Two hairstylists and a barber from across the U.S. have been chosen to compete in SAM'S SHEAR CHALLENGE, which gives them a week to get used to a Sam Villa® ergonomic shear and then show the world what they can do with it.
Contest entrants were chosen based on videos they submitted, detailing why they'd be great competitors for SAM'S SHEAR CHALLENGE.
The three chosen finalists have all suffered hand or arm pain from working behind the chair for years with traditional hair-cutting shears.
For the challenge, presented by Sam Villa® and American Salon, the finalists are testing Villa's claim that it takes one week for a stylist to get used to the shear's notable offset thumb design.
The finalists will then use the shears to create a "challenge cut" to be put to the public vote on AmericanSalon.com.
The finalists are:
Mark Camponeschi, a barber from Abingdon, MD. "I came to this as my second career," he says, "and it's the best choice I ever made."
Michelle Sabatino, a stylist and educator from Reading, MA. "After more than 20 years behind the chair," Sabatino says, "I can tell you that the wear and tear on our bodies is no joke."
Dani Lyn, a stylist and salon owner from Studio City, CA. "I love scissors, I have a collection!" she says. "I also have carpal tunnel, and would love to try the adjustable thumb scissors."
The three finalists are getting their new Sam Villa shears and a mannequin head this week, after which their "practice week" begins.
Follow the SAM'S SHEAR CHALLENGE contest on American Salon's Instagram to stay up-to-date with their progress, or subscribe to the weekly American Salon newsletter for updates.