Jessica Robey is the winner among the franchise's 13,000+ stylists
GEORGETOWN, Texas
The Look competition is one of the most exciting parts of Sport Clips Haircuts National Huddle, and this year, “Creative Freedom” took center stage at the meeting in San Antonio. The franchise’s more than 13,000 professional stylists tell us they look forward to the event each year, with entrants from across the U.S. and Canada styling the latest looks for a chance to be part of the platform action. As the leading hair care provider dedicated to men and boys, this year’s entries were dominated by fades, which require the high level of training and expertise Sport Clips offers its team members.
The finalists included this year's The Look winner Jessica Robey of Littleton, Colorado, along with:
- Kiana Rivera of Destin, Florida – 2nd place
- Sibar Hilal of Ontario, Canada – 3rd place
- Jennifer Hayes of Colonial Heights, Virginia – Honorable Mention
- Jeannie Bernal of Houston, Texas – Honorable Mention
- Summer Barnhart of Sterling, Illinois – Honorable Mention
- Kourtney DiMaggio of Danville, California – Honorable Mention
“This dedicated group of finalists truly impressed with their talent and how they embraced this year's The Look theme of 'creative freedom,’” says Stacia Kelley, artistic director for Sport Clips. "Most of them have been part of the Sport Clips family for years, staying on the cutting edge of the most in-demand styles. Our trainers, managers, Artistic Team members, Team Edge, and dedicated professionals are making a real impact on the industry through their outstanding skill and expertise in men's and boys' hair. As a licensed stylist for more than 18 years, I can honestly say it’s one of the most dynamic times to be with Sport Clips and in this profession."
Following the competition, each finalist shared their motivation to become a stylist, thoughts on their Sport Clips experience, and the products they love using to get The Look they created:
Jessica Robey – The winning look she created was a low burst fade using Gibs™ Texture Powder, and Paul Mitchell® Mitch Dry Paste to complete the V-look back. She knew at age six she wanted to be a stylist when she started cutting her dolls’ hair. After 17 years with Sport Clips, she says Sport Clips’ Huddle is motivating and an example of how the company constantly gives back to stylists through training.
Kiana Rivera – Second place went to the low temple fade as a “trendier” haircut she created for her model using STMNT® Wax Powder for volume and Shine Paste for hold and texture. This was her first Sport Clips National Huddle, and the classes she attended helped her with technique, especially since she says she’s always loved playing with hair.
Sibar Hilal – A bald fade with minimal texture on top was her third place recognition style using Gibs™ HitMan and Give Cream Matte for hold. She initially wanted to do women’s hair but picked up clippers and says she’s never put them down. She says her Huddle experience built her confidence and helped her grow as a stylist.
Jennifer Hayes – Honorable mention went to her trendy taper fade around the edges with a soft edge clean up and textured top. She used STMNT® Definition Spray, Wax Powder, and Spray Powder. Jennifer’s mom was a cosmetologist, so she followed in her footsteps. She says to her Sport Clips is a big family, and the classes and training she receives from the company keep igniting her professional flame.
Jeannie Bernal – A bald medium fade using Gibs™ Biofuel as a cutting aid earned her look an honorable mention. She finished it off with STMNT Defining Spray and American Crew® Fiber™, adding Gibs™ Voodoo Beard Oil to complete the model’s look. Her dad was a barber, and she says just about everyone in her family does hair.
Summer Barnhart – She chose a burst fade style using STMNT® Definition Spray for texture and Pomade Plus to seal in moisture. She decided to go to cosmetology school when she literally drove by one. Now she says she loves working for Sport Clips and how the company lives its values reminds her of why she does what she does.
Kourtney DiMaggio – Zero to mid-fade taper with detailing was the look she chose for her model. She used SexyHair® Spray Clay first then added SexyHair Powder Play and more Spray Clay to create a messy hair look. Her cosmetology career started with make-up before she gravitated to a profession in men’s hair.
Judges for the competition included Danny Amorim of Gibs™ Grooming, Jim Massey from American Crew®, and Tobie Price JPMS. The winner and finalists all received travel and hotel accommodations to the San Antonio event as well as a cash prize and an exclusive package that includes top-of-the-line tools, products, and swag from BaByliss®, American Crew®, SexyHair®, STMNT®, Blacksmith Blades, Gibs™ Grooming, ACTIIV™, and John Paul Mitchell® Systems.
To find out more ways stylists can put their creative freedom to work as one of the pros in men’s hair, check out SportClipsCareers.com.