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44 | BEAUTY LAUNCHPAD | MARCH 2017 Paul Mitchell's inaugural Color Outside the Lines contest ushers in a new wave of star stylists. ÑFRANCESCA MOISIN T he roundup included a veritable range of rainbow creations. In January of last year, hundreds of contestants from around the globe eagerly entered Paul Mitchell Professional Hair Color's fi rst-ever Color Outside the Lines competition. Their backgrounds were diverse and specifi c specialties varied, yet all participants were tasked with the same complex challenge: Flaunt creative knowledge while showing off superior dye skills. There existed a total of three categories: Best National Entry (within the U.S. and Canada), Best New Talent (for those licensed within the last fi ve years) and Best International Entry. After selecting the appropriate fi t, each stylist consulted one of two provided mood boards for guidance and inspiration. The fi rst, dubbed "Charming Illusions," boasted soft pastel images. Delicate hues, muted pops and neutral tints lent an aura of hazy romance, encouraging pros to fuse dreamy grayed-pink, sun-faded purple and lime-gold formulas. The second achieved opposite effects: "Graphic Block" created interest via bright pigments and sharp geometric shapes. Magenta, high-gloss yellow, jellybean green and electric blue boldly combined in visual references that formed a loud, fearlessly fresh statement. Next came the hard work of crafting looks. Flexing expertise in the fi elds of technique, chroma selection, cut, style, trend interpretation and overall vision, participants planned their shoots. Contest doors offi cially closed at midnight on April 29, with fi nalists announced two weeks later. The 2016 Best National grand prize winner, Tyson Noriega, is a colorist at Lunatic Fringe Salon in Salt Lake City, and now—as a result of his fab coup— also an offi cial member of the Paul Mitchell Events Academy Color Team. "I'd grown increasingly interested in photo shoots over the past year, and of course I'm obsessed with all types of color work," reveals Noriega. After learning about the competition, the Paul Mitchell the School graduate couldn't pass up the chance to test his professional chops. Organizers encouraged entrants to meticulously storyboard concepts—down to nail polish, poses and props—then conceive (and stick to!) timelines before embarking on shoots. This advice ultimately proved invaluable to the champ. "I came across a picture of the New York City skyline at sunset, glowing in soft pastels," Noriega recalls. "That provided the impetus for my design." Next, the meticulous pro laid out a three-month execution plan, practicing formulations on swatches four weeks before the big day. "Avoid last-minute formula tweaks at any cost," he urges. In the fi nal week, the leader kept in constant touch with key players, ensuring his photographer, makeup artist and model were on the same page regarding shoot date, time and location. And on that note, be selective when choosing your team, advises the expert. He'd previously collaborated with shutterbug Fumi Eguchi, creative director at Lunatic Fringe, so he felt confi dent about their strong, seamless interaction. The work of cosmetics queen Cassandra Loveless was likewise familiar. "I'd seen her makeup skills and knew we needed to partner up," Noriega notes. "After I explained my concept, she exceeded all expectations." Model Beth Emerson was new, but her young, trendy style captured the vibe he wished to portray. Still, despite careful preparations, surprises may arise. Shooting at Salt Lake City's Paul Mitchell the School against a white background, Noriega suddenly realized his raspberry, peach, key lime, lavender and sky blue-streaked hair clashed terribly with his model's shirt—and extra wardrobe was one thing he hadn't packed. So the savvy stylist thought fast on his feet, swapping Emerson's top for a simple white-collared shirt worn by a woman who happened to be walking by. "I kept my cool and had fun in the process," laughs the pro. Follow that example, and everyone can be an instant winner. L I V E & LE A R N Meet the Winners READ ON FOR INFO ON THE OTHER TWO CHAMPS. ➤ Best New Talent Grand Prize Amanda Smith, colorist at Walk In Salon by Robert Cromeans in Tulsa, Oklahoma "Her winning look was all about transformation!" raves Stephanie Kocielski, JPMS VP of education. "Gorgeous, classic highlights with modern color choices instantly caught my eye, taking brown hair to a completely new dimension." ➤ Best International Grand Prize Alexandria Garner, colorist at Xandria's Hair in Barton-upon-Humber, England "In my 13-year hairdressing career, I've always been passionate about bold, bright color designs," informs Garner. "I maintain an ongoing love for blocky, precise, quirky cuts and color, often using clippers to achieve perfection." Profi les C o l o r In Living Amanda Smith Alexandria Garner Tyson Noriega COURTESY OF PAUL MITCHELL To learn how to enter this year's Color Outside the Lines competition, turn to page 110!