MENU
SEARCH37 talented finalists brought their creative and color visions to life onstage as they competed in the Wella Professionals North American TrendVision Awards.
COLOR VISION USA: Gold: Emma Hancock, Moriah Brandons Salon, Altamonte Springs, FL
Anne Moratto
Tonight in Las Vegas, some talented hairdressers hit it big. Onstage inside the Forum Ballroom in Caesar's Palace, the winners of the Wella Professionals2018 North American TrendVision Awards (NATVA) were announced. One of professional beauty's most exciting and inspiring events, the Gold winners of their categories will be competing in the global challenge, representing North America, at the International TrendVision Awards.
Learn more about the TrendVision Awards here.
The 37 finalists from the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, all submitted stunning work to the photo competition, earning them their place onstage in Vegas. But the judges have spoken and the winners are...
CREATIVE VISION USA
Gold: Edison Lu, &Hair Lounge, New York, NY
Silver: London Michalske, Mario Nico Salon, New York, NY
Bronze: Brianca Liggins, Mario Tricoci, Vernon Hills, IL
CREATIVE VISION CANADA
Gold: Robert Rella, Salon Gaboa, Woodbridge, CA
Silver: Cristina Prioletta, Stephan W Atelier, Montreal, QC
Bronze: Adriana Dicintio, Salon Gaboa, Woodbridge, CA
CREATIVE VISION PUERTO RICO
Gold: Jaileen Vélez Huertas, Modern Hairstyling Institute, Bayamón, PR
Silver: Emmanuel Torres Gratacós, Manuel Gratacos Salon, Villalba, PR
Bronze: Natalia Nieves, Pete Cardon Salon, Guaynabo, PR
COLOR VISION USA
Gold: Emma Hancock, Moriah Brandons Salon, Altamonte Springs, FL
Silver: Taylor Roles, Bijin Salon and Spa, Prairie Village, KS
Bronze: Jamie Gonzales, Union South Salon, Pasadena, CA
COLOR VISION CANADA
Gold: Daniel Grieco, Salon Gaboa, Woodbridge, ON
Silver: Frank Dicinto, Salon Gaboa, Woodbridge, ON
Bronze: Veronica Tadros, The Strand, Waterloo, ON
COLOR VISION PUERTO RICO
Gold: Rafael Ortiz Cotto, Rafael Ortiz Salon Academy, Caguas, PR
Silver: Carol Mojica, Carol Moijca Beauty Expert, Caguas, PR
Bronze: Ramon Luis Torres Castro, Saline Salon, San Juan, PR
STUDENT
Gold: Julissa Alonzo Blanco, Modern Hairstyling Institute, Bayamon, PR
Silver: John Michael Burgos Mejías, Modern Hairstyling Institute, Bayamon, PR
Bronze: Taylor Alexander, Ogle School of Hair, Skin & Nails, Stafford, TX
STAGE PRESENTATIONS
This year, Wella Professionals hosted the Journey to the Stage Challenge: an open call to all Wella family artists to win an opportunity to present at the 2018 North American TrendVision Awards. Wella selected three teams from across the US, Canada and Puerto Rico to present their talent on our stage. Artists created and named their team, and submitted a presentation proposal based on the theme: New Beginnings: Exploring the Pure Art Form of Hair: Let’s remember why we do what we love to do. Let’s recapture the real beauty in life and in the ARTISTRY OF HAIR AND THE PURITY OF CUT, COLOR AND STYLE.
The winning teams that presented at NATVA 2018 were:
The Expressionists: Anna Holaday, Whitney Parr, Janet Algeciras
Introspectra: Caroline Kim, Brenton Lee, Danny Lozada, Stevie Smith
Northern Lights: Dana Lyseng, Paul Nasrallah, Antonio Quintieri, Eryn Wall, Emily Murphy
COMPETITION PRIZES
Creative Vision Gold Winner
All expenses paid trip to participate in Wella’s International Hair Competition hosted in Lisbon, Portugal.
All-inclusive trip to NYC to assist backstage at New York Fashion Week.
Color Vision Gold Winner
All expenses paid trip to participate in Wella’s International Hair Competition hosted in Lisbon, Portugal.
Participate in photoshoot with a reputable National Magazine.
Student Gold Winner
Internship for a week in a Wella Studio to shadow a studio artist.
Professional kit, retail value $2,000
Silver
$1,000 Gift Certificate for Wella Education
Bronze
$500 Gift Certificate for Wella Education
Dominique LyVar, an influential educator and artist, is remembered by those who loved him for his significant impact on the industry and contributions to the community.
Known for his buttery blondes and a technique for highlighting hair with more precision that he called chunking, Brad Johns died on August 27. His friend and fellow colorist, David Stanko, shares thoughts on his talented colleague and close friend.
As technology evolves at an accelerated rate, you want to make sure you have the best in your business toolkit to help you grow sales, motivate your team, communicate with your current and future clientele, and streamline your managerial tasks. The 2026 SALON TODAY Technology Solutions Guide is designed to help you navigate today's growing landscape of salon and spa technology. In this guide, you'll find a curated look at more than 50 of the latest software platforms, digital solutions, and innovative features to help you compare options and identify the best fit for your business.
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
RÜTE Wash introduces a shower cap designed specifically for crown washing, helping clients with hair extensions cleanse the scalp while protecting the lengths from water.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric returns for its fourth edition August 30-31 at the Henry B. González Convention Center, delivering its biggest and boldest event to date.
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
A live education series explores the ideas, collaboration, creative decisions and processes behind the winning work.
According to the report, people are moving away from copy-paste trends and toward community, using real experiences to develop a sense of taste and beauty that reflects who they are.
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.
