while reducing breakage.

Redken Color Gels Oils

Cofeehouse Collection

With ﬁve permanent, ammoniafree shades, this colour collection ofers up to 100 per cent grey coverage and additional conditioning and shine beneﬁts.

Drink Up!

Coffee hues aren’t the only trending hair colours that have been inspired by beverages. Cherry cola hair colour is continuing to take social media by storm this season, seen on celebrities and influencers like Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga, Zendaya and Anastasia Karanikolaou. “This trend is reminiscent of the mahogany shade, so it can have cooler or warmer notes,” says Bernier. “It’s the red version of cowboy copper, so it can also have a brown base for a more natural finish.”

For brunette clients who are looking for more of a change, cherry cola offers the darkness and depth that can easily be transitioned.

“On a brunette, I tend to use more of a blue-based red because they match perfectly with a natural brown,” says Schoor. “If it’s a lighter base, I tend to use more of a copper base, and I’ll add that to a golden brown because I find that they complement each other better. And when that happens, they hold in the hair much longer and they last.”

Can’t Get to the Gala?

Tune in to our Contessa Awards livestream!

November 10, 2024

THE PERKS

OF PREMIUM

With an ongoing demand for luxurious experiences in the salon, there’s no better time to re-evaluate your service menu and look for ways to add to (or improve) your offerings. We’re breaking down the benefits of how luxury products and services can help you build your business and increase clientele.

BY ALEAH BALAS

Despite the rising cost of living worldwide, consumers are still dedicating a considerable amount of their disposable income to beauty services—luxury beauty services, at that. However, with a tighter pinch on budgets comes higher expectations, making the stakes even higher for stylists and salon owners.

“We have really knowledgeable people nowadays who notice that when they invest more in a luxury product, they actually see [improved] performance,” says Jessica McColm, Alterna Haircare’s senior regional education manager for Western Canada. “They see that they potentially might be spending less in the long run because that product is a higher concentration or does the job it’s supposed to. They don’t have to layer three or four more products on top just to get what they’re expecting.”

Offering luxury experiences has helped many salons differentiate themselves in the competitive market, allowing them to improve their bottom line and attract a clientele that continues to return time after time.

We caught up with salon owners across the country to hear how they’ve honed in on the luxury market and continue to cash in on consumers, even in the current economic climate.

Why Now?

Across Canada, inflation has been a massive concern for consumers. While interest rates and inflation are slowly dropping, there is still a pinch felt in customers’ wallets. So why are clients still putting so much of their money toward expensive hair services and treatments?

“Right now, we’re about five years since the start of COVID, and everyone wants to take care of themselves—they don’t care how much it costs,” says Carole Lemire, owner of Soho Hair in Edmonton and a master educator for Balmain Hair.

“The amount of stories I’ve heard about clients going to [extreme measures] to get extensions [during the pandemic] proves that people will still spend money on luxury services, even during harsh times,” adds Miranda Furtado, owner of Love’s in the Hair in Toronto and a brand ambassador for Great Lengths Canada. “There’s something psychologically there—a reason why we say ‘Look good, feel good.’”

Just because your guests are willing to pay for luxury products and services doesn’t mean you can throw in the towel when it comes to offering high-quality

results and customer service. Stylists still need to be able to provide the correct recommendations to build trust and help clients maintain their pricey look.

“We have to educate our clients on how to take care of their $1,000 hair,” says Lemire. “It’s almost as important as actually doing the $1,000 hair. If the client leaves and doesn’t know what to do, they’re not going to trust you.”

Fewer Appointments, Higher Expectations

Since people weren’t able to visit salons for a considerable amount of time, they became accustomed to longer spans between salon visits, which has continued post-pandemic, both as a habit and as a product of our busy lives.

“We still see that clients are spending money, but we see that wait times are extended,” says McColm. “We used to see clients more frequently—every four to six weeks. We still see some of our

older generations—Gen Xers and baby boomers—frequenting the hair salon that often, but for younger generations, we’re seeing that they spread out their hair appointments—and their need for that luxury—more often.”

With that said, just because clients are choosing to spend less time in the salon doesn’t mean that they should be spending less.

“The amount of money that people are spending two or three times a year is the same amount of money that we were seeing somebody spend every two months, but it’s just in a different way,” says McColm. “The services that the younger generations are looking for are different from what our older generations are looking for, so their time spent in the salon is completely different. It comes out all the same at the year-end spend.” This is a trend that seems to be ubiquitous. Clients want much more time- and technique-intensive services

that cost much more per visit and require a level of attention that results in a higher price tag. One of the trends that has played into this is the “lived-in” look, which is a product of a few factors,

including more reasonable upkeep.

“We’re transitioning into more livedin colours that clients are able to wear longer so that they don’t have to come back as frequently,” says Abbey Brookee, owner of Deosa Studio in Calgary and a Philocaly ambassador. “There are a few factors for that. Right now, on social media and celebrities, we see this very low-maintenance, natural look being pushed toward us, which is why we see so many clients embracing their natural tones. The other aspect would be that, obviously, the cost of coming and getting their hair done is a lot.”

“When you move from an average salon experience and make that leap into the luxury salon space, the timing of your services dramatically goes up,” she adds. “We want to do the extra steps—putting a root shadow on, doing a gloss or a treatment. All of the extra steps take time, which adds up.”

Creating a Luxury Experience

Luxury services are not just about the final result but the entire experience. This has come to include a variety of elements such as personalization and a unique atmosphere. Alongside the expert techniques and end result, clients are paying for an all-encompassing experience that feels premium and exclusive.

“Luxury services aren’t just about the product but about the entire experience,” says Furtado. “From consultation and service delivery to personalized care routine and follow-ups, this helps to make memorable moments for clients and they associate that with your brand.”

However, providing a luxurious and upscale experience for customers doesn’t

have to eat into your bottom line or create additional work for your staff. “Just because you’re a luxury salon doesn’t mean you need to add in a ton of extra work,” she says. “There are so many little things that you can do to elevate that service that don’t necessarily have to cost a lot of money.”

Furtado says one simple way to elevate the salon experience is to have a signature scent that is always circulating through the salon, providing a serene atmosphere and reminding clients of their experience. She has also invested in a Bartesian machine that can make virtually any cocktail, providing an additional luxury and customized element to salon visits.

Clients have come to value personalized service, where their individual preferences are heard and catered to, whether it’s providing a variety of beverage options, offering multiple options during a consultation or remembering key details from past visits.

“For me, every story is so important,” says David D’Amours, owner of Privé par David D’Amours in Montreal and Canadian editorial director for Kérastase Paris. “My customers are often so surprised that I remember things from our last conversation, but I think about my own experiences. If I’m going to a restaurant and the server recognizes me from a previous visit or we have a little chat, I’m going to feel more important and it’s going to bring joy to my experience.”

This not only helps to enhance the overall experience but also builds longterm loyalty.

“Our market is oversaturated, so for us, we actually prefer to stand out

“WHEN YOU’RE WILLING TO INVEST IN YOURSELF, CONTINUALLY LEARN AND KEEP PUSHING YOURSELF, YOUR QUALITY OF WORK IS GOING TO DRAMATICALLY INCREASE. YOUR CLIENTS ARE GOING TO BE HAPPIER, YOU’RE GOING TO RETAIN THEM FOR LONGER AND THEY’RE GOING TO REFER MORE PEOPLE. IT’S A WHOLE CYCLE, BUT IT STARTS WITH YOU—AND YOU HAVE TO INVEST IN YOURSELF IN ORDER TO BEGIN THAT CYCLE.”

ABBEY BROOKEE, OWNER OF DEOSA STUDIO, CALGARY

by offering the highest quality,” says Furtado. “Having the best means there’s a price tag that comes along with it. The good news is that we can feel good about what we’re using.”

One aspect that can help salon owners and stylists improve the experience for guests in a simple way is to shift from à la carte pricing to a package model, which can convey a feeling of personalization to clients without feeling like they were nickel-and-dimed throughout the appointment. Plus, providing a higher-priced service to improve the bottom line in the long term makes each appointment’s value marginally higher.

“Salons must be creative,” says McColm. “If our ultimate goal as stylists and salon owners is to create beautiful hair, we need to become creative in encompassing these services so it becomes something that is not necessarily a choice but rather ‘this is part of our full package.’ À la carte service can be beneficial, but what I find is that the consumer doesn’t necessarily know

Invest in Tech

Bringing a luxurious in-salon experience to life doesn’t happen without ofering the best in haircare and tools. We’ve rounded up some of the latest innovations in styling tools that you’ll want to have on hand this season.

what à la carte services salons offer and won’t necessarily and readily ask, so creating package deals is a must. For instance, ‘If you’re getting this service with us, it’s inclusive of this luxury experience.’”

Attracting and Retaining a Luxury

Clientele

Attracting a high-end clientele can be a challenge, but positioning yourself effectively in the market can help catch the attention of the clients who will appreciate high-quality products and services—and pay accordingly. The quality of the products themselves can have a huge impact on attracting and keeping clients who understand the value and results that can come with them.

“Premium products go hand in hand with retaining a clientele,” says Andrew Ly, a celebrity hairstylist and global brand ambassador for Oribe. “They can perform better and have lasting power. It’s not just my clients who want premium products—many of us do.”

L’Oréal Professionnel SteamPod 4

Powered by the brand’s steam technology, which uses a continuous flow of dry steam (0.8g/min) to achieve smooth results, the SteamPod 4 (SP4) allows you to create straight, curly and wavy styles with its convenient all-in-one design and exclusive features. The new curl-locking guide has a thinner and rounder design and carefully heats up to 100°C to create defined curls that are smooth and bouncy. Its large ceramic plates allow you to reach 30 per cent closer to the roots, helping you to flawlessly straighten hair from top to bottom. The SP4 also contains a set of three steam-optimizing combs that ensure that the steam flow works on any hair type. When compared to a styler without steam, SP4 creates hairstyles three times faster for results that are twice as smooth with 95 per cent less damage.

Since there are salons out there for every budget and price point, it goes without saying that not every salon can— and should—offer high-end products. However, using this as a competitive advantage can be an excellent marketing tool to create an element of prestige.

“Sometimes, it’s just about exclusivity,” says Furtado. “It isn’t available everywhere. So when you’re coming to my salon, having the product is, in itself, a sales technique.”

The other benefit of luxury products is the retailing opportunities that come alongside them, which can often have a significant impact on the salon’s bottom line.

“It has not only helped to retain clients and stylists but also make a higher margin on the brand by retailing,” says Lemire. “In that respect, it does it all for us.”

While stylists innately understand the value of a high-ticketed product or service, it can sometimes feel intimidating to communicate that

L’Oréal Professionnel AirLight Pro

Revolutionize your blow-drying routine with the new AirLight Pro, which uses infrared light for 21 per cent faster results while avoiding damage. Featuring heat control, a cool shot and wind force control for a more personalized drying experience, it also includes a magnetic concentrator and difuser with automatic detection. Compared to traditional hair dryers, the AirLight Pro locks in 55 per cent more hair hydration and consumes 19 per cent less energy to help you achieve better results while saving time and power. It’s designed to work on all hair types and tested to last for 10 years of professional use. Best of all, it can also be connected to a mobile app, so you can customize your temperature and wind settings or choose from a library of pre-sets based on styles.

T3 SinglePass Curl X Now ofering three sizes of barrels (one-, 1.25- and 1.5-inch), T3’s bestselling Curl X just got an upgrade to help you style longer hair faster without compromising precision or results. Using the brand’s SinglePass technology, which delivers perfect heat for results that last all day, the curling iron features nine heat settings, with a SmartTwist Dial for temperature control and a ventilated tip that remains cool to the touch. Plus, its ProGlide Clip design, combined with its CeraGloss ceramic barrel, ofers a smooth glide that boosts shine, and it features a lightweight design with an eight-foot cord for extra convenience.

value to a client. But ultimately, the customers are savvier than ever and often already have an understanding of what quality costs. It’s more about which product they’re going to spend their money on to make their purchasing dollars count.

“When you go into the world of luxury products, people are not surprised by the price of things,” says D’Amours. “But our knowledge is of big value to them.”

For luxury stylists, working with well-known clients and in exclusive settings can be a great marketing tool to attract new clients through exposure and reputation. But this shouldn’t impact the way each client is treated when they’re in your chair.

Having recently worked with worldleading brands at Fashion Week, Ly notes that each and every one of his clients gets the same attention.

“Everyone deserves the best,” he says. “I want anyone in my chair to receive the same treatment, regardless of status.” While celebrity work may attract clients

Balmain Hair Limited Edition

Cordless Straightener

Celebrate Balmain Hair’s 50th anniversary with this limited-edition cordless straightener. This on-thego styler is covered in a gold ﬂoral design and made with titanium ﬂoating-plate technology that ofers easy gliding with even heat distribution for efcient styling. It also comes with the brand’s Thermal Protection Spray to help protect hair from heat damage and moisture loss and prevent split ends.

for the exclusivity component, there should be no difference in attention or technique from one client to the next, which will build trust among clients in the long term.

Finding Inspiration to Stay Ahead of the Curve

As we know, a luxury price tag can’t simply be placed on a service with the expectation that customers will pay for it. There needs to be experience and expertise tied to this to earn the elite price tag.

“I don’t think that just anyone can be offering luxury services,” says Furtado. “Education and expertise play a huge role. With a good reputation, it really allows you to showcase your experience, demonstrate that you’re at the forefront of the industry and constantly improve your skills.” But all too often, selfimprovement can be forgotten, especially when it comes to high-end professionals who are used to making top dollar for their time.

Dyson Supersonic r Professional

This innovative hair dryer features a special ‘r’ design for superior precision styling and control. Powered by the brand’s Supersonic technology, it combines even heat and powerful airflow with a small and light design (weighing only 0.7 pounds with an 11.2-inch height) to help make drying faster and easier than ever. It features four heat settings that protect hair from damage and preserve its natural shine. It comes with five intelligent attachments, including a difuser, professional concentrator, powerful air attachment, flyaway attachment and wide-tooth comb, that are ideal for a wide range of hair types, textures and styles. Designed specifically for professional use, the Supersonic r includes a longer cable and more durable filter for convenient use and easy cleaning.

In this respect, continuous education is crucial to being able to execute highend services and thus charge a premium to clients. In today’s beauty landscape, there’s no one-size-fits-all trend. With the increased knowledge of consumers over the past few years, stylists must be able to execute even the newest styles with ease. Stylists need to be versatile and able to adapt to each client’s unique preferences.

“We’re dealing with so many trends at the same time. This is what I love about our industry,” says D’Amours. “That’s why people are willing to pay more: because we have this fire inside of us to always be a student. I always want to make sure that I’m the best version of myself—I’m in competition with myself.”

“I’ve worked hard to make sure that I stand out and offer something different and as unique and international as possible,” adds Ly. “I will forever keep pushing my techniques to stay on top of my game.”

ghd Chronos Flat Iron

The brand’s latest ﬂat iron uses professional HD motion-responsive technology that’s twice as responsive and intelligent for high-performance results in just one stroke. Its new ergonomic design allows you to have more control and movement, while the updated IU with halo ring features plates that are ready for use in 20 seconds with 365°F of heat—the ideal setting for creating optimal results without extreme heat damage. The plates also feature an ultra-gloss coating for a smoother glide, resulting in 85 per cent shinier hair and two times less frizz that can last for up to 24 hours. Speciﬁcally designed for professionals, the Chronos includes an updated wishbone hinge for better alignment, 360-degree swivel cord for ease of use and an automatic sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity for more peace of mind.

“WHEN YOU’RE ABLE TO SAY WHAT EACH PRODUCT CAN DO FOR YOUR CLIENT’S HAIR, PEOPLE ARE GOING TO PAY. IT’S ALL ABOUT EXPERTISE.”

DAVID D’AMOURS, OWNER OF PRIVÉ PAR DAVID D’AMOURS, MONTREAL

The Art of Interior Design

With the new year ahead, you may be looking at revamping your current salon or in the midst of opening a completely new location. If you’re wondering what you can do to create the best in-salon experience for both clients and staff, we spoke with interior design experts to get their top tips and tricks on how to make the most of your space. Plus, we caught up with salon owners to learn more about their decor inspiration.

BY LAUREN FARRUGIA

PHOTOS

Kuba Photography

DETAILS

Opened in 2020

SIZE

Just under 4,000 square feet

WEBSITE mimadabeauty.com

SOCIAL @mimada.beauty

Mimada Beauty | Cambridge, Ont.

With natural wood, marble elements, modern light ﬁxtures and a neutral colour palette featuring a subtle pop of colour, these Ontario-based salon owners were able to create a minimalist and modern balance with a hint of earthiness. “We were going for something very minimalist and nothing too trendy,” says Amanda Freitas, lead hairstylist and co-owner. “We didn’t want something that was going to go out of style in the next couple of years. But with that being said, we didn’t want something that felt cold and stark. The inspiration was really just clean lines and something very simple.”

Freitas and her sister (and co-owner) Sabrina worked with Sandra Fiore to design their space, which she says was a great and very convenient experience. “We decided to work with a designer because we started from scratch,” she says. “The space was empty, and we had no plumbing. We needed

someone to do all of the engineering drawings and that type of stuf. I would ﬁnd something that I liked, and [Fiore] knew where we could buy it. She helped source everything and found all the contractors.”

“Everything in the space is custom-made,” adds Freitas. “The chairs, sinks and stations, which have drawers that we can pull out and store things in. There’s a lip on the front where we can put our tools, which makes it very accessible for us. Plus, we have 18-foot ceilings that clients love and always comment on and stone wall in the spa waiting room that I really love. We also made sure to have really comfortable chairs for clients to sit in at the sink, which was a big priority because I wanted to make sure that clients could relax. For a pop of colour, we included pink doors in the salon.”

Salon Goldn | Laval, Que.

For Quebec-based owner Isabella Beato, creating a salon that ofered an elevated experience without feeling pretentious was top of mind. “I wanted it to feel like wholesome luxury,” she says. “I wanted anyone to feel comfortable enough to walk in while still feeling high-end.”

Located in Laval, Que., Salon Goldn features a combination of diferent textures, greenery and neutral design elements that, when combined, ofer a welcoming, peaceful and cozy atmosphere.

“I included a lot of neutral elements because I didn’t want the salon to feel industrial,” says Beato. “My dad helped me with the renovation. I decided to knock down some walls, raise the ceilings and build some arches to make the space feel more luxurious.”

Beato worked with Lanvain Design, which helped source her salon’s styling chairs and backbar stations.

“We also have a lot of diferent textures in the space, and I think they really elevated the look,” she says. “We have a concrete

bench at the reception and wood cabinets that really give the space warmth. Each station has drawers to reduce clutter, and we created display shelves that are very minimal as well. I didn’t want anything too cluttered, and I think the display that we do have is more than enough. We don’t have too much product on the shelves, which keeps things clean-looking and, for retail purposes, I think it helps us sell more.”

Beato shares that her salon has become known for the olive tree that sits at the front of her space. “I think the arches and the olive tree are my favourite touches in the salon,” she says. “My salon is known for the olive tree, which I was inspired to include after seeing a picture of a cofee shop in Dubai that had the same layout. Incorporating the tree and greenery calms people down, and it’s a focal point as soon as clients walk through the door.”

With potential clients being able to find hundreds of salons at the click of a button with a quick online search, investing in the interior design of your space can help set your salon apart while attracting your dream clientele, increasing workflow and productivity and elevating the in-salon experience.

“I think the interior design of any space is really important, but even more so for a salon,” says Sandra Fiore, principal designer for Fiore Design Group. “It’s the function and flow of the way in which stylists work. From moving back and forth from a styling chair to the shampoo unit to the colour area and back, it can cause a lot of congestion

and, if not done properly, can cause frustration.”

“Many clients may pick their salon based on the way it looks and the impression it gives them,” she adds. “If salon owners care about the way that their salon looks, it allows clients to feel like they’re going to get a good service. It’s all about thinking of ways that you can create a memorable experience for your clients, which can also help to attract employees of the status that you’re looking for.”

While creating the right look and atmosphere is important to consider when designing the interior of a salon, finding a balance by creating a welcoming

PHOTOS

Salon Goldn

DETAILS

Opened March 2024

SIZE

1,207 square feet

SOCIAL

@salongoldn

space should also be kept top of mind. “For a hair salon, we must add the feeling of comfort,” says Sylvain Emond, senior consultant at Lanvain Design. “In the salon, we welcome people and offer them well-being. We sell them fashion in a way. This is why each element of comfort is important, from the decor and colours to the lighting, smells and sounds, while creating fluid circulation between each service. Everything is important to get the right balance.”

Though some hairstylists may think they can handle the design of their salons on their own, working with a designer has many benefits and can be a more collaborative process than

Flair Suite Privée | Blainville, Que.

Featuring dark accent colours and a minimalist yet modern style, this Quebec-based salon was inspired by the owner’s love of open-concept spaces and designer storefronts. “At the beginning, I was inspired by Saint Laurent stores,” says salon owner Camille Landry. “After looking at the price of marble, I had to reconsider. I realized that I loved open spaces with character. I knew that I wanted a big mirror in the space, and I wanted to be able to move the furniture around so I could use the salon to host events.”

Landry worked with Lanvain Design to help source her salon’s styling chairs, backbar stations and ottomans. PHOTOS

DETAILS

Opened March 2024

“To me, luxury is the combination of esthetics, attention to detail and practicality,” she says. “We added our lounge area so that clients can comfortably wait for their stylists and have a look at our huge product display. The large mirror creates the most open space ever! We have a 12-foot-long counter with wood cabinets that makes the space feel so warm and organized, along with many other special touches in our salon. I really did my best to give it a luxurious vibe but with my selfmade, 25-year-old business-owner budget.”

you may think. “I’m fortunate enough to have the ability to work with such creative people,” says Fiore. “[Salon owners and hairstylists] are so creative. They’re versed on colour and have a great understanding of what will make their space special. So when designing a salon, we’re constantly working with them when developing so we can really understand what they want their space to be like.”

The Dos and Don’ts of Interior Design

Being able to create a salon with a functional workflow while still including design elements that cater to its style and dream vision may seem difficult. However, some of these tips may be able to help while providing insight into design ideas that you may not have considered.

“You have to be able to create that ‘wow’ effect as soon as someone walks into your salon,” says Emond. “You don’t have to decorate the salon in a way that’s

trendy today, but you should keep in mind that a more classic design will last better over time.”

“Designing a salon is a big investment, so you have to make sure that the design you’re choosing is going to last you a long time,” adds Fiore. “Pick a classic design and finishes that are going to stand the test of time.”

Thinking about your space from a client’s point of view can be a great way to understand what design elements to include to make their experience as comfortable as possible.

“You have to think about the new generation, as they’re always on their phones and social media,” says Emond. “We always add an outlet with a USB plug for phones, and we’ve been adding a place for selfies in the salon, too. This is not only for the clients but also for the stylists and the salon so that they can use the area to take before-and-after photos and videos, which can help them with marketing.”

“Do you have a purse hook for clients? Are your mirrors acceptable for a beauty establishment, meaning do they have warpage? If you don’t pick the correct mirrors, you can almost get a clown-like effect,” adds Fiore. “For salons, lighting is extremely important because it affects the appearance of the colour of your clients’ hair. You have to think about the light distribution around the stations. I like to use 3,000K light in the salon, and you have to have the same temperature of light throughout the salon. Work with the overhead lighting first and then decorative lighting after that.”

While it can be easy to get caught up in the esthetics and creating a memorable experience for your guests, it’s important to also prioritize your staff. “You have to respect the space between each station and be able to create fluid circulation,” says Emond. “When designing, you have to think about the salon at its full capacity.”

“In a salon, you’re working in front

of the client, so being able to keep the space clean while working is important,” adds Fiore.

Designing with hairstylists in mind is one of the many benefits of working with an experienced salon interior designer to ensure that you’re checking all of the boxes for design, function and flow elements.

“You need to have texture and interest in your salon,” says Fiore. “Sometimes this can be forgotten if the salon owner is doing it themselves.”

“Another thing is using the colour green,” she adds. “As a designer, I know when to break this rule, but green can

really affect blondes and the way the colour looks.”

In addition to the visuals of colour and texture, it’s important to think about the materials used and how sound can impact your salon’s design.

“A lot of materials that are used in design are echoing materials,” says Fiore. “They’re solid so they don’t absorb noise. If you put in some soundbaffling materials, you can have better conversations with stylists and clients and reception can hear better when they’re on the phone. It’s a little thing that could help the salon feel more luxurious.”

Salon owners and stylists can agree that one of the biggest challenges for a business is its retail sales. Taking this into consideration when designing your salon may be able to help increase your salon’s sales. “Never forget about retail products and how you’re going to display them,” says Emond, who adds that, while keeping products out of sight might seem like a quick design fix, salon interior designers can help find creative ways of displaying them. “It’s good business for the salon, and you have to make sure the product is ready to be sold.”

Pleasure | Toronto

From pops of pink and yellow to a photo-op around every corner, this salon, located three storeys above the heart of the prestigious Yorkville neighbourhood, is the ultimate display of luxury. Inspired by her travels and the hospitality scene in London, England, and New York City, salon owner Sara Kardan worked with Studio Author design studio to create “the dreamland of an it-girl, contemporary and feminine with an unapologetic use of colour and materiality.” With a master’s in interior design and architecture and a background in hospitality design, Kardan also wanted to embrace the swanky neighbourhood in the design, which features a grand

PHOTOS Niamh Barry

DETAILS Opened in 2019

SIZE

Approximately 2,400 square feet

WEBSITE majestyspleasure.com

SOCIAL @majestyspleasure

refreshment bar at reception and a 900-square-foot terrace that encapsulates both privacy and luxury. Understanding the desire for self-care and efciency, the space was designed to encourage guests to enjoy multiple services at once, whether it’s manicures, pedicures or hair services. They can also enjoy a refreshment at the bar or behind the striking, layered chainette fringe drapes for additional privacy. The space also includes a custom-made marble sink, as well as a marble dining room table, in the hair lounge for clients and bridal parties. The salon has even curated local fashion items, which are retailed in the salon’s boutique.

Majesty’s

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CO LLE CTIO NS

November+December

An inspiring selection of hairstyles that will motivate you to take your craft to the next level.

Attitude and style collide in this Canadian collection showcasing editorial styling prowess.

CONTESSA 2024 FINALIST, CANADIAN HAIRSTYLIST Julie Vriesinga, Salon Entrenous, London, Ont. MAKEUP Florencia Taylor WARDROBE STYLING Julie Vriesinga PHOTOS Paula Tizzard

Masterful styling and ﬁnishing techniques are celebrated in this Canadian collection.

CONTESSA 2024 FINALIST, ELITE MASTER HAIRSTYLIST Janet Jackson, JouJou Hair Studio, Etobicoke, Ont. MAKEUP Viktor Peters

WARDROBE STYLING Savannah Finch PHOTOS Daniel Lastres

Demonstrating how hairstyling can accentuate one’s features, this Canadian collection combines a range of men’s and genderneutral cuts.

CONTESSA 2024 FINALIST, SESSION HAIRSTYLIST Ben Barkworth, JustB Salon, Toronto MAKEUP Orlando Marin WARDROBE STYLING Travis Scott

PHOTOS John Rawson

Airy, free-ﬂowing styles are showcased in this BHA-winning collection that’s inspired by the idea of capturing moments of pause and tranquillity among chaotic routines.

HAIR Andrew Smith, Andrew Smith Salons, U.K. MAKEUP Louise Lerego

PHOTOS Richard Miles

Metallic tones and rich, saturated hues are brought to life in this disco-inspired Australian collection that combines nostalgia and futurism.

HAIR Sam James, SJ Establishment, Australia MAKEUP Janice Wu

WARDROBE STYLING Catherine V PHOTOS Andrew O’Toole

This British collection spotlights precision techniques with superior styling and ﬁnishing for striking results.

HAIR HOB Academy Creative Team, U.K. MAKEUP Shay Suban & Tia Clement

WARDROBE STYLING Edmond Karasony PHOTOS Darrell Chandler

Making Dreams Come True!

Be part of the biggest celebration in Canadian professional beauty!

November 10, 2024

Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

Featuring special presentations by:

Akin Konizi and HOB Academy for Wella Company

Schwarzkopf Professional Canada

Sassoon Academy Toronto

Show opener by multi-Contessa winner and Contessa 2025 Hall of Fame award recipient, Tony Ricci!

Tickets on sale now

Courtney Chung

Even as a child, Edmonton-based hairstylist Courtney Chung was always drawn to the beauty industry. “I’ve always loved getting my hair and nails done, and my parents have said that I’ve always been very creative,” she says. “I loved painting, drawing and doing all that kind of stuff. I think that’s what really drew me to the beauty industry.” During high school, Chung apprenticed at a salon. After deciding to pursue esthetics in beauty school, she worked as an esthetician for a year before opting to go back to school for hair. “I decided that hair was more for me,” she says. “I realized I could be hands-on and express my creativity through hair.”

Out of This World

After learning about the Contessa Awards during her time in beauty school and being around winners and entrants, including multi-Contessa-winner Tony Ricci, she’d been thinking about participating for a while now. “Watching

Tony be so creative influenced me,” she says. “I knew that there was never going to be a ‘right’ time for me [to enter], so I just decided to do it.”

For her 2024 Alberta Hairstylist finalist collection, Chung says she was inspired by space and wanted her collection to have an intergalactic feel. “I’m a fan of Ariana Grande,” she says. “She came out with her beauty brand with a campaign that was space themed, and I really loved the way she executed it. I also loved watching the show Sailor Moon when I was growing up, so the collection was a combination of those things.”

For the three looks, Chung placed a strong emphasis on hair colour while creating cuts and styles to suit the tones and models.

“For the bob, I named this one ‘Cloud Nine,’” she says. “I wanted the blonde to be quite platinum and the ends to resemble the sky. For the rainbow one, I was inspired by the effect you get when you shine a light through a diamond and

“Competing tests you in ways that you would never expect. It is a very rewarding, fun and challenging journey and allows you to push your skill level as a stylist.”

see a prism. I took the hair section by section and layered colours to create that effect.”

For her last look, Chung shares that the colour was a happy accident after mixing a few hues together. “They weren’t the colours that I had wanted, but I just went with it and it ended up being my favourite colour in the collection,” she says. “I wanted the style to be more fun and to have something a little bit extra. I called this look ‘Starlight’ because it really reminded me of a galaxy, which made me think of space buns.”

Support System

Throughout the process of creating her first Contessa collection, Chung admits that she faced some challenges. “I remember telling my boyfriend that I didn’t think this collection was for me and that I had thought of giving up,” she recalls. “He sat me down and told me that he believed in me and this collection. He really was my biggest cheerleader through all of this.”

“Everyone was so supportive of me, and that really helped,” she adds. “The experience was amazing, and I definitely pushed myself past my limits. I did things in this collection that I wouldn’t do in the salon. With this collection, I was able to fully do my own thing and I could showcase my vision and my art, and it pushed me to a point where I actually fell in love with hair even more.”

THE CONTESSA 2025 FINALISTS!

Canadian Hairstylist

James Abu-Ulba, Method Education, Langley, B.C.

Frank Cini, Taz Hair Co., Toronto, Ont.

Erin Fernandes, Bon Bon Salon, London, Ont.

Breanne Gershon, Glam Breanne, Calgary, Alta.

Robin LaChance, Tinted Love Hair Studio, Barrie, Ont.

Dana Lyseng, Supernova Salon, North Vancouver, B.C.

Suzanne Maurice, Changing of the Garnet, Orillia, Ont.

Nicole Pede, InStyle Salon & Spa, Aylmer, Ont.

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

Josie Vilay, Hairology Studio, Winnipeg, Man.

Canadian Colourist

Erin Fernandes, Bon Bon Salon, London, Ont.

Breanne Gershon, Glam Breanne, Calgary, Alta.

Robin LaChance, Tinted Love Hair Studio, Barrie, Ont.

Sharon LeClair, Shades of Color, Bedford, N.S.

Dana Lyseng, Supernova Salon, North Vancouver, B.C.

Suzanne Maurice, Changing of the Garnet, Orillia, Ont.

Jessica Purmal, Moods Hair Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

Julio Rodriguez, Valentini Hair Design, Guelph, Ont.

Josie Vilay, Hairology Studio, Winnipeg, Man.

Jerica Wentzell, Gingersnap Salon, Sudbury, Ont.

Canadian Salon Team

Beau Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

Changing of the Garnet, Orillia, Ont.

Industry Hair and Esthetics, St. Catharines, Ont.

Monokrome Salon, Montreal, Que.

Moods Hair Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

Plush Salon & Spa, Medicine Hat, Alta.

Renaissance Salon & Estetica, St. Catharines, Ont.

Sixhaut Salon, Montreal, Que.

Valentini Hair Design, Guelph, Ont.

Zoom Hair Studio, New Westminster, B.C.

Elite Master Hairstylist

James Abu-Ulba, Method Education, Langley, B.C.

Frank Cini, Taz Hair Co., Toronto, Ont.

Erin Fernandes, Bon Bon Salon, London, Ont.

Robin LaChance, Tinted Love Hair Studio, Barrie, Ont. Tony Ricci, Ricci Hair Co., Edmonton, Alta.

Master Colourist

Tina Casciato, Renaissance Salon & Estetica, St. Catharines, Ont.

Melissa Duguay, The Savvy Shop, Dieppe, N.B. Erin Fernandes, Bon Bon Salon, London, Ont.

Julio Rodriguez, Valentini Hair Design, Guelph, Ont.

David Vendittelli, Industry Hair and Esthetics, St. Catharines, Ont.

International Hairstylist

Antoinette Beenders, Aveda, Long Lake, Minn. Stephanie Bellairs, Cabello by Stephanie Bellairs, Mandurah, Australia

Rafael Bueno, Rafael Bueno Peluqueros, Málaga, Spain

Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson, Mansﬁeld, U.K.

Rick Roberts, Rick Roberts Salon, Beverley, U.K.

Avant Garde Hairstylist

Renee Africa, Renee Africa Hairdressing, Squamish, B.C.

Grit Becker, Sin 7 Salon, White Rock, B.C.

Breanne Gershon, Glam Breanne, Calgary, Alta.

Jag Moussa, JagHed Couture, Victoria, B.C.

Stéphane Scotto Di Cesare, Travailleur Autonome, Montreal, Que.

Collaboration

Fred Bessette, Melanie Foster & Martin Menard

Tara-Lynn Fournier & Myles Laphen

Johanna Libbey & Jefrey Klassen

Dana Simnovec, Martin Menard & Kyle Rea

Jerica Wentzell & Lukas Press

Emerging Hairstylist

Miranda Furtado, Love’s in the Hair Extension Studio Inc., Toronto, Ont.

Ivana Gentile, Coifure Blunt, Montreal, Que.

Shohreh Kavari Boushehri, Moods Hair Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

Melﬁnna Tjugito, Beau Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

Hana Woldeyes, Moods Hair Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

Emerging Colourist

Abby Bruneel, Renaissance Salon & Estetica, St. Catharines, Ont.

Mai Nguyen, Suki’s Salons, Vancouver, B.C.

Jessica Purmal, Moods Hair Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

Men’s Hairstylist

Ben Barkworth, JustB Salon, Toronto, Ont.

Sabrina Byrnes, Alchemy on Lorne Inc., Sudbury, Ont.

Cherish Erhardt, Hair Ink Salon, Oakbank, Man.

Paul Pereira, Solo Bace, Toronto, Ont.

Hana Woldeyes, Moods Hair Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

Multicultural Hairstylist

Adrian Carew, Hair91 Inc., Toronto, Ont.

Martin Menard, Salon La Loge, Québec, Que.

Lukas Press, Lukas Press Hair Studio, Toronto, Ont.

Derrick Rutherford, Valentini Hair Design, Guelph, Ont.

Hana Woldeyes, Moods Hair Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

Session Hairstylist

Karine Bélanger, Karine Styliste Salon, Montreal, Que.

Melissa Duguay, The Savvy Shop, Dieppe, N.B.

Lukas Press, Lukas Press Hair Studio, Toronto, Ont.

Christina Sgro, Independent, Thornhill, Ont.

Lina Shamoun, Artline Salon, Kitchener, Ont.

Texture Hairstylist

Erin Fernandes, Bon Bon Salon, London, Ont.

Lukas Press, Lukas Press Hair Studio, Toronto, Ont.

Derrick Rutherford, Valentini Hair Design, Guelph, Ont.

Lina Shamoun, Artline Salon, Kitchener, Ont.

Hana Woldeyes, Moods Hair Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

British Columbia Hairstylist

Olivia Berttall, Sin 7 Salon, White Rock

Edwin Johnston, Cutting Room Creative, Nanaimo

Chantelle Leeder, Sin 7 Salon, White Rock

Johanna Libbey, Moods Hair Salon, Vancouver

Lisa Smith, Mint Hair Lounge, Port Moody

Alberta Hairstylist

Jenna Engel, Plush Salon & Spa, Medicine Hat

Jelena Frolov, Chatters Hair Salon, Edmonton

Breanne Gershon, Glam Breanne, Calgary

Saskatchewan/Manitoba Hairstylist

Johanna Costantini, City Looks by Visage, Winnipeg, Man.

Ashley Ruecker, Salon Haze, Regina, Sask.

Lisa Schoor, InStages Salon, Winnipeg, Man.

Ontario Hairstylist

Ben Barkworth, JustB Salon, Toronto

Erin Fernandes, Bon Bon Salon, London

Lukas Press, Lukas Press Hair Studio, Toronto

Derrick Rutherford, Valentini Hair Design, Guelph

Lina Shamoun, Artline Salon, Kitchener

Quebec Hairstylist

Karine Bélanger, Karine Styliste Salon, Montreal

Jordan Dock, Sixhaut Salon, Montreal

Martin Menard, Salon La Loge, Québec

Amelie Rainville, Les Muses Maitres Coifeurs, Beloeil

Josée Renaud, Josée Renaud Coifure, Québec

Atlantic Hairstylist

Melissa Duguay, The Savvy Shop, Dieppe, N.B.

Alma Head, Alma’s Family Hair Salon, Sydney, N.S.

Sharon LeClair, Shades of Color, Bedford, N.S.

Canadian Nail Artist

Nghia Nguyen, Henry Pro Nails, Thornhill, Ont.

Shayna Osazuwa, Shayna O Esthetics, Regina, Sask.

Cathy Torres, Amici’s Salon, Kelowna, B.C.

Makeup Artist

Samina Chaudhry, Samina’s Hair and Makeup Studio, Kitchener, Ont.

Natalia Farahmand, Desiderio Beauty, Penetanguishene, Ont.

Renee Rampersad, Makeup By Renee, Edmonton, Alta.

Salon Interior Design

Artemys, Montreal, Que.

Beau Salon, Vancouver, B.C.

Hair By Reema, Mississauga, Ont.

Pure Hair Studio, Kitchener, Ont.

Studio So Lara, Kitchener, Ont.

Sustainability Achievement

Adara Hair & Body Studio, Edmonton, Alta.

Reﬁnery House, Chilliwack, B.C.

Salon Freyja, Montreal, Que.

Sin 7 Salon, White Rock, B.C.

Zazou Salon & Academy, North Vancouver, B.C.

Freestyle

Tina Casciato, Renaissance Salon & Estetica, St. Catharines, Ont.

Daniel Grieco, Salon Gaboa, Woodbridge, Ont.

Suzanne Maurice, Changing of the Garnet, Orillia, Ont.

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

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

The recipient of the John Steinberg Award for Community Service will be announced at the 36th annual Contessa Awards gala on November 10, 2024. Check out salonmagazine.ca to purchase tickets and view the ﬁnalist collections.

Golden Touch

From growing up in Russia to working in New York and Los Angeles, editorial hairstylist Ruslan Nureev has mastered the art of ﬁnishing hair. Learn more about his journey and why he believes that premium haircare makes all the diference.

Tell us about how you got your start in the beauty industry. When did you know you wanted to work with hair?

I started in the beauty industry when I was 15 years old, so I’ve been doing hair for 18 years now. I started experimenting with my own hair at 14, so my mom suggested that I study it. I went to a special school at 15 and saw so much success, being the best in my class among 28 girls, that I decided to continue my journey and go to the best hair academy in Russia.

You grew up in Russia, moved to New York and California and travelled around the world. How have these experiences inﬂuenced your views on hairstyling?

I’m super lucky to have grown up in Russia and learn from Russian hairstylists because I believe they are the best in the beauty industry for hair, makeup, nails, photography and esthetics. We’re such hard-working people with a lot of competition, which makes everyone even better professionals. It shapes a lot of my views on beauty in a diverse way and I get to implement my knowledge in New York and California.

Do you have any hairstyling mentors or anyone who helped you on your journey?

I have two hairstyling mentors, both incredible hairstylists: Harry Josh and Chris Appleton. I assisted Harry while living in New York City and Chris when I moved to L.A. Harry loves to create beautiful bombshell hair, whereas Chris loves to do very technical work and create structural hairstyles, where he thinks outside of the box. I learned a lot from both of them and created my own kind of style, which is to create beautiful yet very technical hair.

How did you begin working in editorial hair with celebrities?

When you assist celebrity hairstylists, you develop relationships with celebrity clients and their assistants and publicists and, eventually, there is a time when your mentor is not available. Clients start to feel comfortable with you doing their hair, and then you start working with them more, little by little.

What’s the key to working with celebrities? Is there anything hairstylists should keep in mind?

I think the most important thing is to always deliver and do your best because you are judged by your last job. Always do everything 110 per cent!

What has been your most memorable experience that helped shape your career?

Working with Victoria’s Secret models is definitely my most memorable experience. I think once I started doing [hair for] all the VS Angels, my career took off!

What is your secret to styling and ﬁnishing hair?

My secret isn’t really a secret. I think having a strong base is really important. That said, having the right products in the hair for a perfect blowout is the key to a successful hairstyle.

Why do you think there’s still a strong demand for premium haircare, even in times of inﬂation and rising costs of living?

There’s a strong demand for premium haircare because people will always care about how they look, especially during our Instagram era, where everyone is looking flawless. People will always invest in beauty and great products.

Why are premium haircare products important, especially when trying to elevate the service or salon experience?

Premium haircare products are important for elevating the salon experience because they offer superior quality, better performance and customized solutions for different hair types. They enhance the results of services and build trust with clients.

B R AN C H O U T

The Business of Luxury

With clients having more choice than ever on how—and where—to spend their disposable income, ofering a superior salon experience can make all the diference. For those looking to upgrade their interior design and service menus for the new year, we spoke with two successful luxury salon owners for their expertise.

For salon owners aiming to embrace the old saying of “New year, new me,” they may be looking for ways to zhuzh up their design for the year ahead and find ways to help elevate the salon experience for clients and guests.

While interior design can be intimidating for some, especially in recent times with the increased costs associated with owning and running a business, there are several ways to incorporate luxury into your salon without breaking the bank.

“When it comes to luxury and elevation, my key points really come down to being clean and simple,” says Jason Lee, a celebrity hairstylist, owner of Jason Lee Salon in Toronto and founder of luxury haircare brand Mela & Kera. “It’s a very budget-friendly way to explore something luxurious or high-end. Think about a fashion house like YSL or Dior, you’ll never see chaos in those places. Everything is kept very organized.”

Elevated Experiences

When it comes to your salon’s service menu, Lee believes it’s important to use budget-conscious ways to enhance services.

“It all comes down to research when it comes to luxury,” he says. “It’s not just about doing whatever you feel; it tends to be rooted in some kind of story or technique and then you can bring your artistry to it.”

Louis Hechter, a master hairstylist and

PRO TIP WHILE THE HOLIDAYS CAN BE TRICKY FOR SALONS THAT WANT TO KEEP UP WITH THEIR OWN DESIGN ESTHETIC, LEE SUGGESTS CONSIDERING WAYS TO CELEBRATE MORE METAPHORICALLY, WITH SUBTLE ACCENTS OF GOLD OR PINE.

owner of Orbite in Montreal, says that when it comes to providing a luxurious experience, everything must be cohesive.

“When you have a high-end salon, the products you’re selling have to be highend,” he says. “The staff also has to be high-end, and everything else has to be presentable in a different way. You have to think about how it is when clients are walking into the shop and how they will be served.”

Lee says that when it comes to providing a luxurious experience in the salon, small efforts can go a long way. This includes simple tasks, such as making sure that staff puts away blowdryers to eliminate clutter and keeps the salon looking neat at all times. “I think that’s a very affordable way to make something look high-end, and that really helps to create an overall sense of luxury,” he says, noting that incorporating little

surprises into a service can also add a luxurious element to an appointment. “Sometimes, the surprise can just be that you always do a great job, and that’s something that makes them feel special in the moment. Maybe it’s a little touch, like a warm towel or something that goes just a little bit above and beyond. Sometimes, it’s those little details that make all the difference in providing a high-end experience.”

While Hechter believes in the benefits of providing luxurious services, he says it’s important not to go overboard. “We’re trying to make the salon more organic for our new generation of clients,” he says. “I think the concept and fluff of big salons is no longer working. People really want to maximize their time by not spending so much of it in the salon. Even though they appreciate it, it’s in a different way.”

TEXT: LUCY MAZZUCCO, PHOTO: JASON LEE

“THE CONCEPT AND FLUFF OF BIG SALONS IS NO LONGER WORKING. PEOPLE REALLY WANT TO MAXIMIZE THEIR TIME BY NOT SPENDING SO MUCH OF IT IN THE SALON. EVEN THOUGH THEY APPRECIATE IT, IT’S IN A DIFFERENT WAY.”

LOUIS HECHTER, MASTER HAIRSTYLIST AND OWNER OF

didn’t use basic brick walls from the old building. We used real bricks, but in a different way.”

“We didn’t want to have such a ‘cold’ salon,” he adds. “We wanted the client to feel like they were in something a little more finished than a loft. For hairdressers and for me, it’s a place where you create art, so it has a little bit of an artistic feel to it to attract artists.”

For Lee’s salon design, he wanted to embrace French culture and create a space that encouraged meaningful conversations. “My family is originally from Montreal, so I’ve always naturally leaned toward French culture,” he says. “When we were creating and designing

Heart of the Matter

At Orbite, the 15-foot-high ceilings are complemented by skylights, which Hechter believes helps to zhuzh up the space. “I think the most important part of our salon is the lighting in general,” he says. “We have very nice lighting, and you feel like you’re not confined in the space. The decor is totally different because we

ORBITE, MONTREAL

like they were walking up to a space in New York and having that very private experience. Once they’re in, they feel really comfortable. We really wanted to create a space where everyone could feel equal.”

Service with a Smile

Lee believes that kindness goes hand-inhand with a luxurious experience. “Being kind gets you really far, not just with customers but also in this industry,” he says. “That’s why it’s important to make sure that if a customer wants or needs something, you’re able to provide it for them and truly hear what they have to say. It’s great to have a really beautiful space, but I’ve worked in places with

beautiful spaces where customer service was not the focus. For me, customer service means really taking the time to listen to your customer and having conversations with them.”

the salon, we really thought a lot about a Parisian apartment.”

Combining comfort, style and luxury can be seen in all the details, from the fireplace mantel to the wall mouldings. “I’m also very inspired by New York,” he says, adding that his time spent working in Manhattan-based salons inspired him. “I really wanted the customer to feel

To keep clients coming back, Lee says that creating a space in which they feel not only special but also comfortable is key. “I keep a very open dialogue,” he says. “My customers can DM me on Instagram, and oftentimes I’ll have my team reach out to make sure everything is cool afterward, especially after a significant change. I believe luxury is about maintaining that oneon-one personal relationship with your customer.”

Held at The Warehouse Venue in Downsview Park, the event was hosted in an expansive space that was creatively transformed into a “house” with six distinct rooms: the kitchen, living room, dressing room, art studio, tool shed and pool.

Inside the Modern House of Joi with Joico and Modern Beauty Supplies

In celebration of Modern Beauty Supplies becoming Joico’s fullservice distributor in Ontario, Joico hosted an exclusive training event to welcome its new team of distributor sales consultants.

When & Where: August 25, Toronto

Regional education manager Kynna Moore and national education manager Megan Nevins led the presentation and introduced Joico’s brand managers. To bring the training to life, the team presented three models to demonstrate Joico’s hair colour and styling techniques, led by Nevins and Moore. | Jacob Bristo, brand manager for colour, presented an in-depth exploration of Joico’s colour portfolio, including LumiShine, Blonde Life, Vero K-Pak and Color Intensity.

After the seated presentations, attendees explored the House of Joi, moving through themed rooms featuring activation stations to expand their knowledge on topics ranging from advanced colour and styling techniques to essential sales and customer insights to Henkel’s new Club H Rewards program.

Abigail Deluca, brand manager for care and styling, showcased the brand’s signature and bestselling care and styling products, including Defy Damage and K-Pak Color Therapy.

The day began with opening remarks from Amanda Belasco, vicepresident business director for Joico. “It’s a historic day for Joico to be partnering with Modern Beauty Supplies Ontario. I believe Joico has been on a journey in the last two years to ﬁnd its place in Ontario. This relationship really feels like home.” | National sales manager Jennifer VanDen provided an overview of the day’s agenda and introduced the rest of the Joico team.

Held at the Wella Studio in Calabasas, California, the educational event spotlighted the latest hair colour trends and embraced the concept of showcasing hair as an art form.

|Martin Dale, the new head of education for Wella North America, and Carole Protat, senior director of brand education, took the stage to reafrm Wella’s steadfast commitment to supporting ongoing learning. They highlighted the signiﬁcance of continuous innovation and the importance of keeping artists at the forefront of their craft through ongoing learning.

Thriving Artistry at Wella Creative Nights

Wella celebrated the beginning of fall by hosting its second Creative Nights event of the year.

When & Where: September 24, Los Angeles

Among the attendees was legendary hairstylist Robert Lobetta, who has worked with Sebastian Professional throughout his career as a creative director and consultant.

The evening featured Wella Professionals global ambassador James Earnshaw, who’s known for his mastery in dimensional colour. He showcased striking looks using the newest colours from Wella’s Shineﬁnity, which he helped develop. His three creations—warm blonde, pastel metallic pink and vibrant sunset-inspired fashion shade— were inspired by the Golden Hour trend, which fuses warmth with sophistication, aimed at making multidimensional hair colours more wearable while maintaining a luxurious, high-end feel. |

After the Creative Nights presentations, attendees had the chance to chat with Earnshaw and Antonio to delve deeper into the Golden Hour trend and Antonio’s artistic process.

Sebastian international artist Omar Antonio, who is renowned for his unbelievable avant-garde hair looks, captivated the audience with his latest creations. He displayed eight magniﬁcent gowns crafted entirely from hair and discussed his creative process, ofering insights into his journey of transforming hair into art.

Also in attendance was Wella Professionals chief blonding ofcer, Zach Mesquit.

Inspiring Education at Kao’s Creative Xperience 2024

After hosting events in Las Vegas and Nashville, Kao’s Creative Xperience made its first and only Canadian stop in Toronto, with more than 200 attendees from across Canada, the United States and Mexico.

When & Where: September 29 to 30, Toronto

In the styling room, Kao educators and ambassadors Tammie Axworthy, Edwin Johnston, Ethan King and Michael Noragon shared their expertise on the latest trends, ofering valuable, salonfriendly techniques. Noragon and Johnston showcased intricate updos, while Axworthy and King focused on mastering curls and coils. Their insights provided practical yet versatile techniques that stylists can seamlessly incorporate into their routines.

The show also featured three Barbie-inspired looks, along with presentations for Kerasilk, Kao’s newest premium haircare and styling brand, and Synergy, an educational program that fuses haircutting, colour and styling.

Kathy Reilly, associate director of education for Kao Canada, set the stage with a warm welcome for attendees. Also in attendance were communications strategy lead Mary McConnell, channel strategy director Nadia Mitro and national sales manager Laura de Sousa.

One of the night’s highlights was a look back at the recordbreaking winners from the 2023 Kao Global Creative Awards, who “passed the torch” to this year’s winners: Tina Casciato and Abby Bruneel of Renaissance Salon & Estetica in St. Catharines, Ont., and Sharon LeClair of Shades of Color in Bedford, N.S.

The event kicked of on Sunday night with a cocktail reception for an evening of networking and celebration, followed by a runway presentation that highlighted iconic styles from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s, Y2K and 2024.

Hosted at The Westin Harbour Castle, the two-day event ofered a dynamic mix of education, creativity and celebration for hairstylists, colourists and salon owners, combining inspirational runway shows with lookand-learn demos, hands-on education and insightful seminars.

Events like these bring people together, including Ontariobased salon owner Lara Leckie and her team from Studio So Lara.

In the haircutting room, Goldwell ambassador Jacob Khan led a captivating technical demonstration of razor-cutting techniques using shears. He guided attendees through the process of cutting curtain fringes and long layers, ofering expert tips on perfecting the look. Khan also shared his insights about the importance of understanding your client’s face shape and lifestyle when creating a custom haircut.

The following day was all about learning, with a rotating session of hands-on cutting and styling education, ofering attendees the chance to reﬁne their techniques in a classroom setting.

Following the educational sessions, attendees gathered for the grand-ﬁnale stage show, which spotlighted colour-trend forecasts for the upcoming fall season. Goldwell artists Chelsea Sutherland, Kylie Bussing, Kelly Hallett and Didier Lachapelle took the stage with look-andlearn demos that combined runway-inspired and salon-friendly colour looks.

Among the attendees were Goldwell artists and co-owners of Taz Hair Co., Daniel Naumovski and Frank Cini.

“We’re always looking for ways to connect, so this partnership was a natural ﬁt,” says Heather Pieper, senior manager of ecommerce for Chatters. “We often get to showcase the retail component, but this is a great way for us to show of our salon business. There are a lot of diferent vendors at the Budweiser Stage, but what we ofer is completely unique.”

A Look Back at Chatters and Live Nation’s Ultimate Concert Experience

This past summer, Chatters Hair Salon and Live Nation teamed up for the second consecutive year to offer an unforgettable concert experience.

When & Where: July & August, Toronto

The Chatters Hair Salon van was parked at the concert venue ahead of “Throwback Concerts” by artists such as Avril Lavigne and New Kids on the Block, which attracted a diverse range of fans and provided the perfect opportunity for Chatters to connect with new clients.

End of an Era

After a career spanning more than three decades, Robert Cromeans has announced his retirement from John Paul Mitchell Systems (JPMS). The world-renowned hairstylist, salon owner and platform artist has been working with JPMS to share his innovative artistry and business strategies with the industry. Cromeans originally joined the company as an associate for Paul Mitchell and became a protégé of the renowned Jeanne Braa. In 2000, Cromeans was appointed to artistic director for JPMS, followed by global artistic and business director in 2016. He has developed and launched many successful artistic collections and business systems, including the revolutionary salon-business-building concepts of Take Home, The Wash House and The Color Bar. He’s also the founder of several salons, including A Robert Cromeans Salon in San Diego, Calif. Throughout his illustrious career, Cromeans travelled to more than 40 countries to educate, motivate and mentor thousands of salon owners, stylists and colourists and is beloved for his signature style, charisma, humour, artistry and business knowledge.

“These partnerships are really important to us because they help us interact on the ground with our consumers and with our stylists and really get that hands-on connection,” says Megan D’Andreis, marketing and public relations project manager for Chatters. “Chatters is all about looking good and feeling good, so what better way to show that than at a concert with hairstyling!”

The collaboration coincides with the brand’s commitment to its mission—“Beauty has no boundaries”—engaging with a wide range of attendees and showcasing their values in a vibrant setting. For Chatters hairstylists, the experience is equally rewarding, blending their passion for hair with the excitement of live music.

Exciting Expansion

Modern Beauty Supplies is continuing to expand its reach with the acquisition of ESP Salon Sales, a Saskatoon-based distributor with stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Manitoba. According to the brand’s chief executive ofcer, Amer Jomaa, the news is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to providing its customers with the best in professional beauty. “Since its founding in 1990, ESP Salon Sales has built a strong reputation for its dedication to education, service and quality products,” he says. “Its established presence in key markets aligns perfectly with Modern Beauty. Together, we are now poised to create even greater opportunities for growth, innovation and excellence in the beauty industry.”

Dream Team

As part of its future growth strategy to support the professional salon industry, Beautynova Americas, part of Beautynova Group, which represents brands such as milk_shake, Depot and Medavita, has expanded its executive leadership team in sales, marketing and education. The company has appointed Scott Guinter as senior vice-president of sales for North America, Aubrey Schutté as vicepresident of marketing for North America and John Moroney as senior vice-president of education for North America. The Beautynova executive team will be primarily based in the newly expanded Beautynova ofce in Wayne, N.J.

SCOTT GUINTER

AUBREY SCHUTTÉ

JOHN MORONEY

Long-Lasting Legacy

Industry legend Tsukiko (Suki) Takagi has passed away at the age of 85. The award-winning hairstylist and mentor, who was originally from Tokyo, Japan, was the renowned owner of Suki’s Salons & Academy in Vancouver. After retiring from the industry, Takagi left the company to her son, Ken Takagi, to continue to lead and grow the business. The company now has five salons in Vancouver, Victoria and Surrey, B.C., with 150 employees. It has also developed a renowned apprentice program that has trained some of the industry’s top talent.

After completing high school and attending beauty school in Los Angeles, Takagi got her start in the industry as an apprentice at Gene Shacove Salon, a prestigious salon in Beverly Hills.

When Takagi, along with her husband and two sons, decided to move to Vancouver, she opened her ﬁrst salon in the South Granville neighbourhood in 1972. She built a name for herself through her craft and her ability to expertly create hairstyles that were tailored to her guest’s hair type, features, work and lifestyle.

In 1979 and 1981, Takagi was invited to demonstrate her skills in London, England, which resulted in many top hairstylists and educators joining her team.

In 1994, Takagi was named the YWCA’s Woman of the Year in the entrepreneur category, adding to her many industry achievements.

In 2016, Takagi was the recipient of the Sans Bias Lifetime Achievement Award at the Intercoifure Fall Atelier in NYC. Most recently, she received the 2020 Nikkei Community & Business Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award in Vancouver.

In 2022, Suki’s celebrated its 50th anniversary by hosting a series of ﬁve hair and fashion shows over the course of three days.

Colourful Learning

Wella Company has been named the ofcial hair brand at MC College. Learn more about this partnership and how it’s a win-win for all.

When enrolling and educating the next generation of hairstylists, it’s important to instil knowledge that will set them up for success.

MC College, a leader in hairstyling education, has partnered with Wella Company as the school’s official hair brand for its six campuses across Western Canada.

According to Joe Cairo, president of MC College, the partnership was—and continues to be—rooted in education. “With Wella being an industry leader in education and having high-performance products, it helps us achieve the professional development and education requirements for our students, as well as our staff,” he says. “Our staff can hone their skills in colouring and ensure that they’re learning more so they can deliver a better education to the students.”

After working with a smaller colour line for more than 20 years, Cairo and his brother and business partner, Dino, decided it was time for a change. “We wanted to work with a recognized industry leader,” he says. “Wella has a strong commitment to education for the industry, with a team of educators across Canada. One of the key objectives was to get more educators into the schools and in front of the students far more regularly than we’ve ever

had before to help make the students more comfortable with the product lines and help us deliver an improved quality of education.”

While some beauty schools across Canada have been struggling or even closed since the pandemic, MC College continues to thrive, offering classes in haircutting, colouring, styling, barbering, texture, hair extensions and business to more than 1,000 graduates annually. The school prides itself on offering both classroom instruction (with Pivot Point’s digital learning platform) and hands-on experience (through the on-campus salon and work experience placements).

career path for the next generation.

“Cosmetology schools are the foundation of fostering new talent in the hairdressing industry,” says Marianne Medeiros, country manager of professional beauty sales in Canada for Wella Company. “Solidifying our partnership with MC College was a direct result of showcasing our Wella Schools Program. To know that Wella will be the colour of choice for more than 1,000 graduates each year translates into confidence that our next generation of hairdressers will have Wella expertise, which is an incredible way to spread the #wellalove.”

“We’ve had no problem with enrolment over the years,” says Cairo. “While we follow the prescribed programming from the apprenticeship— as required by provincial government regulations—we’ve always added to it and made our curriculum superior to the basic provincial trade requirements. While the switch to Wella isn’t to necessarily increase enrolment, that’s a distinct possibility now since it’s such a well-known brand.”

While this steadfast partnership will bring quality education to MC College graduates, there’s still a lot of work to be done in the industry to ensure that hairstyling continues to be a viable

“I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and there’s no denying that hairdressing and other trades were being overlooked, as there was a stigma that building a secure future was doubtful,” says Medeiros. “I do sense a shift in this outlook and feel that the perception is changing. The work via social media channels and the promotion of trades at an entry level have picked up speed. Our younger generations have access to seeing the beauty of hairdressing transformations and, as such, are intrigued to pursue jobs in our industry.

Manufacturers, hairdressers, salon owners, schools and governments need to continue to push awareness and prove to generations to come that hairdressing is a sustainable and rewarding career choice.”

“By associating ourselves with an industry leader with the long history of Wella, we’re hoping to expose our students more to what’s available, as well as having the full scope of what’s involved and all the different opportunities that exist in the industry,” adds Cairo. “Students don’t have to feel like they’ll graduate and just work behind the chair in a salon, suite or spa. There are other career opportunities that exist in this great industry we’re in. Wella educators can share their work experiences and career journeys with our students since the best teachers are those who’ve had those experiences in the industry.”

PHOTO: MC COLLEGE

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