Last year’s Canadian Hairstylist of the Year winner, Alina Friesen from A Michael Levine Salon Group, dishes on the hottest trends, her favourite hairstyling tools and photo shoot secrets.

(If you’d like to have a Contessa award for your salon, the entry deadline for this year’s competition is August 1, 2013. You can’t win if you don’t enter!)

Top trend predictions for 2013?

For the brave trendsetters, the wet look, 60’s Brigitte Bardot inspired volume, and braids (my favourite)!

Best colour advice for hair competitions?

Always prepare. Create test swatches and put them side by side, start looking at what tones look good together and go from there. Remember the main goal is cohesiveness and versatility in planning your looks with colour, so think outside the box.

Secret weapon for shoot day?

My secret weapon is actually something I invented using nylon pantyhose and a coat hanger. It sounds really weird, but it allows me to create geometric shapes with textured hair and it keeps my hands clean from hair spray at the same time!

Strangest tip or piece of advice you’ve ever heard?

You’d be astonished on how many amazing tools you can find at Home Depot!

Personal mantra?

Be prepared, be courageous, and be open to change.

Where do you keep your Contessa Award?

I have a special shelf in my apartment to display my awards.