HAIR COLOR
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. MODERN SALON recently spoke to the North American Hairdressing Awards or NAHA finalists. These uber-talented stylists invested considerable time, talent and energy into their entries. Click the name of the (Sue Pemberton, Robert Banyaga, Silas Tsang, Jennifer Roskey and DeAnnalyn Teal) 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.
Sue Pemberton
Sue Pemberton LLC
What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?
"I sent two texts; one to my Mum in the UK and one to my sister here in USA."
Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.
"The images for my NAHA entry are from my CLICK photographic course and the theme and inspiration is based on traditional Ombre haircolor techniques. I decided to push the concept and show different scenarios of how that concept can be utilized, adapted and changed."
How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?
"I wouldn't say it has made me a better hairdresser. I would say it has made me better known and recognized in the industry."
MS: What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client?
"I do not work on paying clients. I am an International platform artist, so I primarily travel to do photoshoots, shows and education."
What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?
"I first entered NAHA in 2004. I placed as a finalist in the Haircolor category and also in 2005. I won the Haircolor category in 2007 and have been a finalist in 2009, 2010 and twice in 2012 for Haircolor and Editorial."
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Robert Banyaga
TIGI
What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?
"I was totally shocked when I found out I was a finalist! I was the first name that appeared on the video. I had just opened the link and I wasn’t really paying attention then I kept on watching the other categories and I wondered “why are there only 5 names listed?” Then it clicked. I’m a finalist. I actually had co-workers tell me and message me congratulations before I had a chance to call or tell anyone, but the first people I told were my boss and a fellow educator that I work with. I am still in shock about it."
Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.
"The idea of a color scheme was actually a stop light; red, yellow and green but I couldn’t achieve the green theme I was happy with. I went with next color theme I could think of lilac/grey/purple. The models really made the difference and the fabulous hair designs by my partner in crime, Mitchel Wilson."
How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?
"I think doing photo sessions hones your hairdressing skills, but entering NAHA is a study in focus. For NAHA you have to focus your skill and attention to a certain set of ideas and bring out those key points. There were many times in our brainstorming sessions, where we threw out ideas that we thought were good, but really took away from the final idea of the color. You also have to do your homework, see what you like and what has broken ground in the past and marry that with what you want to want to project."
What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client?
"I don’t have any great client pictures, but if it counts for anything my daughter loves roller sets, and I got paid in My Little Pony and Heart stickers for this do."
What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?
"My first official entry was for the 2011-12 NAHA. I have colored models for other stylist’s NAHA entries over the years and may or may not have been credited. But for my first entry, I was really inspired by Richy Kandasamy from TIGI NY Academy; he’s a great artist and coach when it comes to working color for the camera."
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Blushes
Modern Salon: What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?
"When I first found out I was a NAHA 2013 finalist, I was in shock and disbelief. Haircolor was the first category that was announced in the NAHA video and I was completely caught off guard when I saw my own name on the screen. I called my children right after the finalist video was over."
Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.
"The famed abstract expressionist, Mark Rothko, was my inspiration for this collection. His well known "multiform" paintings are simply bold and vivid, often creating sharp contrasts between colors, yet still able to invoke the feeling of asymmetry and movement."
How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?
"Because NAHA is one of the most prestigious hair competitions where the best hairstylists of North America compete, it allows me to push my personal limits in this industry. Entering NAHA has inspired me to challenge myself and to reach for greater achievements. It encourages me to refine my technique and think outside the box."
What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client?
"The most NAHA-worthy work I ever did on a client was six months ago and it was a very structured bob with a straight fringe, which I enhanced with a touch of blue and red."
What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?
"I first entered NAHA in 2008, unexpectedly becoming a finalist. I was both inspired and helped by my wife, Dorothy and my photographer, Babak."
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Jennifer Roskey
Ladies and Gentlemen Salon
What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?
"It's kind of an out of body experience when I watched the NAHA video to see the finalists. While watching my images pop up on the screen I jumped out of my chair, screamed and did a happy dance. What I do remember well was the first text message I got from my mentor and dear friend, Lupe Voss. This was extremely special to me because if it wasn't for her Hair Color Magic classes and her passion to share information, I would have never been able to create my collection."
Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.
"I was really inspired by the launch of Aveda's new Full Spectrum protective permanent creme hair color (Customized Color Created with a Conscience). I wanted to push the boundaries and create tones that prior to this were unachievable with Aveda color. I love fashion and runway shows so this also played a parted in the creative process for my collection. The runways and magazine covers were covered in bright pastel tones and structured lines. With these two things in mind I began my process to achieve pastel tones that not only look good but also look good and wearable on the model. That's one thing that is truly important to me it’s not just about putting pretty or cool hair color on a person it’s about putting the right color on a pretty model."
How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?
"Entering NAHA has helped expand my creative side to truly step outside the box. Sometimes I find myself in a routine with my clients and it’s hard to break free when you do. When you enter a competition like this you are forced to break the routine and come up with something new. Doing this creates a buzz with my clients and around the salon. It makes us push ourselves forward."
What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client?
"I love that moment when I client comes in and says do whatever you would like, be creative. It’s like a rush fills my body and I get so excited. My client Nikki is so cool when it comes to her hair she always lets me have fun. For this look we wanted to create something smoky and icy, almost a slate color if you will. She totally rocked it out and we did a mini photoshoot in the lobby. What an amazing experience."
What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?
"Entering NAHA has been a dream since beauty school, but it never seemed reachable. I would look at all the finalists’ work over and over and get inspired to maybe someday have the guts to try myself. With the help of an amazing salon, Ladies and Gentlemen, and a great time of people who were always supportive and encouraging, I decided to put myself to the test. 2012 was my first year entering Haircolor for NAHA. Although I didn’t place the first year, it lit a fire inside of me that I knew I had to try again. Passion for what you do and hard work always wins in the end."
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DeAnnalyn Teal
TEAL Salon
Modern Salon: What did you do when you found out you were a NAHA 2013 finalist? Who did you tell/call first?
"I screamed and cried for a while and then I called my Mom."
Describe your inspiration, vision and theme for your NAHA entry.
"This year we were inspired by exotic birds, most specifically the Lady Gouldian, which is a Finch. Their colors are amazing and they don't follow any sort of natural law for colors. They have contrasting colored feathers next to each other and they are super beautiful."
How has entering NAHA made you a better hairdresser?
"My husband and I have been entering and competing in the NAHA for about 13 years, and the best thing I found out about competing, especially in a photographic competition, is that you have to be able to flow like water. It is good to go into a shoot with an idea and a concept, but you should be skilled enough to change the hair or the makeup if it is not working. I have also learned the ability to get back up. Sometimes you get a nomination and sometimes you don't, and being able to hold your head high and shoot again next year makes you a tougher human being."
What is (and when was) the most NAHA-worthy work you have ever created for an actual paying client?
"The work we do for the NAHA's is completely different than the work we do behind the chair. When you produce a photoshoot for yourself or for a competition the work is for you, it is our self expression. The work you do behind the chair is our craft; we listen to our client and work within their rules and thoughts."
What year did you first enter NAHA? Who helped or inspired you?
"We have been shooting and entering competitions since 1994. I would say our biggest inspiration was John and Suzzanne Chadwick. They inspired us not to shoot for competitions but to shoot for ourselves, because the only way to prove how good of a hairdresser you are is to shoot your work."
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VIEW THEIR ENTIRE COLLECTION BELOW
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MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Sue Pemberton/Haircolor |
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MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Silas Tsang/Haircolor |
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MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: Jennifer Roskey/Haircolor |
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MEET THE NAHA FINALIST: DeAnnalyn Teal/Haircolor |
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