A 91原创 stylist with a passion for hair is taking his talent to the global stage.

James Abu-Ulba is one of 10 finalists from around the world chosen to participate in the for hairstyling in Miami this month.

He is one of only two finalists representing North America鈥� a position he won after submitting an abstract hairstyle of bright reds, yellows, and oranges, inspired by a fusion of ballet and clowns.

While in Miami, Abu-Ulba will have to create an entire look for a model, including hair, makeup, clothing and even runway choreography.

His inspiration for his final piece comes from a trip to Stanley Park in the fall when he became infatuated by the fallen leaves. This will be the base for the hair colour he chooses to use.

鈥淲hen I brainstorm I start looking for things that inspire me, and I start playing around with haircuts,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y clients are my best guinea pigs. I don鈥檛 do anything that鈥檚 out of control on them but I can practice the same technique, just not as extreme. I even have a few clients who will let me experiment on them.鈥�

Abu-Ulba鈥檚 career began at the age of 16 when he started working in his father鈥檚 salon sweeping floors and washing hair. Although he did not like the work at first, he began to develop a love for hair design.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been creative and into art and it wasn鈥檛 until I went to a couple of hair shows that I saw there is a real art to it,鈥� he said. 鈥淭his is when I decided 鈥極K, this is what I need to do.鈥欌��

After developing his career in London and Berlin, Abu-Ulba came to , where he been working for 10 years. Among being director of education for hair at the salon locations in 91原创, Vancouver and North Vancouver, he also has a large dedicated client base.

鈥淭here鈥檚 many different hats that I wear,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 work 60 to 70 hours per week but to me it鈥檚 not really work; what I鈥檓 doing during the day is what I love.鈥�

For him, the Davines competition is an opportunity to experiment with new looks and let his creativity go wild.

鈥淓very year I try to work on a collection for myself to put out something creative. Besides my everyday salon work I like to do things that are a lot more progressive and more edgy鈥� things that people wouldn鈥檛 necessarily wear but it鈥檚 a way to show off my creativity,鈥� he said.

Although he is battling some of the top hair stylists in the world, Abu-Ulba says winning the competition is of small importance compared with the chance to show off his creations to a global audience.

鈥淚 love teaching and I love sharing, and for me it鈥檚 not really about winning. It鈥檚 more about sharing my work and sharing my ideas and sharing my concepts, and this is a gateway to that. Whether I win or not, I鈥檓 just doing what I love and I鈥檓 thankful that I have this opportunity.鈥�