RULE CHANGE!
Nail Enhancement Artist
Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different looks). Only one set is required to be a traditional French tip and only one set may be polished. Any enhancement technique is acceptable. Enhancements will be judged on suitability to the model’s hand size and shape, and on overall fashion appeal. Creativity and artistic expression is encouraged.

Elite Master Hairstylist
This elite category is by nomination only. Eligible nominees will be contacted by May 1, 2010 and asked to submit five images using five different models that will be judged on versatility, creativity and fashion appeal. IMPORTANT: Submissions in this category cannot be entered in any other category of the Contessa competition.

Master Colourist
Open to colourists with a minumum seven years experience or who have won an award in a national colour competition, this category acknowledges the technical and creative mastery of colour application and execution. Submit five “before” and five “after” images using five different models. The “before” photographs must be taken within one year of the makeover. Each model’s predominant colour should correspond to one of the following categories: blonde, brunette, red, pure pigment and commercial. (The commercial look can be of any colour, but must have a high degree of consumer appeal). Images must be labelled according to the category they represent.

Student/Apprentice Hairstylist
Submit three images showcasing three different looks with the option of using one model. To be eligible, entrants must be enrolled in cosmetology school or be performing their required hours in a salon before August 17, 2010. A letter from the school or salon confirming enrollment must be submitted with the entry. Students/apprentices may not already be licensed. IMPORTANT: Students cannot enter any other category except Canadian Salon Team, and only according to the rules of that category.

Canadian Hairstylist
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.

Canadian Salon Team
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. IMPORTANT: 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.

Session Hairstylist
This category is for the hairstylist who is 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. Entries will be judged on a combination of hair, makeup and fashion according to editorial and commercial appeal. Submit three images (three different looks). Submissions may include previously published work for editorial or commercial purposes, or unpublished work, or any combination thereof. IMPORTANT: Submissions in this category cannot 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.

Men’s Hairstylist
Submit three images (three different male models).

Avant Garde Hairstylist
Submit three images showcasing fantasy work (three different models). Digital enhancement may be used.

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

Texture Hairstylist
Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different models) that demonstrate various texture techniques (i.e. permanent waving, relaxing or another chemical texture change). The “before” photographs must be taken within one year of the makeover. You must attach a separate sheet with a technical description of the texture processes used.

Makeover Colourist
Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different models, male or female). The “before” photographs must be taken within one year of the makeover. You must include on a separate sheet the natural hair colour level, and formula and processes used.

Newcomer Hairstylist
Submit three images (three different models). To be eligible, hairstylists may not be licensed for more than five years. Include with your entry a copy of your license, or your beauty school graduation certificate if there is no licensing in your province.

Makeup Artist
Submit three “before” and three “after” images (three different models). Include at least one day and one evening look. The third image may be another day/evening look or an avant garde or theatrical look.

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.

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 Business Excellence
This category is open to any single or multi-unit salon entity operating in Canada. The Salon Business Excellence award recognizes outstanding business results with strong profit and growth strategies, employee career building strategies, education policies, compensation and benefit packages, etc. This category will be judged by an independent panel from the business community including schools of business. All financial submissions will be held in confidence.

Community Service
Award single charity event created the greatest impact in their neighbourhood between September 1, 2009 and August 17, 2010. 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. For information call 416.869.3131. Five finalists will be chosen.