Offspring Rocks Miami
Exclusive Aveda distributors Neill Corporation and The Salon People joined forces last October to create Offspring—Miami Jam, an event Tim Hartley called "the most exciting hair show in North America this year." Mentors and their protégés—the future legends of the industry—appeared side-by-side onstage as more than 1,500 beauty professionals witnessed history being made. "I've never felt such energy, such enthusiasm and such electricity in one room," said Debra Neill, CEO of Neill Corporation.
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"I'm extremely proud of all of the artists and their offspring," said Tom Petrillo, founder and CEO of The Salon People. "This was two days filled with great hair, incredible inspiration and education—all for the attendees to take back to the salon."
The show, which took place over two days, was produced by Michael Baker, creative director of Neill Corporation; Jim Petrillo, president of Aveda Institutes in Florida; and Kelli McGushin, executive director of shows and events for Aveda Corporation.
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The first-ever carbon-neutral beauty event, the show featured such industry luminaries as Antoinette Beenders, Tim Hartley, Vivienne Mackinder, Ray Civello, Ruth Roche, Van Council, Ginger Boyle and David Wagner. —M.D.
SportClips Brings Holiday Cheer
Hundreds of SportClips locations nationwide participated in a cut-a-thon called "The Biggest Haircut Day of the Year," helping raise a total of $80,000 for the Veterans of Foreign War's (VFW) Operation Uplink Program, which keeps military personnel and hospitalized veterans in touch with their families and loved ones. Thanks to the donation, many service men stationed at military bases overseas were given the opportunity to make phone calls home during the holiday season. "I know how important it is to hear the voices of loved ones when you are overseas for months at a time," says Gordon Logan, founder and CEO of SportClips and a veteran himself, at a check presentation in the VFW Texas headquarters. "It's our honor and privilege to make this a holiday gift for those who are selflessly serving our country." —N.P.
 Presentation attendee Karen Maxton, Sport Clips founder and CEO Gordon Logan, Sergeant Joseph Meller and James E. Nier, executive director of the Texas Veterans Commission. |
Frédéric Fekkai Announces Contest Winners
Überstylist Frédéric Fekkai recently announced the winners of his "Train to Be a Star Stylist" contest, which ran exclusively in American Salon and gave stylists and colorists the chance to gain the skills necessary to advance in the haircare industry. The judging panel, whose ranks included Fekkai, Vice President of Salons Kimberly Callet, Vice President of Human Resources Shari Garfinkel, Public Relations Consultant Beth Klein and Human Resources Representative Jodi Heir, poured through the entries, reading the 500-word essays and assessing color photos and tear sheets of inspirational looks that each entrant was required to submit.
The panel named Vernon Miller of Sanderson State Street salon in Clarks Summit, PA, the first-prize winner. He received training with Fekkai and his team, a three-day intensive workshop at the Frédéric Fekkai 5th Avenue Salon in Manhattan, complimentary salon services, roundtrip airfare to New York City and hotel accommodations for two. Second-place honors went to Magnolia Allen of SoHo Salon and Studio in Destin, FL, who won a one-and-a-half-day intensive training workshop at Frédéric Fekkai 5th Avenue Salon, a half-day of complimentary services, roundtrip airfare to New York City and hotel accommodations for two. Amelia Hovan of Amelia's Salon in Merrimac, MA, and Keslie Johnson of Grow Salon in Seattle, WA, tied for third place. Both received Fekkai products valued at $500. —K.D.
Redken Announces New Shades EQ Contest
Redken wants to hear about your Shades EQ experience. From February 1–June 30, visit doyoushadeseq.com to see videos from Redken artists and salon professionals. Then upload your own video explaining why you love Shades EQ. No fancy equipment or editing skills required—casual YouTube-style videos are exactly what the company says it's looking for. Topics to consider include: the first time you used Shades EQ, your biggest Shades EQ success story, how Shades EQ helped grow your business and what your clients love about their color after a Shades EQ service.
During the month of July, a panel of Redken judges will select their five favorite videos. Beginning in August, the public will then vote on their favorite two videos from those five. If your video is one of the two grand-prize winners, you'll receive a free three day/two night trip to New York City to participate in a professional photo shoot with your favorite Redken artist, which will be featured in the pages of this magazine.
For more information and official rules, visit doyoushadeseq.com/rules. —C.W.
VIP Human Hair Extensions Makes U.S. Debut
Unique VIP Human Hair Extensions from Hair & Accessories recently made their debut in the United States. Made from the finest slow-processed, Remy-grade, 100-percent human hair, the 18-inch-long extensions are available in three textures and 36 colors. Currently, the company is introducing VIP Rinex and VIP Tubex, with four more application methods to follow: VIP Micro Weavex, VIP Tapex, VIP U-Tip and VIP Clipex.
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Unique VIP Rinex hair extensions, which don't require heat or chemicals to attach or remove, are virtually impervious to the assault on bonds from shampoos, conditioners, swimming and bathing. Long-lasting and shed-free, they can be periodically adjusted to maintain the ideal distance from the scalp.
Unique VIP Tubex—a cleaner method of attaching extensions—utilizes a polymer tube that shrinks at the bonding point for a comfortable, secure and more unobtrusive bond. Application methods for both extension systems are detailed in a training DVD that's available from the company. For further details, visit uniquehairextensions.com. —K.D.
American Crew Moves Its Opening Night Event
American Crew has announced it is hosting its American Crew Opening Night 2008 during America's Beauty Show in Chicago on Saturday, March 1. The theme of the event is "A Moment in Style Defined," and attendees will enjoy an evening of drinks, dancing and men's style presented by American Crew. To purchase tickets and learn more about the event, visit americasbeautyshow.com. —N.P.
 A model shows off his trendy hairstyle created by American Crew. |
Framesi Showcases Italian Style
 Framesi Creative Director Drew Switzer conducts a live cutting demonstration onstage |
 Models present the beautiful Technolux collection onstage. |
Eufora Recruits Regional Educators
Eufora International is on a search for gifted stylists to add to its regional educator team. Regional educators provide valuable artistic and business instruction and product information to stylists in the company's network of salons to help them achieve their creative and financial goals. To become a regional educator, interested stylists must attend a two-day Eufora Boot Camp, which focuses on giving participants the tools needed to inspire and educate fellow stylists through Eufora's technical, creative and presentation skills training. "Educators have the power to make a difference. This program provides salon professionals with an opportunity to advance their careers to the next level as educators, while contributing to the advancement of their industry," said Don Bewley, Eufora founder. "If you've ever aspired to become a platform artist, teach or even develop your public-speaking skills, Eufora Boot Camp is where you'll get your wings." —N.P.
 Leandro Sablan, Eufora director of regional education, explains to stylists attending a Eufora Global Connection educational event the benefits of "enlisting" in Eufora's Boot Camp. |
Product Club Joins the Fight
In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Product Club introduced a special-edition foil. Due to the success of the product, the company was able to donate $5,000 to the American Cancer Society. Product Club plans to expand its efforts next year with more products that let salons show their support. "This was the first year that the company has participated with a product dedicated to breast cancer awareness and the response was phenomenal," said Eric Polesuk, the company's president. "It's great to be able to support a cause that affects so many people in our industry." —N.P.
 Mary Albanese, Vice President of marketing for Product Club, presents a $5,000 check to the American Cancer Society. |
Paul Mitchell Gives Hugs
Paul Mitchell Schools recently launched the Free Hugs campaign, which was inspired by an Internet-distributed music video that aired in 2004. The purpose of the campaign is to brighten people's lives by accepting hugs from people and offering hugs to others. The campaign has already received media coverage, including a hug-in at the Future Professionals of the Cosmetology Institute in Temecula, CA, a Paul Mitchell Partner School. "Not only is this a cute, nice thing to do, but news channels are rushing to catch the story because they think it's that profound," said Winn Claybaugh, dean of Paul Mitchell Schools. —N.P.
 Paul Mitchell The School students offering free hugs |
Joico Launches Design Collection
 Products from Joico's Design Collection on display |
 Joico's Lance Blanchette, Bob Lupinacci, American Salon's Lotus Abrams and Carrie Watson, Joico's Patrick O'Keefe, Good Housekeeping's April Franzino. |
Beverly Hills Salon Owner Judges Contest in Japan
Stuart Gavert, owner of the highly respected Gavert Atelier salon in Beverly Hills, CA, served as a special guest judge at Milbon's 2007 Osaka Hair Show. Around 200 teams of stylists and colorists from the area competed for a prize of $1,000. Each team worked with a model to give her the specific head of hair she desired. Among the requests: to look like someone who would be holding a martini in a 1960s cocktail lounge.
 Models walk the runway before the judges announce the winners. |
"Osaka has some of the top stylists in the world, creating haircuts and color that are as beautiful and unique as the city itself," Gavert said. "This show allowed these distinguished colorists and stylists to be extremely creative and gave me the opportunity to intimately see their thought processes and approaches to hair." —C.W.
 Stuart Gavert and Cody Kusakabe of Gavert Atelier salon discuss technique with a contestant |
 Maria Cerminara lends a helping hand to needy families |
Mizani Volunteers for the Cause
Mizani traveled to New Orleans to join salon industry insiders and celebrity stylists on a mission to build a complete neighborhood of homes for families affected by Hurricane Katrina. Mizani plans to continue these efforts through 2008 as part of its support of the Hairdressers Unlocking Hope campaign. "Volunteering in November was a wonderful and gratifying experience, and Mizani looks forward to participating in this community effort as a team at the next build," said Maria Cerminara, Mizani's vice president of marketing. "In June 2008, we will visit New Orleans as an organization and dedicate ourselves to supporting a family's home-building project." —N.P.
 Mizani's Melka Davis, Vidal Sassoon and Cerminara. |