College of DuPage host inaugural 'Elements' hair show, competition

More than a dozen College of DuPage cosmetology students put their skills and creativity to the test at "Elements," the inaugural Cosmetology program hair show and competition.

Inspired by the five Chinese elements of earth, fire, water, metal and wood, student stylists competed in three categories: cut and color, up do, and avant-garde.

Cosmetology Program Coordinator Mia Boyd said the event challenges students completing the program to stretch their skills and imaginations as well as present their work to a larger audience.

The Chinese elements provide a wealth of opportunities for students, Boyd said. In the weeks leading up to the show, students will incorporate elemental concepts into their classroom work as they decide on their final looks.

"Fire, for example, is warm and can be romantic. We might see what colors we can incorporate into a hair style or how the shape of fire can be used in a cut," she said. "Water is cool and glistening. Water is fluid, so students need to determine how to apply those concepts, textures or shapes to a piece."

Winners included:

• Janelle Lyons and Caressa Smith, first place team, Cut and Color;

• Sarah Amouzou and Colleen McIntrye, second place team, Up Do;

• Ashley Hernandez and Sandra Ruiz, second place team, Avant-Garde;

• Urja Patel, first place, Up Do;

• Nekia Pearson, first place, Avant-Garde;

• Kaylina Tartt, second place, Cut and Color.

• Janette Patt, third place, Avant-Garde;

• Maryam Samarmad, third place, Up Do;

• Nekia Satterwhite, third place, Cut and Color;

Makeup artists Adamaris Ponce, Paula Roque, Maryam Samarmad and Molly Schmelter were also awarded for the work.

The cosmetology program at College of DuPage provides professional-level skills in the field of personal beauty.

Students gain knowledge and skills in a broad range of disciplines, including aesthetics, business, chemical processes, hair design, nail technology, safety, salon operations and sanitation.

Students are eligible to apply for a cosmetology license from the state of Illinois upon successful completion of the program.

To see more photos of the "Elements" hair show and competition, visit the COD Newsroom page on Flickr.com.

The cosmetology program at College of DuPage provides professional-level skills in the field of personal beauty. Students gain knowledge and skills in a broad range of disciplines, including aesthetics, business, chemical processes, hair design, nail technology, safety, salon operations and sanitation.

For more information, contact Mia Boyd at boydm72@cod.edu or (630) 942-2918.