It's that time of the year again. The North American Hairdressing Awards Ceremony or NAHA is here. Before we kick off the celebration, get to know our finalists for this year's competition. These uber-talented stylists invested considerable time, talent and energy into their entries. CLICK the name of the Salon Design finalist (Matthew Morris of Mathew Morris Salon and Skincare, Raychell Harrison of Salon Nuuvo, Jon and Jenni Kanski of Mitch Men's Salon, Tyler James of Salon Evidence and Dan Csicsai of Salon Glo) you would like to meet.
Don't forget to tune in on July 14, 2013 at 10pm EST for the EXCLUSIVE live broadcast of the 2013 NAHA Awards Gala at modernsalon.com/naha. And be sure to join the conversations on twitter with the hashtag #NAHALIVE.
MATTHEW MORRIS
Mathew Morris Salon and Skincare
What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?
"My manager, who had uploaded all our entries, called me over to watch the video during a super busy day in the salon. As we watched, I was thrilled to see our salon nominated three times! People started gathering from the salon around us and everyone watched it over and over. We posted it on Facebook straightaway. However, it was bitter-sweet, because I knew friends that entered some amazing images who were not nominated."
Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.
"Honestly, we just followed directions; commercial, wearable men's hairstyles. I pictured styles that were exaggerated, but could easily be seen on the street."
How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?
"Entering NAHA heightens your attention to detail. If you think it's perfect, it's not. NAHA does you a favor by pushing you and making you work better."
What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client?
"I've created styles for national hair campaigns and manufacturers to use in education."
MS: What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?
"I first entered NAHA in 2005, and WON! It was for Editorial Hairstylist of the Year."
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RAYCHELL HARRISON
Salon Nuuvo
What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?
"In our team lounge we have a calendar with upcoming classes and meetings. April 30, was circled in bold for the NAHA results. That morning Evan, our front desk receptionist, turned on the computer. The clients were getting settled in when we heard a huge scream. 'We made it,' he yelled. 'We are NAHA finalists!' All of the stylists and clients cheered."
Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.
"As a stylist, my clients are my inspiration. When I walk into a space to style hair, I feel most comfortable with clean lines and a minimalistic approach. The hair itself has to stand out. In designing Salon Nuuvo, I wanted to capture simplicity and sophistication. The white design let me play with textures, curved walls and lighting. The splash of soft pink invokes a warm and inviting atmosphere. I wanted the space to be all about the client experience; from the soft soothing music in the shampoo room to the color bar on display in the middle of the salon floor. Our space is also environmentally engineered to reduce our impact on the environment. We have low energy appliances and a fill station, where our clients can bring empty bottles of shampoo by the ounce. Our tagline is ‘feel beautiful’ and we honor this every day for each and every client."
How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?
"This NAHA nomination has solidified my belief that one must always strive to be the best they can be. Designing a beautiful space is only one piece of the puzzle. Our team culture and academy program sets the standards high. At Salon Nuuvo, all of our stylists must go through rigorous training to work behind the chair. I constantly empower the team with external and internal workshops, keeping the passion for hair alive. Exceptional quality and customer service has always been my first priority."
What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client?
"The most NAHA-worthy hair I have recently done was on a client named Diore’. She came to me with a gold band and dark brown roots. Her goal was platinum white hair with a hint or periwinkle. After six hours of double application on the scalp lightener, using a very low developer, toning with a formula perfected by a series of testing, we ended up with the most perfect soft periwinkle with a multi-dimensional color. Following the color, came the cut, which was also very intricate. We created a geographical precision cut faux-hawk, following the natural curvature of her head. Using over direction, we created a long flowy mane that hit the center of her back, super short around the ear, but still feminine. We styled her out by creating pin curls and crimping them with a mini crimper, creating curl and a unique texture. She looked like a rock star. Unfortunately, technology failed me, so we were unable to capture an image for our files."
What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?
"Working in the industry for over 16 years, I have always dreamed of entering NAHA. The talent and skill featured by salon professionals every year, makes me proud to be in the industry. I started working for industry icon, Robert Cromeans, after beauty school. Working with Robert, Stephanie Cochoski, Takashi and the Paul Mitchell family inspired me on many levels. As a stylist I learned the fundamentals of hair, the importance of teamwork and how valuable company culture can be. Last year, I used all my experience, and built the salon of my dreams. I decided after all these years I was going to enter NAHA for the first time."
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JON AND JENNI KANSKI
Mitch Men's Salon
What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?
"I called Jenni, my wife and business partner, to tell her the exciting news. I watched the YouTube video anxiously waiting for our category. As the names started to show on the video, I started to get more and more nervous. I accepted the fact that we most likely would not be a finalist, since this was our first year entering NAHA. When our salon name popped up, I was so surprised, happy and then filled with pride."
Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.
"Mitch Men's Salon was inspired by John Paul Mitchell Systems exclusive men's product line MITCH. Our vision was to create a space that was worthy for the exclusive male client. Mitch Men's Salon was designed for the Modern male."
What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?
"2013. Mark Wadsworth of Wadsworth Designs."
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TYLER JAMES
Salon Evidence
What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?
"I was sitting in my salon break room when I received the phone call from our designers, Wadsworth Design. I immediately ran out to the salon floor and yelled out that we were a NAHA top five finalist for Salon Design of the Year. Everyone started clapping and our whole salon team was overwhelmed with joy because this means a lot to all of us."
Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.
"The vision and inspiration for my salon is my life goal as well. I want to change the mentality of hairdressers. So Salon Evidence teamed up with Wadsworth Design and came up with a concept that would achieve my vision, because perception is everything in this industry. We used an old-school concept with a modern twist, creating a salon that is lean and mean. NAHA is a great platform for me to share my life goal."
How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?
"Entering NAHA has given me a fire within that burns for being the best that I can be by intensely focusing on my work."
MS: What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client?
What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?
"This is my first year to be a part of NAHA. The group that inspired me to join is Wadsworth Design. They knew that we were a part of something special with our salon design and it turns out, we were."
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DAN CSICSAI
Salon Glo
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