amika Destination: NYFW Finalists

We have selected our top finalists for the amika Destination: NYFW competition—and now it’s up to you to join us in selecting a winner! These five finalists have worked to create runway-ready hair looks inspired by their favorite designers for the chance to join the international amika team this September for an all-expense paid trip to New York City. Your votes will decide which stylist will win the trip of a lifetime—a five-day event packed with education, a pro photo shoot, and Fashion Week events.

To Vote: Head to the amika Facebook page, and view the finalist photo submissions in the Destination: NYFW Finalists photo album. Make sure to Like the photo of your favorite entry, as the stylists with the most "Likes" for their runway-ready look will be chosen a the winner.

But before you cast your votes, find out what inspired each look, how they were created, and what amika tools + products each stylist used...

Steps:

1. Begin by blow-drying hair while using the Power Cloud Dryer and  Straight Up Smoothing Balm. 
2. Next, after using the Heat Defense Serumr, part the hair and hold it up with the Straightening Tension Comb and create curls with the 25mm Barrel Curler.
3. After the entire hair is curled, secure with Touchable Hairspray, and straighten hair along the hair line with the Titanium Glide Obliphica Styler.
4. Section hair and begin to braid on the side.
5. Finish this look by adding a flower for summer, and once again spray Touchable Hairspray to secure. 

Steps:

1. Prep the hair with Straight Up Smoothing Balm.
2. Blow dry the hair using the amika Power Cloud, and infuse hair with the Oil Treatment
3. Curl hair using the 32mm Tourmaline Curler. 
4. Using the Touchable Hair Spray to set, brush and mold hair into a high bun. 
5. Apply additional Straight Up Smoothing Balm to the hair, before using a hair extension to finish the base of the bun. 

Steps:

1. Begin by prepping the hair with Blow Up Spray and Oil Treatment. 
2. Spray hair with Perk Up Dry Shampoo and texturize using the Titanium Glide Obliphica Styler. 
3. Use bobby pins to create zig-zagged figure-8s into the hair. 
4. Backcomb to add body and shape, and use Touchable Hairspray to hold the look in place. 
5. Finally, create a fishtail side-braid, and once completed, pull pieces from the final look to make the style look undone. 

Steps: 

1. Create a center part at the top of the crown, while separating hair from ear to ear into neatly clipped and secure sections. Apply Heat Defense Serum to each section. 
2. Beginning at the nape of neck, using the 3P Triple Barrel Curler, take 1" sections and soft-set the hair—working up to the crown and repeat on the sides.
3. When curls are set, remove the clips, shake out the curls, and gently run fingers through hair.
4. Create a diagonal ear-to-ear part, and clip sections upwards.
5. Securely clip the back of the style up, to ensure it will not interfere while styling the front section.
6. Begin with the right side, and back comb the hair from the inside, and smooth with comb out brush and begin to roll inward to create first victory roll. 
7. Repeat on other side. 
8. Take down the hair in the back and slightly back comb hair to create volume. 
9. Set the look with Touchable Hairspray. 

Steps:

1. After prepping the hair with Perk Up Dry Shampoo and Oil Treatment, use the 25/28mm Curler to create curls.
2. Take two diagonal partings from recession to just in front of the ear, and style a fishtail braid. Smooth the braid with Leave In Cream. 
3. Tease hair at the crown and spray with Touchable Hairspray.
4. Begin to pin hair at the sides, and then take sections from bottom, and gently (and randomly) pin hair until it is all up—creating a draping effect.
5. Finish the look with Touchable Hairspray.

Stylist Spotlight: Vincent Lann

Salon Name & Location: Freelance and Alibi salon 67 Greene St, Suite #2, New York, NY 10012

Website: www.vincent-lann.com

How and why did you get into the industry?I’ve always known that I wanted a career that was hands on and creative, and hair really seems like a no brainer since the industry is ever evolving and the creativity is endless.
What is your favorite part about being a stylist?
I love being able to bring out the inner beauty that is within all of us and of course pushing the creative boundaries of hair.
Who are your beauty idols?
I have many idols, from iconic beauties like Bridget Bardo & Farah Fawcett to current idols like Madonna & Lady Gaga.
Where do you get your hair & beauty inspiration from?
From runways, fashion magazines and even people-watching.
What is your Drug Store beauty secret?
Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser!
What beauty product or service do you splurge on?
A nice relaxing deep tissue massage.

How do you feel about the DIY revolution & how has it affected your business?
I think it’s great because women are taking more interest and care in their daily hair routine and they are willing to try out new styles whether it is in a salon or at home! 
What hair myth do you want to put to rest?
That you shouldn’t wash your hair everyday because it’s bad for your hair. Everyone is different and unique in their own ways and if you are like me you will wash your hair at least once if not twice in day because of an oily scalp! Just remember to brush your hair with a natural boar bristle brush before washing your hair because your natural oil is one of the best things for your hair.

Do you prefer your clients to bring in pictures of how they want their hair cut/dyed/styled?

I wouldn’t say it’s necessary, but having a visual reference that can help pinpoint what your client likes about the picture is great, especially for first-time client. That way you get a better sense of who your client is and what they are trying to accomplished.
Who does YOUR hair?
I bounce around a lot because I haven’t found my dream stylist, but I doubt I will because I’m a stylist myself so I tend to be a little critical.
What hair trends are popular right now?Sleek hair with textured ends. It’s the new beach waves.
What hair trend are you tired of?
Badly done creative color ombre. If you are going to be creative, make sure that the ombre will suit your skin tone and style, because the last thing you want is for your creative ombre to be well... too creative.
What do you think is the next big trend in hair?
Braids! They are so versatile and with summer around the corner you’ll be sure to see them everywhere.
How has advanced consumer knowledge affected your business?
I’ve always educated my clients about their hair and what they need, and I think it’s great that consumers are able to find out more information about what they are putting in and doing to their own hair, because the more you know, the better.
What is your favorite amika product or tool and why?
My favorite amika tool would have to be the Five Barrel Curler, because with 5 interchangeable pieces you could create a variety of different sizes, curls or waves, and from there the sky's the limit!

ProTip: If your hair tends to fall flat after styling, this will be a great 5 second fix that will give your hair a quick boost of volume. All you have to do is to spray some Amika touchable hairspray onto the palms of your hands and with your fingers spread, reach into your hair from underneath and massage the hairspray onto the scalp, giving the root a nice boost of va va voom.