James Abu-Ulba

Meet last year’s Contessa Canadian Hairstylist of the Year winner and Davines showcase artist, James Abu-Ulba, who will be taking the stage to showcase striking looks from his latest Contessa collection and share his top tips and techniques for block cutting, curly texture and more. Plus, go on a journey to learn the seamless transition from everyday salon-friendly looks to bold, collection-worthy statements. More than just a technical demonstration, this experience is about empowering stylists to think critically about their design choices, to understand the “why” through texture, and finish, and to use that awareness to push their creative boundaries.  

Fun Fact: Did you know? Two of James Abu-Ulba’s collection looks have been featured on the cover of Salon this year!

Presentation supported by

Quantum Hair

This innovative project by Jorge X of Xpresion Creativos is making its Canadian debut at the Contessa Awards! Joining forces for the first time in Canada, these four legendary artists including Jorge X, Norm Wright, Antonio Quintieri and Monia Grieco, will be sharing their expert colour and cutting tips and demonstrating Quantum Hair’s signature pixel colouring techniques. Be prepared for Avant Garde hairstyling and to learn the possibilities available when hair colour placement is dimensional and convertible. Plus, learn about the versatility behind these techniques and how to incorporate braiding, extensions and accessories into hairstyles in the way that has made Quantum and Xpresion Creativos into what they are today.  

Presentation supported by

Michelle Oliver, Robin LaChance, Nicole Pede, Mario Cicciarella & Jessica McColm

Learn from Schwarzkopf Professional’s Canadian artistic team, (including past Contessa winners and finalists) Michelle Oliver, Robin LaChance, Nicole Pede, Mario Cicciarella, who will be taking the stage to bring to life inspiration seen through the lens of pop culture. With a nod to the lavish opulence of the 70’s era with a modern twist. You can expect to see diverse education and techniques for all levels, personalized approach to curls and texture, custom blonding using contrast, and creative looks that will push your imagination. The team will be joined by curriculum manager and the segments host, Jessica McColm.

Presentation supported by

Kevin Hughes, Lisa Dinh, Jessica Scott Santo, Tania Lacoste Major

Four artists including vice president of artistry, Kevin Hughes, global colour ambassadors Lisa Dinh and Jessica Scott Santo, and artistic team member, Tania Lacoste Major are coming together to present Salon to Social: a presentation that pairs accessible colour and styles with a live social walkthrough so that you can leave ready to create, capture and share.

Presentation supported by

Leonardo & Marco Redavid and Katherine Sims

Meet the brand’s founders, Leonardo and Marco Redavid, and watch them take the stage to share their top haircutting techniques and tips for long hair and layers. Get inside tips on two looks and signature techniques including Leonardo’s signature long, layered cut and artistic team lead Katherine Sims’ Hollywood worthy blowout.

Presentation supported by

Joseph Santiago, Lorraine McAndrew, Kat Ginga & Kimberley Wallace

The Sassoon Academy Toronto team will be debuting the iconic international brand’s latest global collection, I-CONIC, which is the first step into the next seventy years of Innovation. Inspired by precision cuts and geomatics silhouettes, ICONIC modernizes classics with signature craftsmanship, setting the stage for a bold new era. Get a breakdown on their legendary cutting and colour techniques led by senior creative directors Joseph Santiago and Lorraine McAndrew assistant creative director Kat Ginga and master colourist Kimberley Wallace.

Presentation supported by