Nicole Jackson, Salon Lux, Shelby Township, MI

This is Salon Lux’s first finalist in the competition and Nicole’s first try entering. “I am stunned and excited at the same time,” Nicole gushed when told she was a finalist.

Anna LaTorre, Pigalle Salon & Med Spa, Beverly Hills, MI

Pigalle Salon & Med Spa is no stranger to this competition. Irina Miasnikova, owner, won last year. Anna was part of Irina’s entourage so she has find hand experience. “It would be so much fun to win this especially after Irina winning it last year,” Anna excitingly commented after being told the news.



Colleen Dwyer, 6 Salon, Birmingham, MI

Like Pigalle, 6 Salon is no stranger to Tiffany. They have not only won Hairdresser of the Year, but many other coveted awards. “I’m so excited for Colleen and the salon,” proudly stated George Nikollaj (owner along with brothers Tomy and Johnny). “This is amazing news and I look forward to sharing with our team,” added George.

The field will be perhaps the most competitive in its 8th year. The competition takes place October 3 at Andiamo’s original location  in Warren. Please visit thetiffanyawards.com for more information and tickets.

Good luck to the finalists!

Happy Monday!

Balayage is a technique for applying highlights and color to hair. Unlike the traditional method of using foils, the bleach (Cramer bleach is superb for this) is applied to strands of hair and then with the use of cotton and poly wrap, the product only takes 10 minutes to work and since it doesn’t use heat, doesn’t damage hair. But the true WOW! to Balayage is the way highlights shine throughout the hair afterwards.

Like watching any master, it looks deceptively easy. Lindsey, the latest Kemon Artistic Team member, wowed over 100 hairdressers yesterday at the Kemon Academy in Farmington Hills. Models sporting reds, brunettes and blondes all took center stage while Lindsey demonstrated the art of Balayage. Afterwards the lucky ones took part in a hands-on workshop with Lindsey giving tips and pointers.

Beth Jesse was one of the lucky ones. Jesse herself a Kemon coach, was amazed at the simplicity and results. Jesse even commented that she felt like an artist since the bleach is applied with a brush in small dabs taken from a paddle or in Lindsey’s case, a comb (“everyone has a comb”). George from 6 Salon and Emilio from Alex & Emilio Salon begged for Lindsey to come a do a private class for their salons.

What’s interesting about all this is that we did our first Balayage class with the Jacques Dessange team back in 2002. But for some reason, the interest level didn’t piqué like it did yesterday. I think Balayage not only excited everyone for something different and that can differentiate themselves from consumers doing their thing at home, but it really was artistic and fast forward to 2010, the industry is looking for something just like this. And unlike Brazilian treatments, this is not only affordable, but actually better for the hair.

Balayage, who would have thought? Look for plenty of new courses coming soon!

Happy Tuesday!

Whether someone speaks English or is born in the USA does not determine the talent an individual possesses.

One of the things that makes the USA great as it is is the fact that people from all over the world come to live and share their talents with others.

We see this with Olympic runners. We see this in pro hockey, baseball, soccer, golf and numerous other sports.

We see this in hospitals, doctor offices, emergency rooms. We see this in universities, high schools, special education schools.

We see this in signature restaurants, diners, coneys and pizza joints.

We see this in supermarkets, produce markets, and specialty markets.

And we see this in hairdressing. In the past two years, we have seen what the Italians have done with Kemon both artistically and technologically. We marvel at it but more importantly, we learn from it. It’s no coincidence that the last two of three winners for Hairdresser of the Year have been Kemon Artistic Coaches and the other winner a Kemon hairdresser.

This year, Irina Miasnikova, owner of Pigalle Salon & Med Spa in Southfield, MI took the honors. Irina came to the USA in 1995 and when she was asked by one of the judges what inspired her to create the looks on stage, Irina simply replied, "It came from the heart."

Last year Tomy Lulgjuraj from 6 Salon won. He brought his little girl on stage. The year before Denisa Cita from BonCiDello Salon & Spa won. She was proud as a peacock.

I have always stated that Michigan has the best hairdressers and can compete with any state. The reason is simple, when it comes to hairdressing, Michigan is global.

So yes, it makes the competition more competitive. You think the Red Wings bring in the Swedes to lose games? But what I have witnessed watching the Artistic Team in motion at other salons is this sense of learning, excitement and fascination that I haven’t seen in a long time.

There are those that have something to say about the globalization of hairdressing or that the contest is rigged for Kemon people. The facts speak for themselves and the judges don’t know one finalist from another. It’s purely talent based and like any competitive event, the one with the most talent wins.

The crowd of over 700 loved the event and its cause to support the American Cancer Society. It was a proud moment indeed.

For 2010, changes are in place already to reduce the noise level, shorten the show, and heighten the competitive juices: Hairdressers using any brand will be able to enter the fray.

But for the next few months, it’s Irina’s time to bask in the glory. It is well deserved.

Happy Wednesday!