Style it how you like, the simple truth is a quality education in hairstyling has never been more crucial than it is today. The anticipated retirement of a high percentage of baby boomers in the next 15 years forecasts a marked deficit in skilled trades workers in the province. This, paired with the recent advent and rise of the boutique salon in Manitoba, and society’s ever-increasing emphasis on health, happiness and personal wellbeing, means an enhanced demand for skilled and qualified stylists. Winnipeg Technical College (WTC)’s hairstyling program gives students everything they need to succeed in the field, enabling them to step straight out of the classroom and onto the salon floor. Continue Reading

By Mark McAvoy

Men may remember some hairstylists telling them straight-razor shaves are verboten by the government. Apparently, this is and always has been false, and straight-razor shaves are on the rise again.

Along with the re-emergence of the straight-razor shave has come a re-emergence of barbershops, says John Unger, owner of John’s The Hair Designers in Winnipeg. Continue Reading

 By Jill Schettler

For many people, getting one’s hair done is an intimate experience. And, like any relationship, trust, attention, and respect should inspire every act—or snip.

Ultracuts, the largest privately owned hairstyling chain in Western Canada, is proud to celebrate their “pearl” anniversary this year. For 30 years the Canadian operation has successfully fostered relationships with their clientele, and built a reputation on convenience, consistency, friendliness, and affordability. Continue Reading

The Salon Professional Academy (TSPA), an innovative training centre and the only cosmetology school endorsed by Redken for excellence in education, is now open in Winnipeg. Continue Reading

By Shayna Wiwierski

When you step into Hair FX you are instantly overcome with the warmness of the quaint salon.

The River Heights studio is located underneath the hustle and bustle of the city’s famed Stafford and Grosvenor intersection.  Surrounded by boutiques, yoga studios, and deliciously tempting bistros, Hair FX is a few steps below street level in a space that exudes relaxation, comfort, and ease. Continue Reading

By Shayna Wiwierski

Executives may come and go, but the backbone of the Manitoba Hairstylists’ Association (MHA) for the past 35 years has been one person: Angie Unger.

Unger was originally hired on back in 1977 as the secretary/business agent for the association. Continue Reading

By Shayna Wiwierski

When Angie Hunt heard about a contest from Redken to style the hair for Canadian Hairdresser magazine, she never thought that she would be a regional winner two years in a row.

Hunt, an elite award-winning stylist at Chatters Salon and Beauty Supply on Empress, is a two-time regional winner of the Redken Cover Competition, where seven semi-finalists from across Canada are invited to Toronto’s Redken Exchange to compete in a $10,000 fashion photo shoot competition with mentors from the fashion industry.  The grand prize?  Style the cover of Canadian Hairdresser magazine for the December/January 2013 issue, a trip for two to New York City to attend training at Redken’s Exchange on 5^th, and a photo shoot with Flare magazine.  In addition, the winner will be named as Redken Session’s Hairstylist of the Year.

Hunt travelled to Toronto in 2011 to compete in the challenge and she recently returned from Canada’s version of the Big Apple this summer after being a regional winner once again for the 2012 contest.  The $10,000 photo shoot included working with high-profile stylists and artists including fashion photographer John Van der Schilden, who recently shot the July cover of Elle Canada with Carrie Underwood; Rimmel London makeup artist Vanessa Jarman, who has worked on Lady Gaga and Adam Lambert; fashion guru stylist Jeremie Cote of Pascal & Jeremie Concepts; and Redken Global performing artist and freelance session stylist Brent Borreson. Continue Reading

By Kelly Konechny, owner of Exhale Reflexology in Winnipeg, Manitoba

No one can deny that when you take care of your body whichever way you choose, a happy, healthy body is what people strive to achieve. Reflexology is a safe and effective way to stimulate the whole body without any adverse reactions. Continue Reading

As a training option, apprenticeship represents benefits for both the learner and the employer/journeyperson. As an apprentice, you enhance the knowledge you acquire from in-school technical training with valuable, paid, on-the-job experience. As an employer, you transfer your expertise and grow your business with your apprenticeship investment. Combine these benefits with training standards that reflect ongoing input and guidance from those who know the trade the best – industry itself – and you’ve got a powerful tool to make an impact on your profession. Continue Reading

M.C. College, Canada’s leader in hairstyling and esthetics education, is very excited to announce the launch of a new online learning system for its hairstyling students.  M.C. College is the first hairstyling school in Canada to offer its students this innovative system.  The system was created by Pivot Point International, a world leader in cosmetology education.  The online Designers Approach system offers students access to information at anytime and from anywhere. Continue Reading