High Fashion Hair Artistry Takes Center Stage at DreamCatchers’ Battle of the Strands 2021
For one thrilling evening, DreamCatchers extensions brought together talent from across the nation to compete in the hottest hair competition the Industry has seen in over a year. Battle of the Strands 2021 welcomed the most creative, cutting-edge stylists from all over the US together for one day of epic competition. The challenge? To utilize the DreamCatchers new K-tip & Weft systems hair extensions and create the most dazzling looks to be featured on the runway at the live-streamed event.
Each team was tasked with creating a highly conceptual look from head to toe with an emphasis of course on the hairstyle, color, extension install, and overall aesthetic. With our hair, the possibilities are truly limitless and we thought there was no better way to showcase this than a night of competition, creativity, and community. Here’s how the first official Battle of the Strands unfolded:
DAY ONE - Finding the Perfect Match: Model Selection
Each team—consisting of three expert stylists—chose a model they felt could help execute their final look. Models from all over the Dallas/ Fort Worth area came to the casting call for a chance to work with each unique styling team. Each trio of stylists was given only two minutes to make their model selections, meaning every team had to trust their gut instincts and select a model they thought could carry their look from head to toe. The exciting—but intense—model selection was the first real taste of the competition and a great way for teams to start to get in their creative zones. After final selections were made, the teams loaded into a bus to get acquainted with their stylists’ personalities and visions as we made our way to the next important location.
Creating a Full Concept at Dallas Vintage Shop
Teams were pumped to explore Dallas Vintage Shop—a specialty vintage and costume store—to make wardrobe selections. The competition started to heat up as each team had to make adjustments based on the styles and sizes available to them. Teams reiterated the importance of having a complete look - one that would compliment the hairstyle to set themselves apart on the runway. They gave insight to their chosen aesthetic - everything from punk rock and edgy, to ethereal and light - the excitement continued to build. It was important to think about the entire look in tandem with the larger concept. Each group had to find everything from shoes, accessories, and clothing in a short period that would set their hairstyles on fire.
Safety Came First with On-Site Covid Testing
Meanwhile back at The Society the Battle of the Strands Crew was busy at work making sure all participants and production crew were rapid covid tested to ensure a safe and healthy event. Additionally, crews worked to transform the salon space into a fashion catwalk complete with a red carpet to set the tone of our exciting event. You could truly feel everyone’s excitement rising as we got closer and closer to the big show!
Finding A Unique Look with DreamCatchers Hair Extensions During the Prep
Stylists quickly got to work at The Society to begin their hair transformations. Each team was equipped with thousands of inches of the highest quality full-cuticle Remy hair in K-tip & Weft to bring their visions to life. Contestants were quick to begin dying, cutting, and styling their model’s hair extensions each showcasing their expert skills. The energy in the room was electric as each stylist was able to truly shine and show everyone in the room their gift.
DAY TWO - Catwalking into the Competition
After a full day of competition and model prep, it was showtime. Each model was given her moment in the spotlight and slayed the catwalk. The stunning hair artistry and overall aesthetics from each team captivated the room. From airy and ethereal goddesses to avant-garde rock and rollers, each team truly pushed the boundaries of hair and fashion. All eleven models took the runway while a live vote took place online.
Winners were announced after voting concluded for several categories. Team six—consisting of Joshua Rainville, Alyssa Mongelluzzo, and Devyn McCarty—took home the grand prize for their stunning juxtaposition of vibrant blues and fiery shades of orange. Awards were also given to Team Nine—Montana Schmidt, Lynda Peterson, and Joana Colon—for best Extensions Install. Alejandro Lopez and Wesley Palmer both took home awards for outstanding talent, but there truly were no weak links in the entire group. We are so thankful to every stylist who joined us for this unbelievable journey to showcase the best talent in the nation. Everyone’s hardwood truly shone on the Battle of the Strand’s runway and it was an amazing moment to be in a room with such dynamic creative energy.
Battle of the Strands 2021 was one for the books. We are so thankful for the efforts of the stylists, hair extension experts, crew members, and all our fabulous partners for helping us pull off such a successful and exciting event. Anyone in the hair world knows that at DreamCatchers, we truly view our partners like family, and being able to celebrate the creativity and expertise of so many was a wonderful way to kick off summer.
We loved seeing how each hair extensions expert utilized the highest quality hair to create looks that wowed everyone at the salon and those at home who tuned in to the live stream event. Bringing so much talent to be showcased in one special night of competition was something we look forward to doing more and more. Be sure to follow DreamCatchers for updates on future events and in-person training opportunities all over the US with expert hair artists and educators. If you are a stylist looking to join our family and potentially participate in future competitions, enquire by reaching out to us today!
Get Certified with DreamCatchers
To check out our next round of in-person training dates for wefting, k-tip, i-tip, and tape extensions, be sure to check out our course catalog today!
