Dalinda Arias, a stylist from Hillcrest Crossing salon, could only express excitement and surprise as she was announced the 2010 Colour category winner.
"I'm just so excited for this opportunity," Arias said after her win. "Thank you so very much."
This was Arias first win of the evening. She continued to win 2010 TIGI Colorist of the Year later in the awards.
Arias' friend and colleague, Laurabeth Wilson of the Northpark salon, earlier in the evening said while she was honored to be nominated for the Color Category, she hoped Arias would come out the victor.
"Her work is amazing -- AMAZING," Wilson said prior to the awards ceremony. "I'm really excited for her. I think it would be cool if she took the sweep."
Those stylists who wowed the selection committee with their vibrant and artistic use of colour included finalists Celeste Morris (Watters Creek), Dalinda Arias (Hillcrest Crossing), Dawn Clark (Willowbend), Laurabeth Wilson (Northpark) and LIz Ward (Irvine).