2016 Naha Entry - KinK

Hair is my fetish. There is strength in submission and this collection is a study in contrast. You have the hard, unforgiving, shiny leather and latex which by design, showcases the soft, matte pastels and ethereal, wispy-ness and freedom of the hair. I was inspired by a mix of pop cultural influences--Christian Grey, Aeon Flux, Madonna’s Human Nature and a touch of Purple Rain, in tribute to the late, great Prince.” Allen Ruiz.

Haircut and style – Allen Ruiz
Hair colour – Luis Gonzalez using Aveda
Make-up – Anastasia Durasova
Wardrobe – Sandy Aremeni
Photographer – Yulia Gorbachenko - See more at: http://www.cutwalk.de/index.php/kollektion/item/418-kink-collection-by-allen-ruiz#sthash.q1fy0nQC.dpuf

2015 NAHA Finalist Master Hairstylist of the Year Allen Ruiz

2013 Winner - Naha Hairstylist of the Year

Minx Collection

Austin-based salon owner, Allen Ruiz makes 'hair history' becoming the first Latin-American stylist to take home the Professional Beauty Association's top honor twice in the twenty-four year history of the awards.

An emotional Allen Ruiz seemed elated after winning 2013 Hairstylist of The Year at the North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) Sunday night (July 14) at a Vegas gala ceremony at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino.

Considered the "Academy Awards" of Hair dressing, The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) are awarded annually in 14 categories and salute technical excellence and artistic expression in hairdressing.

"Thank you. Thank you so much, I want to dedicate this to my family," the 42-year-old, three-time NAHA winner enthused after taking the stage. Ruiz previously won Hairstylist of the Year in 2007 and Salon Team of the Year in 2011. In addition to being the first Latin-American stylist to take home top honors twice, Allen is also now one of just three stylists to have accomplished this feat.

Allen's award winning collection of beauty images paid homage to 50's/60's Americana. "My vision for the shoot was 'It' girls come undone," says Ruiz. "Women perfectly done-up that throughout the day, gradually unravel for a raw, sultry, dark, almost 'moody' look & feel."

Like many artists, Ruiz draws much of his inspiration from fashion and pop culture. "This shoot was a culmination of many different influences, the catalyst being the H&M commercial featuring singer/songwriter, Lana Del Ray singing Blue Velvet," states Ruiz. "Spring Fashion week was also an influencer, the Marc Jacobs show in particular, his models and styles came together for a really cool 'mod,' understated chic look."

Ruiz is thankful for the creative outlet and industry voice that competing in NAHA has provided him. "You have your bread and butter work in the salon, but NAHA gives you an outlet that really allows you to express yourself. Participating has definitely pushed and helped develop my skills and confidence as a hairdresser."