What is it?
Oxygen network's "Hair Battle Spectacular" pits 11 of America's hottest stylists against each other to see who can deliver the biggest, most outlandish fantasy hair for a chance to win $100,000. Weekly challenges require contestants to create outrageous coifs that resemble everything from Hollywood stars to top hats and handbags. The stylists are graded on creativity, presentation and craftsmanship by the judges: award-winning fantasy hair designer Derek J, stylist Taylor Jacobson ("The Rachel Zoe Project") and a guest judge, typically a celebrity blogger like Kristen Aldridge or a model.
Why do we care?
Omaha stylist Kirby Keomysay, 24, who has been nicknamed "Nostradamus," is a contestant on the show. Keomysay is a talented hair stylist who got a jump start on his career at a early age. His uncle (also a stylist) inspired and mentored him while he was a young boy. At age 15, Keomysay opened his first salon in his parents' basement. After high school, he attended the Capitol School of Hairstyling in Omaha and won a North American Hairstyling Award in 2006.
Two years later, Keomysay opened "Kontempo" at Mod Studio Salon in Omaha. In addition to himself, Keomysay has three full-time stylists and has been in business for more than three years. Several reality shows have shown interest in Keomysay but it's fitting that he's on "Hair Battle Spectacular." He creates beautiful avant-garde hairstyles.
Who's watching?
Mostly women between the ages of 18 to 34. The cable-network TV show averages 874,000 people each episode.
When is it on?
The show returned for its second season last week. It airs Mondays at 9 p.m. CDT.
— Staff Writer Josefina Loza
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