Beauty professionals in the Metroplex gathered at TONI&GUY's 22nd Photographic Awards on Oct. 23 for a night of amusement and recognition. Hosted by TONI&GUY, it was the first year going digital instead of the typical convention center property. The special event took place at the its national headquarters, which moved from Los Angeles and New York to Plano, and streamed live in markets across the country. With loft feels throughout the venue, it was ready to host an intimate, yet high-energy night. The event is an annual competition open to the students, staff and alumni from its nationwide network of cosmetology schools and hair salons. Since 1996, it aimed to recognize the best cosmetology work every year. Each year, professionals from the 43 salons and 21 TONI&GUY academies compete in the Photographic Awards. Additionally, these awards name the Stylist of the Year and Colorist of the Year.  Entrants submit photos to compete in one of a number of award categories and are selected by the judging panel, which consists of distinguished TONI&GUY members and other notable creatives. Multiple rows of chairs were placed around the main screen that projected the entire event. Messages from TONI&GUY and affiliated professionals stole the show giving tips and tricks on how to step-up your beauty game. In-between these segments, the nominees for each category were acknowledged and a winner was chosen. Multiple local talents were among the winners throughout the nation. TIGI Professional Colourist of the Year went to Ethan Miller and TONI&GUY Professional Hairdresser of the Year went to Lethan Olvera. The crowd's cheers and loud applause showed how supportive they were of their team members. After the awards concluded, the event shifted throughout the building. It became a photo fest with a polaroid table set up in the back and a backdrop with props crowded by the front. There were top stylists mingling, refreshing cocktails, decorative bites, and an overall high-energy vibe from start to finish. The best part - the swag bag. As attendees left, they were handed a black TONI&GUY bag filled with iridescent tissue paper that contained hair, beauty and fashion products. The brand's culture was very distinct throughout the night, as all were dressed up from the roots of their hair to the bottoms of their soles. Most attendees even wore the staple all-black outfit. The theory of beauty gurus always looking stunning might be true. But if one thing's for sure, the TONI&GUY Photographic Awards is sure to put digital award shows on the map by creating a refreshing twist on a classic event. Images courtesy of TONI&GUY.