Bumble and bumble’s new competition

Bumble and bumble’s new competition celebrates the power of transformation

If Laurent Philippon’s older brother hadn’t entered a hair competition, Laurent might not be the stylist he is today. “After that, I couldn’t not be competitive,” said the world-renowned editorial stylist and Bumble and bumble’s Global Artistic Director. That’s why he created the company’s Double Take contest, which involves selecting promising hairdressers from the Bb.Salon Network and submerging them in the world of editorial styling. Double Take is about transformation and developing the eye.

 “You can convey a message just by how you place the hair,” Laurent says.

Entrants had to submit a before, cut and style shots of a model they completely transformed to be considered for a finalist spot. Three winners were selected by Laurent, and one spot was decided by popular vote on the Bumble and bumble Instagram. The four grand prize winners were invited to visit the House of Bumble in New York’s Meatpacking District for two days to attend Laurent’s first-ever exclusive class on editorial photo shoots. They then collaborated on their own photo shoot along with Laurent and Bb.Global Brand Artistry leads Bronwen Robinson and Sabrina Michals.

Each contestant created a mood board before styling.

“The idea is the power of hair transformation,” Laurent says. “We want them to transform each girl, representing what they stand for. It’s a personal experience for these contestants. We’re pushing them to their limits.” Laurent is a proponent of perfecting the basics, like the Marcel wave. “It’s the first technique I learned from Alexandre de Paris,” he says. “Once you know how to do a Marcel wave, you can do anything with a curling iron.” During the two days each contestant spent with Laurent, they honed their hairdressing techniques and experienced what it’s like to be behind the scenes at an editorial shoot. Each was given a general inspiration and then set loose to create. We checked in with each finalist for a closer look at what they created and what they learned. Check it out!

Chelsea Goodier: Hair Creations Salon – Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

“Everyone called me Edward Scissorhands when I was little,” Chelsea says. Tasked with transforming the bob, Chelsea gave her model the cool-girl hair clients dream of. Playing with texture was key for these looks, Chelsea says.

Lindsay Larsen: Hedkandi Salon – Calgary, Alberta

“This is less of a job and more of a passion,” Lindsay says. “I love how intimate this experience is. I got to know Laurent on a personal level, and I’ve always looked up to him. I’ve learned that I’m always going to be in intimidating situations, but I’m confident in my craft. I know that’s why I’m here.” Lindsay demonstrated variations on volume—a classic, Priscilla Presley bouffant and a current look of horizontal rather than vertical volume.

Hanna De Frateschi: Simon Webster Salon – Brighton, U.K.

“I started in a small town—I didn’t even know this world existed,” Hannah says. “You have to keep practicing and keep doing. Know your trade, then refine it. Get yourself into a big city.” For her look, Hannah achieved a new take on long, shiny hair. She started with a Jessica Rabbit ’do, then demonstrated her versatility by giving her model soft, bouncy curls.

Kimberly Seibel: Hedkandi Salon – Calgary, Alberta

“I take every opportunity that comes my way, and I love collaborating with others,” Kimberly says. “The key is to take as much education as possible—and don’t be afraid.” Kimberly’s boyish styles combine the look of clean-cut men of the ’50s with supermodel grunge of the ’90s.

Chelsea Goodier, Hannah De Frateschi, Kimberly Seibel,
Laurent Philippon and Lindsay Larsen.