Generation Next: Congratulations to the five winners

The stage was set – an audience of 300 people, a committee of judges, models and a spotlight lit stage. During a glamorous ceremony, Schwarzkopf Professional Japan presented the five winners of their Generation Next hair styling competition. The winners now have the opportunity to further develop their talents for three years at a local Schwarzkopf Professional Academy. In order to inspire more young people in Japan to embark on a career as a hairstylist, Schwarzkopf Professional Japan launched the Generation Next project in 2015.

The five winners proudly presenting their certificates – for them the journey is just beginning. For the next three years, they will be trained by local and international renowned hairstylists at a Schwarzkopf Professional Academy.

The models presenting the hairstyles.

The 14 contestans during the live cut demonstration.

14 finalists – 14 live cuts on stage

The 14 finalists of the competition were given a chance to present their talents during a live cut. Following the demonstration, the competitors presented their cuts and explained what inspired them about this particular style. The audience as well as the Generation Next committee including Simon Ellis, Generation Next Ambassador and International Creative Director at Schwarzkopf Professional, chose the five winners. “I could not believe my eyes as I observed the 14 finalists on stage. I think all of the finalists are winners,” said Generation Next Ambassador Fumio Kawashima, Head of Peek-a-Boo hair salons. “I would like the five winners to widen their skills at the upcoming trainings and hope the other finalists keep their ambitions high for upcoming chances.”

Extensive support for the winners

The Japan Schwarzkopf Professional team will support the winners for three years at a local academy in order to hone their skills as a hair stylist but also to train their creativity and global communication abilities. They will be given high-level training sessions led by renowned Japanese and international stylists and will have opportunities to exhibit in hair shows around the world. In addition, the stylists will also be given tutoring in English to enhance their opportunities for a career abroad.