MODERN SALON’s exclusive Artist Session workshops give stylists the opportunity to participate in an intimate, hands-on training session to get a taste of what it’s like to be a session stylist—not to mention each participant walks away with his or her own personal work photographed by famed industry photographer Roberto Ligresti.

Three artists from recent Artist Sessions are emerging stars just beginning their careers in the professional salon industry— Stewart, Kaley Wittnik and Sarah Broyer—while Joanne Fanelli-Babiarz is a re-emerging talent, after taking a break to start a family and focus on her salon. The looks here may say holiday, but the creators have another connection; these artists are well on their way to stardom.

Stewart

“I’ve always been drawn to the 1970s retro style—especially Polaroids,” says Stewart. “The coloring of soft tones and old-school style has always caught my eye. For this session, I wanted to create a bob; however, my model had hair down to her waist. There was no cutting it, so we had to improvise.”

Try it: To create texture, use a microcrimper in thin sections, all over. Then, set the front with a one-inch curling iron so the waves curve to frame the face. Isolate the front section, and secure the back in two ponytails. Rouch small sections and pin to head to create the bob shape. Then brush out the front and pin at ear after rouching the ends.

Joanne Fanelli-Babiarz

“The look I created for MODERN SALON’s Artist Session is classic and elegant; styles that remain timeless are what I do best,” says Joanne Fanelli-Babiarz. “Maja has exquisite bone structure, so I decided to create a red carpet look.”

Try it: First, her entire head was set on barrel curls to create smoothness and soft wave. Small square sections were then made into ponytails across the crown. They were then “chain linked” and pinned into place. The remainder of the hair was left to cascade loosely, with a sweep over to the side.

Sarah Broyer

“When I met my model Meghan I decided to complement her natural elegant look with a vintage, 1920s-inspired updo,” says Sarah Broyer of her Artist Session look.

Try it: After creating the desired texture, pull all hair forward and secure to head. Backcomb at the base, and pin hair, overlapping sections to create an S-shape. Secure ends with hair pins. For fine hair, add in extensions to create additional body.

Kaley Wittnik

“I am very inspired by the styles worn by women in TV shows from the late ’80s and early ’90s —the Cosby Show, Golden Girls and Designing Women come to mind,” says Kaley Wittnik. “I saw a dress that was love at first sight and went perfectly with my hair concept. The clip-in fringe from HairUWear was a great way to create a bold, new look. Artist Session gave me the chance to be the art director of my own shoot and I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity.”

Try it: Create airy texture using a combination of volumizing products and thermal styling irons. Separate the hair into two sections. Beginning at the midlengths, begin a fishtail braid. Secure the ends. Finish by clipping in a fringe hairpiece.