Wella Announces the Finalists of Wella Trend Vision Awards
This year’s awards centered around the Monochromatic trend, which is rooted in minimalism and intentional by design.
by Anne Moratto
When in Rome: American Crew U.S. All-Star Winner Alyssa Brasket Will Head to Italy
At the 2015 Long Beach International Salon and Spa Expo, Alyssa Brasket from Vancouver, WA grabbed the American Crew All-Star U.S. Winner title. Come April, Brasket will take her tools and travel to Rome to represent America in the American Crew ...
January 26, 2015
Alyssa Brasket's winning photo for the American Crew All-Star U.S. Winner title. (photo credit: DAVID RACCUGLIA)
DAVID RACCUGLIA
2 min to read
At the 2015 Long Beach International Salon and Spa Expo, Alyssa Brasket from Vancouver, WA grabbed the American Crew All-Star U.S. Winner title. Come April, Brasket will take her tools and travel to Rome to represent America in the American Crew Global All-Star Challenge, a photo and styling competition that combines the art and science in men's grooming and fashion: the cut, the model and the photographer, and brings it all together to deliver each finalist's interpretation of the American Crew man.
MODERN spoke to Brasket about what it means to compete, to style and to win.
"This is the first time I've entered the American Crew Challenge," Brasket says. "In our barbershop, The Barbers, we had an internal challenge, first, to see who would submit to the competition. There are 24 stylists and we had to create a video of our work to be judged. Going through this process really makes you understand more about yourself as a hairstylist. It showed me how much I love what I'm doing and showed me that I'm on the right path and I want to keep on going."
Brasket was chosen to move forward and create an entry. She drafted the best-man at her wedding to be her model and she styled a classic pompadour. This photo took her further along, to the semi-final stage, and to Milk Studios in Los Angeles, CA where American Crew founder David Raccuglia worked with the stylists to shoot their entry.
"It was amazing to be there with David," Brasket says. "He really wanted us to be comfortable and he encouraged us to step in and fix something or to make adustments if we suddenly had an 'ah-ha' moment."
Her winning image she describes as a mix of James Bond and Frank Sinatra. She did clipper-over-comb and some feather razor work on top.
What does Brasket like about working with gentlemen? "Every day before I start work, I page through men's magazines and the American Crew Look Book," Brasket says. "If I present something to a guy, they are more likely to say , 'go for it.' They are more willing to try different things and to hear me when I make suggestions. If you educate them on how to use product, to create volume with a round brush, or give them a little neck massage, they will be your client forever."
Follow @AmericanCrew for updates and to cheer for Brasket as she represents America in Italy. For more information about American Crew, visit www.americancrew.com.
More In The Know
The Doux Launches Roblox Hair Salon Game Celebrating Textured Hair and Entrepreneurship
Haircare brand The Doux has launched “My Salon Empire,” a free-to-play salon management game on Roblox, helping the next generation celebrate the diversity of textured hair and explore salon entrepreneurship.
Premiere San Antonio Presented by SalonCentric Achieves Record-Breaking Success in Historic Partnership Year
The show reported 30% attendance growth. It felt that way. This event for the southwest professional beauty community had heart, spice, and something for everyone.
by Anne Moratto
House of Wella Los Angeles Brings Fall/Winter 2026 Trends to the Stage and Innovation to the Salon
Wella artists presented the Monochromatic trend movement, introduced new Pure Perfection color and Sebastian styling innovations, while the Wella team created interactive fun throughout Wella Studio in Los Angeles.
by Anne Moratto
The Industry Remembers and Mourns Educator and Artist Dominique LyVar
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.
by Angela Reich
Brad Johns Dies at 70: A Friend Remembers the Celebrated Celebrity Colorist
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.
by Anne Moratto
Salon Today 2026 Technology Guide
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.
Looking Inward: With Community at Its Heart, Davines Reinvents Its Pro Channel for North America
The Davines Edit reflects the brand’s passion for people and planet.
by Anne Moratto
RÜTE Wash Launches Shower Cap Designed for Crown Washing and Hair Extensions
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.
by Anne Moratto
Premiere San Antonio Returns as a Must-Attend Beauty Trade Show in the Southwest
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.
by Anne Moratto
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Is Coming to Philadelphia
One-Day Personal and Professional Development Education Event for Beauty Professionals Set for October 25, 2026, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue.
by Anne Moratto
Reddit Releases Its First Beauty-Specific Report: Conversations Around Beauty, Hair, Nail, and Skincare
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.
by Anne Moratto
Entries Are Open for Wella Professionals’ Trend Vision Awards 2026
Hairstylists and barbers can showcase their creative and technical vision in two global categories with cash prizes and a chance to represent in Portugal.
by Anne Moratto
Black Beauty Roster Hosts Beauty Expo Presented by SalonCentric in NYC
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.
by Staff
Pro Beauty Pulse: A Monthly View of Industry Confidence
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.
by Stacey Soble
ASCP, ISPA and PBA Receive 2026 Power of Associations Award for Esthetics Licensure Compact
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
by Stacey Soble
In Dubai, Clients Visit the Salon Every Week. Here’s What That Market Can Teach You
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