Artistic Director
Sonya Dove
Globally recognized icon, Sonya Dove, is forever pushing new expressions of wonder and beauty. Fueled by her passion for teaching and education, her curiosity continues to inspire her stylist community through the art she creates and her unwavering commitment to developing others to find their own voice within the beauty industry.
Sonya’s effervescent curiosity for learning, and warm, generous teaching style, give her the perfect juxtaposition of mentor/mentee to garner accolades.
Prestigious and varied, Sonya holds numerous North American hairdressing awards. Her highlights include the Leo Passage Award for Education Excellence (Intercoiffure 2018), Favorite Educator (Stylist Choice Awards 2016), Industry Icon Award (Wella CONNECT 2015), Icons of Color Award (Intercoiffure 2014), Industry Ambassador Award (Wella CONNECT 2014), Master Hairstylist of the Year (North American Hairstylist Association 2010), and International Icon of the Year (National Cosmetology Association and Professional Beauty Association).
Partnering with Wella Professionals as their Global Creative Ambassador for over 40 years, Sonya plays an integral role in the brand’s trade presence with color innovation, inspiration and education. As the celebrity colorist to Wella Professionals’ roster of Brand Ambassadors including Sophie Turner (Game of Thrones & X-Men) from 2016-2018, Sonya has found herself in the consumer eye, advocating for the craft and professionalism that exists within her stylist community to the world of social media influencers and bloggers.
Representing Wella Professionals on the Ulta Beauty Pro Team, Sonya collaborates with educators from a range of professional haircare brands creating editorial/competition shoots, as well as education and trend development designed to inspire and educate Ulta Beauty stylists across the country. Her heart has always belonged behind the chair and she continues to offer her client’s salon services as an “Elite Designer” at “The Salon at Ulta Beauty” in Santa Monica, California.
Sonya sources her creativity from nature and people and she actively surrounds herself with creatives of all industries and uses her experiences in life and the industry as inspiration when mentoring or judging hair competitions, backstage at New York Fashion Week, producing photo shoots, film wig work – most visible being “Hunger Games: Catching fire” (2013), and on stage at industry shows & events. Her ability to balance everything with grace has her as a returning member of the “Leading Ladies” panel at trade events, a girl-powered lineup that addresses issues in the beauty industry and how to juggle everyday life in order to live the life you want.
Sonya continues to be a guiding influence in global hair trends and pours her heart into everything she does. Even when she has her audience at the edge of their seats and receiving standing ovations, it is her humble, down-to-earth nature and ability to educate and inspire hairdressers to achieve excellence that is a testament to her continued and iconic success in the beauty industry, now, and years to come.
View Sonya’s work and follow her on social:
Cutting Collective 2024
Even though the salon industry is made up of more than 80 percent women, cutting has been a male-dominated area, as many women often choose to specialize in color. Our first ever All-female Cutting Collective is breaking through that ceiling once and for all. Look for their presentations at our signature events!
Color Collaboration 2024
The Color Collaboration also presents at ICA events, sharing cutting-edge color formulations, techniques and industry trends. They teach us how they enhance salon services, attract more clients and ensure exceptional results through the artistry of hair color.
If you are a member who would like to be considered to participate on a council or educational team, email your request and resume to the ICA office info@intercoiffure.com.
