LORAIN – Students at the Northern Institute of Cosmetology in Lorain, participated in the first-ever Fantasy Hair Competition April 23 with 22 local businesses offering prizes.
Educational coordinator Jody Artino said the contest allowed students to free up their creativity on models of their choosing, in the areas of hair styling, make-up, creativity, professionalism and presentation.
‘I want them to see that this occupation is more than just standing behind a chair cutting and washing hair,’ Artino said. ‘They can be platform artists at shows or they can specialize, like doing acrylic nails and hair coloring.
‘This also teaches them how to work together as a team.’
There were 13 students and 13 models in the competition, and the theme, chosen by students, was titled ‘Under the Sea.’
They used the theme to create their own hair and makeup effects on their model.
The winner, chosen by a panel of judges, was Willie Johnson, a 30-year-old Lorain resident, whose friend, Frances Denton, also a 30-year-old Lorain resident, served as his model.
‘It was a great feeling to win. It was a good experience,’ he said.
He stated his career goal in no uncertain terms.
‘I’m working my way up to owning my own salon,’ Johnson said.
Johnson did an ‘up-do’ hair style on Denton that included ‘extended ponytails’ festooned with seashells and feathers.
For his efforts, Johnson was awarded a watch from Swiss American Jewelers of Lorain.
Discussing the school’s success rate, Artino said ‘almost 95 percent’ of her students graduated, passed their state board and got jobs in their chosen field.
‘I’m seriously thinking about doing this again next year. The students had a blast. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it,’ Artino said.
