General Rules and Regulations | Technical Specifications and Instructions | Contessa Category Rules
NEW ENTRY DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
Entry period opens in May 2023.
Once you’ve read through and followed of all our Contessa rules and regulations below upload your images online at contessa.saloncommunications
New Rules!
NEW CATEGORY: EMERGING COLOURIST
• Open to students, apprentices and new colourists that have been licensed for less than five years.
• Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different looks).
• The “before” photographs must be taken within one year of the makeover.
• To be eligible, entrants must be enrolled in beauty/cosmetology school or be performing their required hours in a salon before September 6, 2023, or licensed for less than five years.
IMPORTANT: Students and apprentices must include a letter from the school or salon confirming enrolment. New colourists 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.
SESSION HAIRSTYLIST—NO LONGER AN EXCLUSIVE CATEGORY
This means that the same (or similar) photos can be entered in another category.
REMINDER: Session Hairstylist is judged on the total look (including wardrobe), so we strongly encourage submitting full-length photos for this category and cropping them for any additional entries in other categories.
ELITE MASTER HAIRSTYLIST AND MASTER COLOURIST—BY NOMINATION ONLY
During the pandemic, we removed the nomination requirement for these exclusive categories and opened them up to allow any qualifying hairstylist or colourist to enter. However, due to popular demand, we’re bringing back nominations!
To qualify for Elite Master Hairstylist, more than 15 years of experience is required. Master Colourist requires more than seven years of experience.
REMINDER: Both categories are exclusive and require a separate photo shoot with a different look and feel (different hair, makeup, wardrobe, etc.) from any other category.
All nominees will be contacted by March 31, 2023
MAKEUP ARTIST—ENTRIES ARE NOW PERMITTED FROM ANY* CATEGORY
While we’ve already allowed Makeup Artist entrants to submit photos from Canadian Salon Team, we’re now allowing them from ANY* category (including exclusive categories!).
*Excluding Freestyle
REMINDER FOR ALL ENTRANTS: Save 15 per cent off your entry fee if you enter more than one collection or category. Plus, you can enter up to two** entries in the same category!
**The highest-scoring entry will advance to semi-finalists and finalists
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS PART A
Please review and follow all rules and 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 25 Contessa categories, however each category may only be entered up to twice annually.
3. 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)
4. 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).
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 35th 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.
10. Contessa submissions may not be work previously used or photographed for commercial purposes (i.e. advertising campaigns) except in the Session category.
11. Previously published editorial work may be submitted in any category, however previously entered Contessa submissions are not permitted.
12. Entry to the competition deems entrants have read, accepted and agreed to abide by the rules set forth herein.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Rules and regulations for the John Steinberg Award for Community Service are posted on salonmagazine.ca and salonmagazine.ca/fr
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 contessa.saloncommunications
• 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: 24_CH_J_Smith_01_hi.jpg
year_category abbreviation_firstinitial_last name_image number_original.jpg
EXAMPLE: 24_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
CO Collaboration
CS Canadian Salon Team
EC Emerging Colourist
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
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.
CONTESSA CATEGORY RULES PART B
Please review before selecting your category and see General Rules and Regulations Part A: Rule #4 for further important information about exclusive categories.
CANADIAN HAIRSTYLIST (EXCLUSIVE)
• Submit five images (five different looks) 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 and Makeup Artist.
CANADIAN SALON TEAM (EXCLUSIVE)
• Submit five images (five different looks) 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 Canadian Colourist, Makeup Artist and Canadian Nail Artist.
ELITE MASTER HAIRSTYLIST (EXCLUSIVE)
• Open to nominated hairstylists with more than 15 years of industry experience.
• Submit three images (three different looks) 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 except for Makeup Artist. Previously published editorial work is permitted.
INTERNATIONAL HAIRSTYLIST (EXCLUSIVE)
• Open to hairstylists who are based outside of Canada.
• Submit three images (three different looks) 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 except for Makeup Artist. Previously published editorial work is permitted.
MASTER COLOURIST (EXCLUSIVE)
• Open to nominated hairstylists with more than seven years of industry experience.
• Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different looks).
• 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 except for Makeup Artist.
AVANT GARDE HAIRSTYLIST
• Submit three images showcasing fantasy work (three different looks).
• Digital enhancement is permitted.
CANADIAN COLOURIST
• Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different looks).
• 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.
COLLABORATION (CO-LAB)
This category is designed to support teamwork between hairstylists and/or colourists who are not working in the same salon.
• Submit three images (three different looks)
• Versatility will be judged
• A minimum of two hairstylists and/or colourists (maximum of four) must contribute to be eligible
• Include the names, salons and locations of all participants in each entry
*NEW* EMERGING COLOURIST
• Open to students, apprentices and new colourists that have been licensed for less than five years.
• Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different looks).
• The “before” photographs must be taken within one year of the makeover.
• To be eligible, entrants must be enrolled in beauty/cosmetology school or be performing their required hours in a salon before September 6, 2023, or licensed for less than five years.
• IMPORTANT: Students and apprentices must include a letter from the school or salon confirming enrolment. 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.
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.
• To be eligible, entrants must be enrolled in beauty/cosmetology school or be performing their required hours in a salon before September 6, 2023, or licensed for less than five years.
• IMPORTANT: Students and apprentices must include a letter from the school or salon confirming enrolment. 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.
FREESTYLE
• This category is open to all bona fide hairstylists and colourists working in Canada.
• Submit photos via Instagram, using the hashtags #ContessaFreestyle2024 and #ContessaAwards.
• Entries must include the official Contessa Freestyle overlay, available at SalonMagazine.ca/Contessa.
• NOTE: More than one entry is permitted, however the photos cannot be entered into any other Contessa category.
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 September 8, 2022 and September 6, 2023.
• 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 with three distinct looks.
• IMPORTANT: Previously published editorial work is permitted. Submissions may be shared with ANY* Contessa entry, however the focus for this entry must be on the makeup.
*Excluding Freestyle
MEN’S HAIRSTYLIST
• Submit three images (three different looks) showcasing current trends, fashion appeal and styling techniques.
• Collection will also be judged on model suitability.
MULTICULTURAL HAIRSTYLIST
• Submit three images (three different looks).
• Range of looks must complement culturally diverse models (including at least one model with Afro hair texture).
PROVINCIAL
• This category is open to stylists who operate in a salon in the province or region entered.
• Submit three images (three different looks) 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.
SESSION HAIRSTYLIST
• 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.
• Digital enhancement may be used.
TEXTURE HAIRSTYLIST
• Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different looks) that demonstrate various texture techniques.
• The “before” photographs must be taken within one year of the makeover.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT 416.869.3131 OR [email protected]
