Dorothy Tsang has been the recipient of several Contessa awards including Men’s Hairstylist of the Year, Ontario Hairstylist of the Year and most recently taking home the award for Avant Garde Hairstylist of the Year. Tsang opens up about how winning this award was different, and what the secret is to her success.
Salon Magazine: What was it like to win the Contessa award for Avant Garde Hairstylist of the Year?
Dorothy Tsang: It’s always exciting to show people what you create for that year. Every year I feel like it’s something new. Although you may win one year and don’t win another year, you feel like you achieved something.
SM: Why did you decide to enter that category?
DT: I decided to enter the Avant Garde category because I love having the creative freedom to pursue anything imaginable. I love being able to combine different materials with traditional techniques in unusual ways to highlight new techniques.
SM: What inspires you?
DT: I love to look at other hairstylists’ work, especially from my hair hero Angelo Seminara. I get a lot of inspiration from him. I also look up to my husband, Silas.
SM: Why keep entering the Contessas?
DT: I really like to see how far I can go. When I have time, I play with the hair and get ready for the next year, so the whole year you never stop.
“I love having the creative freedom to pursue anything imaginable. I like to see how far I can go.” ~ Dorothy Tsang, Contessa 2017 Avant Garde Hairstylist of the Year
SM: What is the secret to your success?
DT: I work really hard. You have to work hard and always practice. I think this is the secret to success. I don’t mind if people criticize me. I learn from it and I think it benefits my hairstyling.
SM: What advice do you have for new hairstylists entering the industry?
DT: I think young talent need to join together and give each other the motivation. I’m not young, but I can learn a lot from the young talent. You have to work hard and spend a lot of spare time helping with photo shoots. Every time you do it, your experience grows. It’s something that’s good for your future.
SM: Where do you keep your Contessa?
DT: At Blushes, in a showcase beside our reception.
SM: If you weren’t a hairstylist, what would you be doing and why?
DT: I would love to have a long vacation to travel. The past few years I have been using up all my vacation time to visit my family in Hong Kong.
SM: How do you relax when you’re not styling hair or entering competitions?
DT: I have been doing Tai Chi since February. It’s a nice, relaxing balance to the busy days at the salon and photo shoots.
SM: What’s next for you?
DT: Anything that comes up is a bonus. I just want to share my collection pictures, and I hope people like them. I always tell myself winning is a bonus and to just enjoy the process.
Contessa entries are open! Fill out an entry form or access the rules and regulations here. Hurry! Entries close August 2, 2017.
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