Wella’sHairdressers at Heart and the Beauty Changes Lives Foundation announce the opening of the Spring 2016 Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship Program application window. Applications will be accepted through April 4, 2016. Established in 2012, the competition celebrates the passion of aspiring hairstylists and the confidence, creativity and commitment of licensed hairstylists.

The Spring 2016 competition will award 10 "Basic" scholarships covering 50% of tuition (up to $10,000) to students enrolled in a qualified cosmetology school in the U.S. or Canada. In addition, 10 licensed hairstylists will receive "Advanced" scholarships to attend a North American Sassoon Academy program, including travel and course fees up to $5,000.

Generously funded by Wella’s Hairdressers at Heart, the multi-year, $1.5 million scholarship program honors the legacy of beauty legend Vidal Sassoon and pays homage to his belief in lifelong education. Both “Basic” and “Advanced” applicants may apply via written essay, inspiration board or video and each submission should address how the applicant is inspired to change the lives of others as a professional hairstylist. Follow these links to see examples of "Basic" winners’ videos and examples of  "Advanced" winner videos.

Beauty Changes Lives Foundation President Lynelle Lynch said the program provides professional exposure as well as financial assistance. "Many Basic and Advanced winners have been featured in the pages of leading salon and beauty publications." said Lynch. "This exposure elevates winners’ personal brands in front of employers and the entire industry." Additionally, all applicants have the opportunity to showcase their passion for professional hairstyling in front of a judging panel comprised of some of the world’s most accomplished hairstylists.

Since launching in 2013, the Vidal Sassoon Professional Beauty Education Scholarship Competition has awarded 120 scholarships. For more information on "Basic" and "Advanced" scholarships please visit: www.beautychangeslives.org and www.hairdressersatheart.com.