The votes are in!

Congratulations to Jordan McLeod on winning Great Length’s Tape-Inspired content. He is receiving the ULTIMATE grand prize: a ticket to MODERN SALON's Artist Session in New York with mentorship from Danielle Keasling Great Lengths Executive Artistic Director.

The contest began with countless entries that the judges at Great Lengths narrowed down to 10 lucky finalists. From there, each finalist was asked to create a new look using the brand’s GL Tapes. Jordan’s finish ultimately won over the hearts of voters.

McLeod is a Chicago-based stylist who specializes in blonding and extensions. He's been in the industry professionally for 12 years but says he fell in love with hair at a young age when his mom would take him to the salon with her as he was growing up.

His first experience using extensions was in school, where he received a two-day training certification in Great Lengths. 

"I've been working with extensions right from the start," McLeod says. "I love extensions because I can give someone instant gratification, strand by strand or with tape."

McLeod decided to enter the Great Lengths Tape-Inspired contest because he is passionate about extensions and believes Artist Session would be a great step in his career. He says he lives by the philosophy of entering everything you can because exposure is growth.

During the first round of the contest, stylists were asked to submit their best extension work, using the brand of their choice. McLeod chose to create a textured look.

"I thought it would be fun to take long, straight hair extensions and utilize different tools to manipulate them to match my model's natural hair at the base, then expand it out," he says. "I used colored pencils and hangers to create the look; I think big, curly hair always stands out, especially when you add pops of color."

Once McLeod found out he was a finalist in the contest, he was super excited. He says he was surprised, but had a great team to help him prepare for the final look.

"I knew I wanted my model to be a blonde because it's what I specialize in," he says. "I went to Mira Couture in Chicago and immediately fell in love with a dress they had in the window. I knew it was what I needed to create a stunning cohesive look with the beautiful extensions. It was my goal to make my model look and feel like a goddess, and I think I achieved that."

After working with the GL Tapes, McLeod says he sees the possibilites of using them in the salon as endless.

"The density throughout the extensions is unreal," he says. "I love using extensions for length, and I think the GL Tapes blend so well and give quick volume to any style."

After celebrating his win, McLeod says he's looking forward to attending Artist Session in New York with Great Lengths.

"I love education and always welcome an opportunity to learn," he says. "I'm excited for the expereince and the ability to work with like-minded people. For contests like this, I think it's important to put everything you have into your look and work with a team that understands your vision."

Extensions used: Great Lengths GL Tapes in: 18 inches in #23, #59, #110 and 16 inches in RT68/23

Salon:George Charles Salon

Makeup Artist:Cristina Perez

Photographer:Billy Pissios

Fashion:Mira Couture

Assistant:Kristen Hunt