NEW ENTRY DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 9, 2020

NEW THIS YEAR ONLY

Second Chance!
Now allowing collections that have been photographed within the last two years (from January 1, 2018 to September 9, 2020). Yes, this means past Contessa entries! NOTE: Past Contessa-winning collections are not permitted.

All categories (except Canadian Hairstylist, Canadian Salon Team and Salon Interior Design) now only require 3 photos per entry.

Elite Master Hairstylist, Master Colourist and International Hairstylist are no longer by nomination only. See PART B for full details.

NEW CATEGORIES

Emerging Hairstylist
Student/Apprentice Hairstylist and New Hairstylist are now combined into a new category, open to students, apprentices and hairstylists that have been working for less than five years. See PART B for full details.

Freestyle
Show us your best shot! This brand-new category allows you to submit one photo via Instagram. NOTE: One entry per person and the photo cannot be entered into any other Contessa category. Stay tuned for more details!

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS PART A
PLEASE REVIEW AND FOLLOW ALL RULES & REGULATIONS IN PART A AND PART B TO ENSURE YOUR ENTRY IS COMPLETE

  1. The competition is open to every bona fide, working member of a Canadian professional beauty salon, including freelancers in the industry and salon owners.
  2. Entrants may enter one or more of the 22 Contessa categories (23 including Community Service) but each category may only be entered once annually.
  3. Each model may only appear once per category. For example, if the category requires three images, three different models must be used. NOTE: This rule does not apply to Emerging Hairstylist, Session Hairstylist and Canadian Nail Artist, in which the same model can be used but with three different looks.
  4. IMPORTANT: A separate photo shoot with a unique look and feel (defined as a different cut and/or style of hair, makeup, background, wardrobe and accessory styling) is a mandatory requirement for the following EXCLUSIVE CATEGORIES:
    • Canadian Hairstylist (for clarification on Canadian Hairstylist sharing of images, see PART B)
    • Elite Master Hairstylist
    • International Hairstylist
    • Master Colourist
    • Session Hairstylist
    • Canadian Salon Team (for clarification on Canadian Salon Team sharing of images, see PART B) 
  1. Creative work may not be entered twice in the same category. This includes the shared work from two different entrants that may have worked together on one collection. All participating stylists must credit their names and function per entry accordingly (i.e. Hairstylist: John Doe; Colour Technician: Mary Smith; Texture Technician: Paul Jones; Nail Artist: Jo Green).
  2. IMPORTANT: To ensure fair competition, extreme digital manipulation of hair is discouraged. Avoid the use of photographic filters and digital manipulation that alters the colour and shape of the hair. Judging points will be deducted accordingly, except for Avant Garde and Session categories. Up to 5 points can be deducted. In extreme cases, your entry may be disqualified.
  3. After winning any category twice (with the exception of Canadian Salon Team, Session, or Canadian Nail Artist), entrants are not eligible to enter that category for one year.
  4. Submissions must be in digital format uploaded online. All images must be photographed vertically (if entering the category Salon Interior Design, horizontal photographs are permitted). See Technical Specifications and Instructions. Elaborate packaging is discouraged and is not scored. Images will not be returned—please make your own duplicates before entering the competition. Entrants must submit high resolution versions of their work, as well as an original, un-retouched photograph of each model’s style, i.e. a clear digital shot before editing, saved as a JPG file.
  5. All submissions must include an un-retouched photo. If un-retouched photos are found to have been digitally altered in any way, entrants will face point deductions. In extreme cases, your entry may be disqualified.
  6. Contessa submissions may not be entered into any similar Canadian, photography-based award event unless it is held in conjunction with Salon Communications Inc., until the results of the 32nd annual Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Awards are announced at the gala awards ceremony. This rule will be enforced, and awards will be revoked if broken.
  7. Contessa submissions may not be work previously used or photographed for commercial purposes (i.e. advertising campaigns) except in the Session category.
  8. Previously published editorial work and past Contessa collections may be submitted in any category. Collections must have been photographed within the last two years (January 1, 2018 to September 9, 2020).
  9. Entry to the competition deems entrants have read, accepted and agreed to abide by the rules set forth herein.
  10. All entrants hereby grant The Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Awards all respective rights, titles and interests to the enclosed image submissions, including all applicable copyrights. The entrant further grants Salon Magazine, English and French editions, salonmagazine.ca and salonmagazine.ca/fr, permission to reproduce any and/or all submitted images in any way they deem reasonable, provided such use relates to this or any future Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Award event and any advertising, promotion or publicity associated herewith. By entering this competition, the entrant waives the right to make any claims against the judges of the competition, the sponsors, the organizers, or any group, which endorses the competition or assists in its conduct. The entrant understands the decision of the judges is final and that all images become the property of Salon Communications Inc. and The Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Awards without payment of any compensation and without restriction as to date, location or manner of use, provided such relates to this event in any way. However, the entrant still retains ownership of his or her work.
  11. It is understood that by entering this competition, the entrant has secured and has proof of release forms authorized by the photographer(s), makeup artist(s), model(s) and other parties of interest involved in the production of each submission. Please use the release on the last page.
  12. Failure to comply with the rules and regulations as set out will result in point deduction for each infraction incurred and/or disqualification from the competition.
  13. Rules and regulations for the John Steinberg Award for Community Service are posted on salonmagazine.ca and salonmagazine.ca/fr

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE READ THE CRITERIA FOR EACH CATEGORY CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS

IMPORTANT: Entrants are required to submit an ORIGINAL, UN-RETOUCHED PHOTOGRAPH of each look (i.e. a clear digital image before editing, saved as a JPG file), in addition to the high resolution images of the work.

  • Only digital formats will be accepted.
  • Images must be uploaded online at ca/contessa
  • High resolution images must be saved in JPG format.
  • High resolution photos, sizes should be 10” x 13” at 300 dpi, or 3000 x 3900 pixels.
  • All submissions must also include an un-retouched photo, which is a final image that you submit with your collection but that is NOT digitally enhanced in any way. You will still also submit your final images, which have been photoshopped and will be judged. The un-retouched photo is NOT a photo of you working on the hairstyle. The un-retouched photo is also not the same as the ‘before’ image (which is required for some categories).
  • Each image must be labelled as follows (see samples below):

year_category abbreviation_firstinitial_last name_image number_hi.jpg
EXAMPLE: 21_CH_J_Smith_01_hi.jpg

year_category abbreviation_firstinitial_last name_image number_original.jpg
EXAMPLE: 21_CH_J_Smith_01_original.jpg

  • For the Master Colourist category, replace the image number with the colour group that image represents: blonde, brunette, red, pure pigment
  • For before and after photos, add a “b” (for before) and “a” (for after) following the image number.
  • For bio shots, replace the image number with “BS.”
  • Category Abbreviations
    AG Avant Garde
    CC Canadian Colourist
    CH Canadian Hairstylist
    CS Canadian Salon Team
    EH Emerging Hairstylist
    EM Elite Master
    IH International Hairstylist
    MA Makeup Artist
    MC Master Colourist
    MH Men’s Hairstylist
    MU Multicultural
    NA Canadian Nail Artist
    SH Session Hairstylist
    SI Salon Interior
    TX Texture Hairstylist
    BC British Columbia
    AB Alberta
    SM Saskatchewan/Manitoba
    ON Ontario
    QC Quebec
    AT Atlantic
  • Please include all credit information (including the name of the photographer, makeup artist, nail artist and wardrobe stylist) on the provided release form. Please type or print all names clearly.

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CONTESSA CATEGORY RULES PART B
PLEASE REVIEW BEFORE SELECTING YOUR CATEGORY

EXCLUSIVE CATEGORIES

See General Rules and Regulations Part A: Rule #4 for further important information about these categories.

CANADIAN HAIRSTYLIST (EXCLUSIVE)

  • Submit five images (five different models) from the following seven possible categories: long hair, short hair, men’s, texture, colour, multicultural, or avant garde.
  • Versatility, creativity and fashion appeal will be judged.
  • IMPORTANT: Submissions/Collections in this category must have a different look and feel (Please reference Part A: Rule #4.) from any other submission/collection and may not be submitted in any other category except for Canadian Colourist.

CANADIAN SALON TEAM (EXCLUSIVE)

  • Submit five images (five different models) from the following possible seven categories: long hair, short hair, men’s, texture, colour, multicultural, or avant garde.
  • Versatility will be judged.
  • A minimum of two hairstylists must contribute to be eligible.
  • Include the names of all participants in each entry.
  • Students may be included as part of Canadian Salon Team entries, but only in addition to a minimum of two bona fide hairstylists for that entry.
  • Please note, only one entry per salon location will be accepted.
  • IMPORTANT: Submissions/Collections in this category must have a different look and feel from any other submission/collection and may not be submitted in any other category except for Makeup Artist, Canadian Nail Artist and Canadian Colourist.

ELITE MASTER HAIRSTYLIST (EXCLUSIVE)

  • Open to hairstylists with more than 15 years of industry experience.
  • Submit three images using three different models that will be judged on versatility, creativity and fashion appeal.
  • IMPORTANT: Submissions/Collections in this category cannot be entered in any other category of the Contessa competition. Previously published editorial work is permitted.

INTERNATIONAL HAIRSTYLIST (EXCLUSIVE)

  • Open to hairstylists who are based outside of Canada.
  • Submit three images using three different models that will be judged on versatility, creativity and fashion appeal.
  • IMPORTANT: Submissions/Collections in this category cannot be entered in any other category of the Contessa competition. Previously published editorial work is permitted.

MASTER COLOURIST (EXCLUSIVE)

  • Open to hairstylists with more than 7 years of industry experience.
  • Submit three “before” and three “after” images using three different models.
  • The “before” photographs must be taken within one year of the makeover.
  • For each model’s predominant colour, choose one of the following categories: blonde, brunette, red, or pure pigment.
  • Images must be labelled according to the category they represent.
  • IMPORTANT: Submissions/Collections in this category must have a different look and feel from any other submission/collection and may not be entered in any other category of the Contessa competition.

SESSION HAIRSTYLIST (EXCLUSIVE)

  • Open to hairstylists who are inspired to create looks that have an editorial or commercial feel and would likely appear in or on fashion magazines, fashion runways, television or film.
  • Submit three images (three different looks). Submissions may include previously published work for editorial or commercial purposes, or unpublished work, or any combination thereof.
  • Entries will be judged on a combination of hair, makeup and fashion according to editorial and commercial appeal.
  • IMPORTANT: Submissions/Collections in this category must have a different look and feel (including hair and makeup) and may not be entered into any other category of the Contessa competition. All other rules and regulations of the Contessas apply to this category. Digital enhancement may be used.

AVANT GARDE HAIRSTYLIST

  • Submit three images showcasing fantasy work (three different models).
  • Digital enhancement is permitted.

CANADIAN COLOURIST

  • Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different models).
  • The “before” photographs must be taken within one year of the makeover.

CANADIAN NAIL ARTIST

  • Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different looks).
  • Any artistic or enhancement technique is acceptable.
  • Creativity and artistic expression is encouraged.
  • Nails will be judged on suitability to the model’s hand size and shape, on overall fashion appeal, level of difficulty (i.e. proper smile line) and cohesiveness of the collection.
  • IMPORTANT: Previously published editorial work is permitted. Submissions may be shared with Canadian Salon Team entry, however the focus for this entry must be on nails. Nails must make up at least 50 per cent of the photo.

*NEW* EMERGING HAIRSTYLIST

  • Open to students, apprentices and new hairstylists that have been licensed for less than five years
  • Submit three images showcasing three different looks. Only one model is required.
  • To be eligible, entrants must be enrolled in beauty/cosmetology school or be performing their required hours in a salon before September 9, 2020, or licensed for less than five years.
  • IMPORTANT: Students and apprentices must include a letter from the school or salon confirming enrollment. New hairstylists must include a copy of your license, or your beauty/cosmetology school graduation certificate. If there is no licensing in your province, certificate must include date of graduation.

JOHN STEINBERG AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE

  • This award is given to the professional or salon whose single charity event created the greatest impact in their neighbourhood between July 29, 2019 and September 9, 2020.
  • There is no entry fee for this category, which is judged by an independent panel.
  • Contestants must fill out a separate Contessa Community Service Award Application available at salonmagazine.ca/contessa.
  • In your application package, please include all details pertaining to your fundraising activity: cause, date and place of event, funds collected, press clippings and promotional activities (including social media, if used as a promotional tool), as well as photos and videos (if applicable and available).
  • Please include your salon logo.

MAKEUP ARTIST

  • Submit “before” and “after” images (of three different models) with three distinct looks.
  • IMPORTANT: Previously published editorial work is permitted. Submissions may be shared with Canadian Salon Team entry, however the focus for this entry must be on the makeup.

MEN’S HAIRSTYLIST

  • Submit three images (three different male models) showcasing current trends, fashion appeal and styling techniques.
  • Collection will also be judged on model suitability.

MULTICULTURAL HAIRSTYLIST

  • Submit three images (three different models).
  • Range of looks must complement culturally diverse models.

PROVINCIAL

  • This category is open to stylists who operate in a salon in the province or region entered. Submit three images (three different models) for: 
    British Columbia Hairstylist of the Year (including Yukon, NWT & Nunavut)
    Alberta Hairstylist of the Year
    Saskatchewan/Manitoba Hairstylist of the Year
    Ontario Hairstylist of the Year
    Quebec Hairstylist of the Year
    Atlantic Hairstylist of the Year

SALON INTERIOR DESIGN

  • Submit five images for Salon Interior Design of the Year, showcasing the reception/waiting area, retail area, styling area, technical area and a room or detail of your choice.
  • You must include on a separate sheet the following information: salon name, salon address, salon phone number, owners, salon size, designers, retail products (hair, skin, nails) and number of staff.
  • A scaled floor-plan drawing of the salon must also be included with your entry.

TEXTURE HAIRSTYLIST

  • Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different models) that demonstrate various texture techniques.
  • The “before” photographs must be taken within one year of the makeover. 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT 416.869.3131 OR [email protected]

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