Contessa 2020: Q&A with Ontario Hairstylist of the Year, Frank Cini

What has this win been like for you?

It’s been an honour and a bonding experience for our team because so many people are involved in our collections. We are already planning for next year.

You’ve won Contessas before. What makes this one different?

Every time is epic although we switched brands to Goldwell this year, they’ve been incredibly supportive so it’s nice to reciprocate and give thanks!

What inspired this collection? Please be as specific as possible.

The inspiration for this collection was technique based. I am always working on skill set so refining of techniques. Meaning I was inspired by the woven-braid technique. Being able to shape hair with a flat iron and blow dryer as well as the graduated bob technique.

You shot this collection a few years ago. Why did you want to enter it into this year’s Contessas?

When I was looking through my body of work, I always loved this collection. Photo shoots and competition are expensive, we have to get mileage out of work we feel proud of.

Did you think it could be a risk to put this collection up against newer work? Why or why not? There is always a risk you just have to try.

I think Paula Tizzard shot it with a timeless style as well as Katie Fosters make up.

Tell me about the styling techniques you used to create this collection. Please be as specific as possible. Was there anything different or new that you tried?

Technique for blonde and purple hair is done with back combing a flat iron, shaping and moulding into the desired shape.

The redhead up do is done using a cropon or donut for volume and a woven braid down the side.

The bob was styled with a flat iron and elevation using hairspray to give a broom bottom finish. Then eclectic materials were bobby pined on.

What’s one piece of advice that someone may have told you earlier on in your career that you continue to live by?

Don’t let fear get in the way just go for it! The only failure is being afraid to try or not learning from your mistakes.

It was a big year for Taz at the Contessas. Tell me about the team and why you work so well together.

The pillar of Taz is education and because we continue to learn we are always inspired! The next step is just to take action and enter. I think we have a lot of leaders within the organization like Norm Wright.

What’s next for you?

Honestly there’s not enough time in the day for things that I want to attend and achieve! I want our team to be a part of the Global Zoom show next year. Attend education with X-precision in Spain. Attend as many programs as possible at Goldwell’s Toronto and New York academy.