The 2017 Sebastian Professional What's Next Awards (WNA) descended on Dallas, TX, with more than 1,000 salon professionals, family and friends cheering on the finalists of this premiere hair styling competition. The accomplished nine finalists hailing from the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, were selected from 967 artists who dared to take their creativity to the next level.
The one-of-a-kind competition for student and professional talent allowed entrants to express their artistry and showcase their creative talents with a Sebastian ECLECTIC collection-inspired look. The nine finalists—three finalists from each of the Student, Professional and Affiliated Artist categories—were chosen to compete live at the WNA. On stage, they showcased their unique sense of style and creativity for a panel of esteemed judges that included hairdressing icon Roberta Lobetta, 2016 Affiliated Artist WNA winner Gianpaolo Colombo and 2016 Professional Artist WNA winner Damaris Earlewine. This year also included a People's Choice Award where fans voted on their favorite look on Sebastian's What's Next Awards Instagram page.
"There's been such a wonderful evolution since the competition began," said Carole Protat, North America Creative Director, Wella. "WNA offers an amazing showcase and platform to hairdressers. And this year, the quality is out of this world."
American Salon congratulates the winners of the 2017 Sebastian Professional What's Next Awards:
Professional Category Winner:
Laura Rocha (@l_v_r_)
Affiliated Artist Category Winner:
Sabrina Cayer (@propagandecoiffure)
Student Category Winner:
Beverly Iwuala (@beverlyeze)
People's Choice Award:
Luis Maldonado (@luis_maldonado_1)