
By: Fatima Syed
On November 10, inFATuated Blog had the opportunity to attend the 31st annual Contessa Awards, which took place at Toronto’s beautiful Westin Harbour Castle Hotel and honoured leading Canadian talent in hair and beauty. Thanks to our friends at Langton Communications (the official PR team of the Contessas), we were able to cover this glamorous yearly event as media. Like every year before, the Contessas featured a sumptuous three-course meal and plenty of stylish, beauty-savvy company.
Known as the Canadian Hairstylist of the Year Awards, the Contessas were once again presented by Salon Magazine and hosted by master hairstylist and TV personality Bill Rowley. The lively evening offered an extra dose of excitement in the form of three exclusive hair presentations, which brought runway glitz and glamour to the gala. Wella presented an edgy, rocker-esque show led by Darren Ambrose of D&J Ambrose from London, England. At Moroccanoil, artistic director Kevin Hughes turned to funky, neon and vibrant for a memorable presentation. Meanwhile, Pulp Riot co-founder Alexis Thurston partnered with Vancouver-based hair guru Michael Levine to conclude things with an eye-catching haircutting show.

Besides a fabulous guest list of industry, influencers and press and a delicious dinner, the Contessas most importantly celebrated the country’s leading names in hair and beauty. Here is a summary of some of the big winners of the evening, all of whom have given so much back to the community and to their clientele. inFATuated is already looking forward to next year’s Contessas, and to another high-energy evening of celebrations. Congratulations to all of the winning talent!
2020 CANADIAN HAIRSTYLIST
TRACY NEWTON
2020 CANADIAN SALON TEAM
HARMONY HAIR CARE
2020 ELITE MASTER HAIRSTYLIST
DOROTHY TSANG
2020 MASTER COLOURIST
MICHAEL SHIRE
2020 CANADIAN COLOURIST
MAGGIE SEMAAN
2020 SESSION HAIRSTYLIST
DOROTHY TSANG
2020 TEXTURE HAIRSTYLIST
JULIE VRIESINGA
2020 MEN’S HAIRSTYLIST
FREDDY SIM
2020 AVANT GARDE HAIRSTYLIST
NORM WRIGHT
2020 MULTICULTURAL HAIRSTYLIST
NORM WRIGHT
2020 INTERNATIONAL HAIRSTYLIST
MARK LEESON
2020 MAKEUP ARTIST
ABIE HAGERTY