First-Round Winners Announced: American Crew All-Star Challenge

North American First-Round Winners Announced in All-Star Challenge

The first-round winners of American Crew’s global grooming competition, the All-Star Challenge, have been revealed! Check out these North American winners, including the Challenge’s FIRST ever Student category winner!

What’s the All-Star Challenge?

Barbers and hairstylists across the world can showcase their technique and skill by creating original looks with American Crew products and entering to win the annual All-Star Challenge.

“Despite the many challenges the grooming community and salon industry faced during the global pandemic, these Professionals never cease to amaze us with their creativity and talent. We are honored to have given professionals an outlet where they could bring their originality and imagination during a challenging year,” said American Crew Founder David Raccuglia. “These countries’ winners brought their A-game on creating fresh, elevated looks and I, along with the rest of the All-Star Challenge Global Committee have our work cut out for them as we move forward with selecting five global winners of the competition. We are also thrilled with the submissions that came through the Challenge’s new Student category and are proud to give upcoming professionals a platform to show their work and gain recognition.”

And The North American Winners Are…

U.S. Winner: Thomas Mitchell (@tmcuts)

Manchester, CT

Inspiration: “I wanted to create something modern yet with grit and a bit of attitude. Johnny Depp in the movie Cry Baby came to mind. I wanted to display a moderately tall square shape with a bit of flair, which is why you will notice the flyaway curl/strand. This was done to add a bit of character and flavor to the overall shot. I brought the fade a bit higher and left a bit of weight at the top to exaggerate the top length and give it a little more aggressive/edgy overall look and style.”

“This was a lot of fun and definitely outside of my comfort zone. I wanted to challenge myself in new ways,” Thomas said. “There was no stylist, makeup artist, photographer or experienced model. Just me, a vision and a will to create something great. That’s what I loved most about the whole experience.”

Canadian Winner: Wan Wu (@wendy_bc_barber)

Vancouver, BC

Inspiration: “My inspiration is how the younger generation wants to have versatility that combines a career look and street style. I created this style that encompasses maneuverable length, texture mixed with an edgy burst fade and a clean lineup on the front sides gives this cut a modern and classic element.”

Student Winner: Ryan White (@thecommonpeoplebarber)

Johnson City, TN

Inspiration: “This is Jake. He is the All-American kid. We tried to give him a look that was timeless and classic to match that. This is a shadow fade with a slightly textured side part. We left a small strand of hair hanging out from the sideswept fringe to showcase the fact that he also isn’t too executive just yet. Fifth graders still need a little cool factor.”

What Do They Win?

These looks will be submitted to the American Crew All-Star Challenge Global Committee. Led by David, the committee also includes Global Artistic Director Paul Wilson, Global Education Director Phoenix Thomson and Luke Munn, the 2019-2020 Australian All-Star Challenge Winner. The committee will review country winners and after careful consideration, will name five top competitors as the 2021 Global All-Star Challenge Winners, who will receive $5,000 and an all-expense paid trip to Barcelona to participate in an editorial photoshoot.

The Student winner will receive $2,000 worth of product and merchandise, plus a one-on-one training session with an American Crew All-Star Educator.