The Organisation Mondiale Coiffure (OMC) Asia Cup Open 2010, the largest hair event of the Asia region commenced on March 7th and concluded on March 8th, unravelling the fantastic talents of the hairdressing community of the Asian region.

Organised by the Sri Lanka Association of Hairdressers and Beauticians (SLAHAB), the event was held at Cinnamon Grand with the participation of nearly 250 contestants. The competitors represented countries of the OMC Asia region including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia.

On the inauguration date, March 7th, the programme comprised entirely of competitions. The competition line-up for the day included senior and junior groups for technical, fashion, individual as well as combination categories. The technical category, in which the technicalities of the creation are given emphasis, bore quite a competitive and sharp mood amongst the competitors. It consisted of subcategories such as ‘creative’ and ‘hair by night’ in both male and female groups. Fashion category was quite interesting to observe as prominence in this group was provided to the creativity of the contestants with ample scope for innovative styles.

Recognising the extensive talent that is emerging from the Asian region, OMC took steps to make the competition more viable for participants to take part through allowing the usage of mannequins for the creations. Therefore the creations were done on live models as well as mannequins.

On March 8th, the programme schedule commenced at 9 a.m. and the competitions continued until 4 p.m. More fashion category tests were held for both juniors and seniors in individual and combination groups. The prize giving was held from 6 p.m. onwards where the winners from each category were rewarded. The Chief Guest of the event was French Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Madam Christine Robichon, The OMC World President Mr. Salvatore Fodera, World Competition Director Mr. Carmello Gugliotti, Global Trainers Mr. Toshio Tanaka and Mr. Joakim Roos were some of the distinguished foreign guests.

The competition was judged by an international team of highly qualified judges. The only Sri Lankan in the team was Johann Peiris. "Being qualified to judge OMC competitions is a privileged qualification as it is only valid for two years. Once the validity period expires, the judge has to renew the qualification after facing an exam conducted especially for industry personnel, which is held soon after the World Hair Asia Cup," said SLAHAB Founder President and President of OMC Asia Zone, Nayana Karunaratne.

The general assembly of the OMC Asia zone was also held on March 6th followed by a prevent cocktail was graced by prominent personalities of the global as well as local fashion and beauty industry including OMC World President, Salvatore Fodera who observed that small countries such as Sri Lanka hosting such a magnificent event was indeed a great pride to OMC.