Congratulations to Courtney Verble, of the Arrowhead salon, this year's Editorial and Men's categories winner! Verble won both categories in which she was a finalist, a feat she says brings a sweet note to her transition from the salon to the soon-to-open Arizona TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy, where she will be the academy director.
Prior to the awards ceremony, Verble said she was especially honored to be a finalist at this year’s awards, which came at a significant point in her career.
“February is my 10-year anniversary at TONI&GUY, so I feel like this seals the deal as to how much I’ve grown,” Verble said. “I would be going out with a bang.”
While she struggled to choose which category she most enjoyed because they each require such different work, Verble said she was most excited about being a finalist in the men’s category because she feels there is so much untapped versatility in men’s hairdressing.
“I love, love doing men’s haircuts,” Verble said. “If I could only do men’s hair my life would be perfect.”
In a different vein, the aspect of editorial work she most enjoys is telling a story.
“It’s all about the total composition,” Verble said. “Your hair and makeup can be really, really strong, but if you don’t have the right photographer or the right model it won’t work."
In her editorial entry, Verble said she found luck in two strong models who carried her concept through in telling a story of a couple who meets at a night club and their ensuing romance. She shot her entry at the Pussycat Lounge in Scottsdale before the venue even opened.
“They hit it off right away and she tries to seduce him – and in the end he can’t resist,” Verble said with a grin.
The Editorial finalists included Austin Finley (Hillcrest Crossing), Chi Hsueh (Northpark), Courtney Verble (Arrowhead), Joanna Barrientos (Irvine) and Tab Salsman (Newport Beach).
The men's category included Verble (Arrowhead), Devon Faldon (Dallas Academy), Daniel Krantz (Mission Viejo, DJ Cacciatore (International Plaza) and Mikka Jacino (Cumberland).