This past April, Sebastian Professional selected winners of its annual What’s Next Awards, a competition that challenges artists across the nation to create alluring hair fashions that push the envelope. “The What’s Next Awards is a wonderful reflection of the fearless talent that lives within the salon professional industry,” said Christina McCarver, North American director of education for Sebastian Professional. “The competition is a platform for new and established talent to push their creativity to new heights and create innovative styles that will continue to shape the industry and inspire stylists nationwide.”
Finalists from the New Talent and Professional categories competed live at Vibiana in Los Angeles for a chance to style backstage at New York Fashion Week 2014 and participate in creating an editorial feature in a top salon trade publication, among other prizes. The finalists created looks inspired by Sebastian’s EvoTech hair collection, bringing the idea of contrasting effects of shape, texture and shine to their own hairstyle creations. New Talent category winner Katey-Bug Browne and Professional category winner Heather Rae Cheszek were both recognized for their daring artistry and undeniable skill.
The judging panel included the likes of fashion designer and Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) member Christian Siriano; 2013 What’s Next Awards Professional Category winner Daniel Lozada; and Sebastian Professional Global Art Director Shay Dempsey. The winners were judged based on suitability for promotional purposes and visual appeal. For more information, visit sebastianwhatsnexttour.com.