Stylists compete in front of enthusiastic crowd
Locks of hair were flying, dryers were blowing and jaws were dropping as Calgary played host to Hairapalooza Nov. 11.
The event – which took place at the Exchange Social Club – consisted of cutting, colouring and styling competitions, as well as models sporting the latest hairstyles of the season for the crowd to admire.
Michelle Oliver, a technical advisor with hair product company Schwarzkopf Professional, hosted the event.
“As hairstylists, we need to keep our passion for hair ignited,” said Oliver in a later email interview.
“Hairapalooza allows hairdressers to show their ultimate creativity and skill. And for others to see this happen live, is not only exciting and fun, but it is also inspiring.”
The competition featured a range of talent levels sculpting women’s, and men’s professional haircuts.
The stylists had 45 minutes to create these looks, with three winners chosen by a team
of judges.
According to the rules and guidelines from the Schwarzkopf Professional website, 
Schwarzkopf Professional technical advisor and essential looks artist Terri Schwendemann demonstrates how to achieve this season’s essential looks.
Photo by Allison Drinnan “the haircut must be the current trend for today that shows a high level of technical hair cutting skills that compliments the models features.”
The description goes on to say “the finished cut, color and style must be clean to show technical excellence in the overall design.”
The show took place in front of a packed house of stylists, salon owners, industry heavy weights and live DJs who pumped out danceable tunes.
“It brings the element of live competition into an environment where you can let loose and have fun,” said Oliver.
Oliver said the event helps bring local stylists together to celebrate their industry and to “support something creative and expressive,” which she added, “Is what our industry is all about.”