On Sunday, February 25th, more than 600 industry professionals convened at the Copper Design Center in Los Angeles to watch 14 North American and International finalists compete for a chance to win career-changing prizes.
Finalists were tasked with creating an entirely new look on their models for the live finale, inspired by the idea of "Shape Your World." Competitors presented their final look to a panel of judges including Robert Lobetta and Dominick Serna, among others.
Professional category finalist, Keisha Mines; Affiliated Artist category finalist, Jonathan James; International finalist, Rosalie Asmar; and Student category finalist, Rachel Alvord were named winners in the premiere styling competition known for self-expression and artistic ambition.
Student category finalist, Rachel Alvord accepts her What's Next Award
Competition prizes included:
Student
- $1,000 cash prize
- Assist at a Sebastian-sponsored editorial photoshoot
- Stylist starter kit valued at over $1000
Professional
- $2,000 cash prize
- Sebastian-sponsored editorial photoshoot
- All-inclusive trip to NYC to assist backstage at New York Fashion Week
Affiliated Artists
- $1,500 cash prize
- Sebastian-sponsored editorial photoshoot
- Two-night trip to city of choice for Day of Creative Mentorship
International
- All-inclusive trip to Los Angeles to compete at Live Finale
- One-day editorial photo shoot mentored by Robert Lobetta
In addition to the competition, the evening showcased a lineup of artistic presentations from some of the best hairdressing talent, including Sebastian Professional Global Art Director Shay Dempsey and Sebastian Professional International Top Artists Diva Poulos, Omar Antonio, Marylle Koken and Anthony Cole.
For more information on this year's What's Next Awards, visit sebastianwna.com/competition