Olds hairstylist Lee Cenaiko of Zebedeez Hair Design placed 12th and 13th in two categories during the 2019 OMC HairWorld Competitions in Paris, France.
The event took place Sept. 15-16.
"I was honoured to be the only Canadian stylist asked to represent Canada in the two long hair categories — prestige bridal and prestige gala," she wrote in an email to the Albertan.
She finished in 12th place in the prestige bridal category and 13th in prestige gala. Last year, Cenaiko finished in 10th place in the competition.
"Having placed in the top 10 last year to placing 12th this year was still satisfying," Cenaiko wrote. "We achieved the looks that we planned to present and feel that we did well."
Cenaiko said Team Canada did well as a whole. For example, a Winnipeg competitor received the OMC Achievement Award. And Team Canada president Anthony Zaccaria was presented with the OMC Hall of Fame Award.
"He was delighted and surprised when his name was announced, he thought someone was playing a joke on him, but it was an exciting reality," she wrote.
Cenaiko said this year Russia made a clean sweep placing first through fourth in prestige gala.
"It was interesting this year in that the judging was quite different from last year. The gold medal winner from last year did not even place in the top five this year, which is surprising."
She said this year’s competitions were the largest ever, attracting more than 1,500 competitors. As a result, she said, it took longer to have results released.
"It was thrilling to have so many of the 1,500 competitive stylists from other countries and international judges stop, take photos and compliment our work in making roses from hair," Cenaiko wrote.
"I am really excited about the opportunity that has opened up for me as a result of this year’s competitions," she added.
"These competitions are not only to compete but to also create relationships with stylists from around the world. A very exciting and positive outcome from this year's time in Paris is again meeting Amanda Cassidy from USA.
"She has competed for the past 25 years and again was a gold medal winner this year. She really liked the work I presented and has invited me to train with her this coming year. Working with her is a major breakthrough for preparing for next year in Paris. She believes that I too will become champion."
