Shear Genius

Did You Know?

• Tabatha Coffey, who reached the Final 6 of season 1, was the first fan favorite winner and received $10,000.
• In the third episode of season 1, a contestant was sent home after the Shortcut Challenge, which normally did not result in elimination.
• The first three challenges of season 1 used mannequin heads instead of real clients.
• Brig Van Osten, winner of season 3, was described as a 'dark horse' and defeated her bitter rival Janine Jarman, who placed second and won fan favorite.

Format

Each season of Shear Genius runs for nine or ten episodes, beginning with a dozen contestants. One competitor is typically cut per episode, though the judging panel can occasionally decide on a double elimination or skip an elimination entirely. Every episode features two timed challenges. The first is the Shortcut Challenge, which usually does not result in anyone being sent home—except for the third episode of the first season, where a contestant was eliminated after this round. This challenge ranks participants based on factors like technical skill, and the winner or winners may earn an advantage for the next challenge. The second is the Elimination Challenge, where each stylist must work on a real model or client, following specific requirements or goals. Once the hair is finished, the model is dressed and presented in a runway show for four judges. After the show, the judges can question contestants about their styling choices. They then deliberate and pick the top and bottom looks. The top stylists are recognized, and one winner is chosen with the phrase "Your work is Shear Genius." That winning style is also added to the Allure Wall of Fame for the rest of the competition. The bottom stylists are named, and the weakest competitor is dismissed with the line "This was your final cut." Both challenges have time limits, and if extra materials are needed, contestants receive a limited budget to buy them. In the first season, the initial three challenges used mannequin heads instead of live clients.

Seasons

The reality competition Shear Genius debuted on Bravo in April and May of 2007. Twelve hairstylists took on a series of challenges for the title. Anthony Morrison came out on top, beating finalists Ben Mollin and Daisy Duchens. The show also launched a spin-off, Tabatha's Salon Takeover, starring contestant Tabatha Coffey. Known for her blunt manner with fellow competitors, Coffey reached the Final 6 and was also the first winner of the show's fan favorite prize, taking home $10,000. Season two premiered on Bravo on June 25, 2008. The judging panel changed: Sally Hershberger and Michael Carl were replaced by Kim Vo and Kelly Atterton. Dee Adames won the season, defeating Charlie Price and Nicole Obert. The fan favorite competition returned, and Daniel Lewis, who made it to the Final 4, earned that honor. The third season began airing on February 3, 2010. Brazilian model Camila Alves, then fiancée and now spouse of Matthew McConaughey, took over as host from Jaclyn Smith, while Orlando Pita replaced Rene Fris as mentor. The winner was Brig Van Osten, considered a dark horse, who defeated Matthew Morris and her bitter rival Janine Jarman. Van Osten's prizes included a photoshoot for Allure Magazine and $100,000. Janine Jarman, who finished second, was voted the fan favorite.