Contessas - Mens Category

So the suspense is over! Made it to the semi-finals for Contessas this year. Top 10 in all of Canada isn't bad, eh?

Although I didn't move on to the finals this year, this experience is always a time of growth both personally and professionally. I learn a lot about what works for me and where I can improve which I know will make me stronger in my future projects.

I will keep trying!

Here's what I came up with...Loving more classic and slick looks for men right now

Super talented photographer: Silva Erglis, silvaerglisphotography@gmail.com
Models: Levi, Jason, Alex

Braided Beauty

I thought it would be fun to start posting some hair tutorials to hopefully inspire someone to try something

   new or learn a new technique.

I wanted to show a look that I like to do which creates a soft, romantic, and casual feel that is easy to do

   with a few basic techniques. Its a great way to create some interest in your hair for any outfit.

Hope you like it!

Step 1:
Curl hair with a medium sized curling iron taking horizontal sections. Don't worry about making every

   section perfect. Its just to give your hair some movement.

Step 2:
Part your hair from the center of your forehead to the center of your nape and section off.

Step 3:
Braid the entire section of one side. I like to do a fishtail braid but you can do any type of braid you

   like and secure with an elastic.

Step 4:
Holding the end of the braid, pull random pieces of the braid outwards to create texture.

Step 5:
Cross the braid over to the other side and hold.

Step 6:
Secure the braid in place with bobby pins.

Step 7:
Repeat the same thing with the section on the other side.

 

And thats it!

 

I always say imperfections are perfection in these sort of looks :)

Braided Beauty Visuals...

Contessa Shoots done!

This is the time of year where I ask myself 'what now?'
My contessa entries are in the hands of the judges, and now I just sit back and wait...so much time, thought, and heart goes into each photo shoot that it almost seems too calm when it's all over.
This year I am competing for the 'British Columbia Hairstylist of the Year' and the 'Mens Hairstylist of the Year' award.
My approach this year was to go for a more sophisticated feel. Monochromatic colors and strong lines. Looks that offered something different yet wearable in everyday life.
I owe lots of credit to my talented photographers Sacha Andrews and Silva Erglis who made my vision come true. I look forward to working with them again! They worked so hard and on quite a tight time schedule. I am very grateful.
I'll post photos when results are in. Not allowed to publish them before then. My fingers and toes are crossed...just have to wait now and see!

Contessa Awards

 It's that time of year again. It seems like yesterday that I just finished this photo shoot for last years Contessa awards. I'm Getting details ready for this years shoot and Im excited! So much to think about and so many ideas! I look forward to sharing it with you when its all done, but for now here is a look at my collection from last year.

Photographer - Jennifer Dickinson
Models (top to bottom) Kora, Hannah, Sacha
Make-up - Svea Leigh

Color Trophy

Not too long ago Color Trophy happened. A much anticipated event that is hosted by L'oreal Professionnel to discover and recognize stylists all over Canada for their talent and ability to make people beautiful. 

This year I worked with my talented co-worker Travis Mercer. We created two looks for the men's category. A brunette and a blonde. Both very handsome and commercial looks that were different, yet realistic to what men could wear comfortably in their every day lives. 
We were excited to get the news that both models placed in the semi finals. We took two out of the five possible spots. 
We competed live in Vancouver and had a great time. We didn't receive first place but felt confident with what we delivered. We wouldn't have done anything differently. 
I think we created two winning looks, but there's always next year!

Cut: Travis Mercer, Color: Robin Achterberg
Model:Mat Dagenais, Photograher: Jennifer dickinson

Cut: Travis Mercer, Color: Robin Achterberg
Model:Mat Dagenais, Photograher: Jennifer dickinson 

Entering the Blogging World

So here I am . . . I've been wanting to start a blog for some time now. Not sure why exactly, except that it seems like it would be fun! I've been a hairstylist for about 6 years and absolutely love it. I also enjoy competing and doing photo shoots which keeps me inspired and curious about the latest and greatest in the hair and fashion industry. There is tons of information and ideas out there, so I wanted to create a space where I could share the things that inspire me and hopefully inspire others as well.