Each month we get a steady stream of letters and e-mails here at American Salon. And each month, at least a couple of you ask a question like this one:
 Robbin McClain |
I live and work in a small town and desperately need to branch out. I would love to work more in fashion or with celebrities but have no idea how to start. There doesn't seem to be much opportunity for advancement here. Do you have any career advice for me?
Location, of course, plays a big part in the availability of these types of jobs. But what if I told you about another opportunity that offers exposure, travel and creative challenge and doesn't require you to be in New York, LA or any other large city? Hairdressing competitions help you develop your skills, keep you tuned in to the latest trends and allow you to meet other talented colleagues in your area.
 Audra's winning model |
Various competitions take place throughout the year, and a couple of them are still open. Wella's Trend Vision 05 Regional Competitions, open to hairdressers with 10 years or less licensed experience, brings together nine regional winners; one will represent the U.S. at the International Trend Vision 05 Awards in London. Applicants must interpret one of Wella's 05 megatrends and submit before and after photos of the transformation. The remaining four cities and competition dates are: San Francisco, 6/12 (submission deadline 5/12); Chicago, 6/26 (submission deadline 5/25); Dallas, 8/7 (submission deadline 7/12); and Orlando, 8/28 (submission 7/29). For more information, visit www.wellausa.com.
 Wella National Trend Vision 04 winner Audra Wolfe from Algona, IA, won in her first competition, and went on to represent the U.S. in Paris. |
Premiere Beauty Show in Orlando, August 28-29, offers another chance to test your skills against top competitors. To learn more, visit www.premiereshows.com. For competition events in 2006, check out these sites: www.ncacares.org and www.oneroof.org/naha. Let me know if you pursue this creative outlet—and good luck!
—Robbin McClain, editor-in -chief
E-mail Robbin at [email protected]