about the 16th
annual contessas
The Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Awards
Who can enter?
The competition is open to every bonafide, working
member of a Canadian professional beauty salon,
including freelancers to the industry and salon owners.
What is the Community Service Award?
In addition to the 21 regular categories, a community service
award is given to the professional or salon whose single
event created the greatest impact in their neighbourhood
between September 1, 2003 and August 17, 2004.
There is no entry fee for this category, which is judged
by an independent Community Service Award panel, but
contestants must fill out a separate "Contessa Community
Service Award Application." For information call
416-869-3131. One applicant will be awarded a Community
Service certificate during the Contessa Awards gala.
How are the entries judged?
Judging is performed over two days by four different
panels of independent professional beauty industry experts,
and beauty editors. Shown by number and category only,
each entrant's work remains anonymous to both judging
panels. Judges score each entry on a point system relating
to originality, creativity, fashion appeal, model suitability,
technical execution, photography, makeup, wardrobe
and overall concept. Scrutineers will review entries to
ensure individual compliance with the existing Rules and
Regulations of the Contessas. The spirit and intent of this
competition is to showcase the work of hairstylists, artists
and technicians. As such, major photographic or digital
manipulation is discouraged. Based on the judging panel's
opinion, submissions that appear to have extreme digital
manipulation will be demerited.
Where can photographers be found?
For a cross-Canada list of photographers, familiar with
the requirements of The Canadian Hairstylist of the Year
Awards, call 416-869-3131; fax 416-869-3008; or visit
the Salon Magazine booth at ABA shows across Canada.
How are semi-finalists and
finalists notified?
The 10 semi-finalists from each category and 20 semi-
finalists in the Canadian Hairstylist of the Year, Salon
Team of the Year and Elite Master Hairstylist of the
Year categories are listed in the October issues of Salon
Magazine English and French, and are also notified by mail.
The five finalists from each category and top 10 finalists
in the Canadian Hairstylist of the Year, Salon Team of the
Year and Elite Master Hairstylist of the Year categories
are listed in the November/December issues of both
publications, and are notified by phone and mail. Winners
will be announced at the awards gala.
What do finalists and winners receive?
Finalists receive:
· One complementary, non-transferable ticket to
represent the year's best at the awards gala dinner
and ceremony to be held in Toronto, Ontario.
· Finalist Certificate(s).
· Their work showcased to the industry's elite at the
Contessa gala.
· A free Platinum Web site on Beautynet.com (value $380),
showcasing their Contessa work.
Award winners receive (all the above plus):
· Their winning work featured in the annual "Contessa
Collector's Edition" of Salon Magazine English and
French editions, plus on our Contessa winners page
posted on Beautynet.com.
· A crystal glass "Contessa" trophy.
· Career-boosting media coverage by the country's
foremost beauty publications and TV programs.
· Gifts donated courtesy of the Contessa sponsors
and patrons.
instructions for each category
Please read the criteria for each category carefully
and accurately follow all rules and regulations.
THERE HAVE BEEN REVISIONS FOR 2004.
For all categories
· Include all credit information on a separate sheet
(including photography, clothing, etc.). Typed or attached
word-processed documents are highly encouraged.
· Name and category must also be clearly written on all
slides. Do not use stickers. Label before and after shots
as 1a, 1b, etc.
· Submit a 35 mm slide of yourself (or of your salon team
if entering Canadian Salon Team of the Year) with each
entry. Label bio images clearly.
· Only one model per image is permitted.
·
Creative work may not be entered twice in the same category.
·
Creative work may not be shared by entrants in any category
except for the following categories: Canadian Salon Team,
Makeover Colourist, Texture Hairstylist and Makeup Artist. All
participating stylists must credit their names and function
per entry accordingly (i.e. Hairstylist: John Doe; Colour
Technician: Mary Smith; Texture Technician: Paul Jones).
Canadian Hairstylist
Submit five slides (five different models) from the following
seven possible categories: long hair, short hair, men's,
texture, colour, multicultural, or avant garde. Versatility
will be judged.
Canadian Salon Team
Submit five slides (five different models) from the following
possible seven categories: long hair, short hair, men's, texture,
colour, multicultural, or avant garde. Versatility will be
judged. A minimum of two hairstylists must contribute to be
eligible. Include the names of all participants in each entry.
Elite Master Hairstylist
This elite category is open to beauty professionals who
have worked a minimum of 15 years in the industry,
or to winners of two Contessa awards in any one category
(except for Salon Team of the Year, Makeup Artist of the
Year, Nail Enhancement Artist of the Year or Nail Art
Technician of the Year). A total "front cover" look is judged
on hair colour, cut/style, makeup, nails and fashion.
Submit five slides (five different models) from the following
seven possible categories: long hair, short hair, men's,
texture, colour, multicultural, or avant garde.
Men's Hairstylist
Submit three slides (three different male models).
Avant Garde Hairstylist
Submit three slides showcasing fantasy work (three
different models). Digital enhancement may be used.
Multicultural Hairstylist
Submit three slides (three different models). Range
of looks must complement culturally diverse models.
Texture Hairstylist
Submit three "before" and three "after" slides (three
different models) that demonstrate various texture techniques
(ie. permanent waving, relaxing or another chemical texture
change). The "before" photographs must be taken within
one year of the makeover. Be sure to attach a separate sheet
with a technical description of the texture processes used.
Makeover Colourist
Submit three "before" and three "after" slides (three
different models, male or female). The "before" photographs
must be taken within one year of the makeover. Include on
a separate sheet the natural hair colour level, and formula
and processes used.
Newcomer Hairstylist
Submit three slides (three different models). To be eligible,
hairstylists may not be licensed for more than five years.
Include with your entry a copy of your license, or your beauty
school graduation certificate, if there is no licensing in
your province.
Student/Apprentice Hairstylist
Submit three slides (three different models). To be eligible,
entrants must be enrolled in cosmetology school, or
performing their required hours in a salon, before August 17,
2004. A letter from the school/salon, confirming enrollment,
must be submitted with the entry. Students/apprentices
may not already be licensed.
Salon Interior Design
Submit five slides for Salon Interior Design of the Year,
showcasing: the reception/waiting area, retail area, styling
area, technical area, and a room or a detail of your choice.
the canadian hairstylist of the year awards
is the premier awards ceremony
honouring excellence and creativity in salons and salon professionals across the country. Enter for
your exclusive opportunity to capture the top honour of Canada's professional beauty industry.
