“You should learn the rules first to break them.”

To once again recognise, refine and reward talent in the hairstyling industry, Season 3 of TIGI Backstage Heroes has kickstarted. The competition also witnessed the virtual presence of TIGI Founder, Anthony Mascolo.

TIGI Backstage Heroes is a wonderful platform for hairdressers to showcase their artistry and talent.

This exciting format is brought by TIGI, the leading professional haircare and hairstyling brand ‘by hairdressers, for hairdressers’ to recognize, refine and reward talent in the hairstyling industry. The three-stage programme comprises intensive digital training in the newest cut and styling techniques under the support and mentorship of the TIGI Global Creative team. Season 3 kickstarted amid the pandemic in 2020 in a fully digital format to test the skills of the participants at various levels.

The semi-finalists also got an opportunity to train with the TIGI Global Creative Team. The shortlisted participants will now work on their entries for the grand finale which is scheduled for early 2021. The winner of the grand finale stands a chance to win a cash prize of Rs 1,00,000 while the runner-up, a cash prize of Rs 50,000. Students participating in the Inspirational Youth category, a new category introduced in Season 3 for hairdressing students, can win a cash prize of Rs 25,000.

Additionally, the competition also witnessed the virtual presence of Anthony Mascolo, the Founder of TIGI, for an exclusive by-invite-only webinar for the semi-finalists. The webinar covered Anthony’s journey, inspiration, and a lot more. Global hairdressing icon Anthony Mascolo, Co-Founder and Creative Director, TIGI, joined India’s leading voice in hairdressing – Aalim Hakim, Founder and Director, Hakim’s Aalim Salon – to discuss hairstyling, inspirations, competitions and more! Brought together by TIGI India, this inspirational session was held for the 800+ semifinalists of TIGI Backstage Heroes Season 3 and 100+ select members of the hair dressing community.

Mascolo spoke about his initial days in the salon industry and then his journey into the world of hairdressing, fuelled by a passion and love for the craft. After winning accolades for his work (and the British Hairdresser Of The Year award thrice), he went on to launch the TIGI International Creative Team in 2003, where he still continues to lead the company as their International Artistic Director. In his words, “When we could not find the products we wanted, we made them ourselves.” Mascolo has long been at the forefront of avant-garde and artistic hairdressing, winning many accolades and head-lining numerous hairdressing shows across the globe. While talking about his initial shows, he shared his experience of creating the iconic hat from the model’s hair – a look that put TIGI on the global map.

An idol to an entire generation of hairdressers, Mascolo addressed the contestants of the TIGI Backstage Heroes Season 3 and spoke about how this competition will provide them a platform to learn from the mentors as well as other participants. They should use this opportunity to understand their strengths and weaknesses and how it is so important for them to constantly challenge themselves and push their creative boundaries. He also spoke about how entering the competition gives them a challenge, a goal, and then allows

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them to see what they need to do to get stronger and better in the craft. “You should learn the rules first to break them,” says Mascolo.

“TIGI Backstage Heroes is a great platform for budding hairdressers.” - Aalim Hakim

On being about asked about TIGI Backstage Heroes, Hakim said, “TIGI Backstage Heroes is a great platform for budding hairdressers and is the favourite competition among the hairdressers. We have been seeing unique entries every year, which is great. It is not just a competition, but a learning experience as well - from submitting entries to learning from the jury members, fellow participants and the brand itself. I am looking forward to judging these talented young hairdressers in the grand finale this year. I will also witness the creative work by the hairdressers and learn from them.”

After this inspiring session and global trainings by TIGI Global Creative team, the 800 semi-finalists shall submit their entries again to compete against the best in the business for the most coveted Season 3 trophy in the grand finale, which is scheduled for early next year.