Rookie Barrington Hairstylist Finalist in W Magazine Competition

Editor's Note: Submitted by Sarah Skerik, who heard about this great story while getting her hair done. She points out that Trevor James was one of the people who helped the young boy, Dominic Szymanski, hit by a train this spring.

A Barrington resident has made it to the final round of the prestigious  “The Artist” competition hosted by Bumble & Bumble and W Magazine just three years into his career styling hair. Trevor James, a stylist with Salon Shea in Barrington, is among the final six stylists vying for the grand prize - an opportunity to style the “Look of the Month” feature for W Magazine's October issue.

"Trevor is an extraordinary natural talent," said Salon Shea owner Tammy Ganan, who hired James after numerous other salons in the area passed him by. "Despite the fact that he's at the beginning of his career, he beat out hundreds of very experienced pros from the top salons in the U.S. to get to the final round."

If Trevor's name seems familiar, it's probably because you heard about his efforts in saving Dominic Szymanski in mid-March after the child was hit by a train in Barrington. Earlier this month, theVillage of Barrington recognized him, along with the other good Samaritans and professionals who came to the boy’s aid.  Trevor, who is also a professional musician, gave Dominic a guitar and is giving him lessons. 

"He's awesome," says Trevor of his young student.

James came to hair styling by accident, though he's no stranger to creative pursuits.

"My whole life has been about making things, whether we're talking about music, food or hair," said James, who originally planned to become a chef. However, a stint helping out in a friend's salon lead him into hair styling. He took the plunge, enrolling in Pivot Point International Academy for professional training.

"I loved it immediately," he said of his experience. "I love making people feel good, and styling hair allows me to channel my creativity while making people happy. I find a lot of joy in this work.”

Final voting for The Artist is now open on the W Magazine Facebook page, where you can also see videos of all the contestants, including James. Voting ends on July 15.