ROBERT CROMEANS - John Paul Mitchell Systems® Global Artistic Director

Hairdresser, salon owner, platform artist and industry legend - John Paul Mitchell Systems Global Artistic Director Robert Cromeans' charming wit, innovative artistry and proven business strategies inspire hairdressers around the globe. Few have achieved such international acclaim, and even fewer still have worked so hard to share the keys to success with others. As the owner of the mega-successful A Robert Cromeans Salon and ARCS Salon with locations in California, Nevada and Oklahoma, Robert shares tried-and-true techniques that are backed by the Robert Cromeans name. From the platform and in his DVDs, the charismatic Scotsman always wraps his message of artistic innovation and contagious entrepreneurship in a package of encouragement: "If I can do it, you can, too." Voted by the industry a record seven times as behindthechair.com's Stylist Choice Awards Platform Artist of the Year, this Glasgow, Scotland native constantly travels with his salon team to motivate and educate. Paul Mitchell Collections and educational DVDs feature his latest discoveries. And Robert's groundbreaking and time-saving techniques, paired with his unique communication skills, teach hairdressers worldwide how to have more fun and make more money.

NICHOLAS FRENCH

Nicholas has been invited to appear seven times at the Alternative Hair Show; the last five in Chicago 2001, 2002, and 2003 and 2004 and 2005 and at the Royal Albert Hall London in 2009. He has also received many best main stage and educational awards. Nicholas has traveled extensively producing over 1,500 high energy educational shows for professional hairdressers worldwide in the USA and glamorous destinations around the world including Japan, Australia, Italy, France, Spain, Hong Kong, Holland, Switzerland and Croatia. His presentations range from small hands on to large shows for over 2,000 people.

PHILLIP WILSON - "Renaissance Man"

Phillip Wilson has redefined "Renaissance Man" in the professional beauty business, achieving accolades as a hairdresser, salon owner, showman, platform artist and motivator. Voted one of the most influential hairdressers of the past 100 years by Modern Salon magazine, Phillip is world-renowned for his signature Reform Haircutting methods, which include the use of twin combs and twin brushes to create his signature Single-Line Bob. He continues to develop advanced styling techniques influenced by the high-fashion runways, Hollywood red carpets and music sound stages.

MICHAEL O'ROURKE

Michael O'Rourke has dedicated his life to the growth of the hair artists. An industry icon with a dynamic stage presence, Michael has been teaching his revolutionary cutting and styling techniques for decades. Michael touches the souls of each and every hair artist that he meets. A famously successful entrepreneur having founded both Sexy Hair Concepts and Carlton Hair, Michael is still first and foremost dedicated to being an artist. Michael is now launching his namesake legacy line "Michael O'Rourke" and is committed to supporting the artists behind the chair and bringing his passion and creativity back to the industry once again.

TIM HARTLEY

Tim Hartley is, quite simply, one of the world's greatest hairdressers. After a 30 year career at Vidal Sassoon culminating in his renowned role as International Creative Director Tim has left the corporate world to concentrate on his own stunning visions of hair design. For over 30 years he's been inspiring generations of young hairdressers with his passionate approach to hair, cutting edge aesthetic and technical expertise.

RAFE HARDY

Artistic Creative Director Rafe Hardy is literally the "face" of Sexy Hair, attracting a global following as he demonstrates his great artistry and motivational skills at hair shows all over the world and touching the lives of thousands of stylists. The charismatic, award-winning hairdresser and educator, who oversees Sexy Hair's creative team, designs and teaches stylists the company’s twice-yearly haircut collections and conceives new show formats."Hair design is an art form that's always been very appealing to me because you can be creative, achieve quick results for your efforts, and change people’s lives."

BOYD PARRIS - Framesi North America, Creative Director

Boyd Parris, a talented colorist, educator and artist, who has dedicated his career supporting the professional stylist by sharing his knowledge of framesi Italian Style and the Total Look of the Contemporary Woman, which encompasses current hair, make-up and clothing fashion trends. Boyd maintains an international clientele by servicing his clients in both his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia and his second home, Paris, France. Boyd regularly travels to Milan, Italy, the world’s fashion capital, to work with some of the finest hair stylists in Europe. He is one of the most sought after designers in the United States. His work has been featured in Rolling Stone, American Salon & Modern Salon magazines.

AMIT ABRAHAM - Owner of Atelier Salon

Amit is known for creating hair that mixes classical shapes with contemporary inspiration. Over 15 years of experience in the hair industry, Amit has worked in virtually all hair mediums, styling for film, television, platform shows, print and runway. Recently he collaborated with "fashions night out" where designer Zac Posen and Anna Cleaveland for the windows at Bergdoff Goodman as well as the windows at Fred Leighton where he transformed a 2,000,000 necklace into a headband to be worn on one of the models!

JOSEPH DIMAGGIO

Continuing education is key to becoming a master at your craft! As a result, he developed a love for educating and sharing his passion. He began teaching advanced cutting, styling, and education methods in salons and across the country, and eventually as a L'Oréal Professionnel Portfolio Artist. He has become a strong presence behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week and is constantly on set "rocking out" editorial shoots across the globe. Working with some of the world's best hair stylists, his talent and genuine love for his craft has earned him the respect of his peers. Joseph DiMaggio is undeniably a positive creative force within the hair industry.

LEONEL RODRIGUEZ - International hair artist and Farouk Systems Global Board

Leonel Rodriguez excels in runway styling, couture fashion shows and platform stage presentations. He creates wearable fashions selecting hair as his fabric. A mentor to many, Leonel participates in educational seminars in Europe and North America. In his home province of Chihuahua, Mexico, Leonel manages his own salon and is actively involved in various television programs and styles at fashion and red carpet events.

ROCCO VITALE - International educator and platform artist for Farouk Systems

Toronto-based Rocco Vitale brings more than 20 years of artistry and creativity in the professional beauty industry. An accomplished career includes twice Canadian Hairstylist of the Year, styling for Extra, Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood during Oscars Week, Fashion Week Toronto and performing makeovers on The Mom Show. Co-owner of Mane Society Salon and Spa, Vitale has worked on set at fashion shoots and editorial work. "I'm inspired by fashion and how hair can literally make or break an outfit," says Vitale. "On stage I create haute hair that can easily be adapted for off the runway."

JO BLACKWELL - PRESTON - Owner of Dop Dop Salon

Jo Blackwell-Preston is the owner of Dop Dop Salon in Soho, New York and is one of America's premiere colorists. She is known internationally for her playful approach and creative techniques with color. Jo brings her extensive knowledge of haircolor to a new level to take you on a journey of rediscovery through your mind's eye. Her passion for sharing her knowledge is a gift back to the industry she loves.

GINA KHAN

Gina Khan has been doing hair for over 35 years and is world renowned as the color spokesperson for Logics a premium brand for L'oreal. Gina used to be a Master Cutter before she switched and started doing color in 1986. Recognized as one of the world's foremost haircolor authorities Gina has won numerous awards inlcuding haircolorist of the year 2 times.

PATRICK McIVOR

I found my way into this profession accidentally. In college, I needed money in order to visit my girlfriend at another university. I thought about it and realized that there were 977 students at my college. If I offered each student a haircut at $5 apiece, I could afford to visit my girlfriend. At that moment, a hairdresser (and entrepreneur) was born! I enrolled in beauty school, determined to become the best hairdresser in East Brunswick, NJ! I'm now entering my 25th year in the beauty industry and I have been blessed with so many opportunities along the way. Most of all, I have had the honor of learning from and educating the most talented artists in the industry, on five continents and in 16 countries. My commitment to the profession is stronger than ever and I will never stop trying to empower stylists to realize their dreams through education.