An Olds hairstylist made roses out of hair in Paris for an international competition, representing Canada in two categories.
Lee Cenaiko, of Olds’ Zebedeez Hair Design Is An ART, placed 12th in prestige bridal, and 13th in the prestige gala category at the OMC World Cup.
She was the only Canadian taking part in the two hairstyling categories – and working on a model: her daughter.
Six other Canadians were part of the international competition in different categories, working on mannequins.
This was Cenaiko’s second year at the international hairstyling competition. Last year, the Olds hairstylist placed ninth in the bridal and 13th in gala.
Cenaiko is satisfied with the results, and appreciates what she has taken away from last month’s competition: connections and things to improve on for next time.
“Because when you stop and think about it afterward, you’re still 12th and 13th in the world, but of course, you’re always gunning for the best,” she said Monday.
Cenaiko’s signature move is weaving, and it’s something the hairstylist has perfected over time.
In the bridal category, she weaved in the shape of a golden ratio, similar to what seashells look like. The look came together in 30 minutes, as per the rules.
In the gala category, the hairstylist showcased roses, made out of 100 per cent hair, which took hours and hours to create.
The prestige gala category comes with fewer restrictions, and without a time limit, and hairstylists can include hair pieces and ornaments into the look.
“Those handmade roses we showcased and they’ve never been in world competitions before,” she said.
Russians made a clean sweep this year, placing top four in the gala category.
Cenaiko believes her styles were more creative, but said the judges were focused on the technical side.
“What they picked as top five were smaller and compact designs and more vibrant colours and geometric, and mine was soft and full of roses.”
But with two years’ of experience under her belt at the world stage, Cenaiko will be able to predict what to expect next year, she said.
Already, the hairstylist is getting ready for next year, with training starting the weekend after Thanksgiving, when Cenaiko will meet up with her trainer, Kelly Kalmbach, former team manager at the Canadian cosmetology teams.
“We’re going to come up with a design that we’re going to work on all year – so it’ll be good and much more polished.”
Cenaiko, a former computer programmer, got into hairstyling when her husband opened up a salon when the couple was in New Zealand.
They returned to central Alberta about 27 years ago, and Cenaiko got back into hairstyling about nine years ago.
mamta.lulla@reddeeradvocate.com
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