Shear Genius Really is Sheer Genius

Bravo may have, once again, struck gold with a new reality show. The newest one, called "Shear Genius" pits twelve hair stylists against one another in challenges established by some of the most famous names in the beauty business. Hostess Jaclyn Smith adds a little pizzazz and class to a show that might otherwise seem a cut below the rest. Oddly enough, however, it really is not.

Judges include Smith, renowned hair stylist Sally Hershberger, Michael Carl - - fashion director for Allure magazine - - stylist Rene Fris, and guest judges that change from week to week.

Smith is, of course, a well known and award-winning television actress and designer of a clothing line under her own name which sales at K-Mart. She has always been known for her perfectly coifed locks which are as much a part of her look as her fashion style and beautiful face.

Hershberger is a popular Hollywood and New York hair stylist, known for her famous "Meg" Shag; named after actress Meg Ryan. Hershberger is a favorite with stars and movie directors alike in Tinsel Town. But she is equally sought after by fashion designers and photographers all over the world. Her list of celebrity clientele includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Sandra Bullock, Nicole Kidman, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Faith Hill, Jon Bon Jovi and many more.

Michael Carl oversees the fashion pages of Allure magazine. He is intent on breaking down the latest trends in order to make it easy for women to incorporate the trends that work for them. Hair is, of course, an essential component in any overall fashion look.

Fris works both in television and film. He has a world-renowned reputation, which began in his home country of Denmark and moved to New York in 1999 when the stylist set up shop here. He has written two books; one with his and her grooming tips and another on a whole body treatment.

The premier year of "Shear Genius" has an eclectic group of stylists. Here they are:

Anthony, 40, comes from Londoner Salon and Day Spa in Manhattan Beach, California. His signature style is "beautiful, healthy, shiny hair." His mentor is Vidal Sassoon.

Ben, 32, works with private clientele in Chicago, Illinois. His signature style is "the disconnected bob and the sex kitten. His mentor is Armando Vasquez.

Daisy, 32, comes from Om Beauty Company - - an Aveda Concept Salon - - in Miami, Florida. Her signature style is the long, layered cut. Her mentors are Elizabeth Galvis, Horst Rechelbacher, and Vidal Sassoon.

Dana, 37, from Allen Edwards Salon and Spa in Brentwood, California. His signature style is "giving each client a signature style and creative color that is unique to them." Her mentor is her mother.

Dr. Boogie, 33, from the Hair Studio Salon in North Hollywood. He says his signature style includes "natural flowing beautiful hair along with classic Hollywood Styles." He says his mentors are "Martha Stewart, Russell Simmons, Paul Mitchell, and Sebastian.

Evangelin, 22, comes from Renaissance Salon and Spa in Cockeysville, Maryland. Her signature style is "doing what's best for each client." Her mentors are her mother and her boss.

Jim, 49, hails from a freelance based salon in New York. His signature style is "textured cutting and styling of hair." His mentors include Bonnie Anthon and Garren.

Lacey, 22, comes from the Vidal Sassoon Salon in Miami, Florida. She says that "everyone deserves their own signature style." Her mentor is Melvyn Angier.

Paul Jean, 29, from Paul Jean's Salon in West Hollywood. His signature style is "shaggy looks that look like natural perfection." His mentor is his mother.

Tabitha, 30, comes from Industrie Hair Gurus in Ridgewood, New Jersey. She says "each individual inspires her to create a look for them." Her mentor is Vidal Sassoon.

Theodore, 22, owns his own salon, Theodore Leaf in Los Angeles, California. His signature style is "big, amazing, movable long hair." His mentor is Ron Pernell.

Tyson, 31, comes from Fauntelle in Salt Lake City, Utah. His signature style is "sexy, flowing layers, with an artistically detailed fringe." His mentors are: James Morrison, Antony Marcolo, and Phillip Wilson.

In the premier episode of the show, the stylists were required to perform two challenges. In the first - - called the shortcut challenge - - they were asked to cut a mannequin's hair in their signature style. In the elimination challenge they were tasked to create "hair art" using items that they picked out from Michael's Arts & Crafts.

Based on the ranking of the short cut challenge (from one to twelve), the stylists were allowed to choose their models. While some stylists chose to go over the top using everything from feathers and flowers to butterflies and feather boas, the winner remained unique. Theodore created a treasure hairstyle, complete with treasure chest that popped open to expose sparkly goodies inside.

The loser Paul Jean created a hairstyle that the judges felt was indeterminate. They reported that they could not tell where he was going with the design. It was his "final cut."

In episode two, the stylists were tasked with turning their black haired mannequins into blond haired beauties in just two hours. While the two professional colorists took the challenge less seriously, thinking that their expertise would allow them to slide by, the other stylists stuck to task for the right to the model of their choice.

The elimination challenge forced the stylists to try to make their models look like the celebrity of their dreams. Unfortunately, some of the requests simply weren't doable. This time around, Antony walked off with the top prize which included a photo of his model in an Allure magazine Nexus ad.

Jim, who failed to capture the color as well as the essence of his model's chosen celebrity, was eliminated.

In episode three, the stylists had to recreate Sally Hershberger's famous shag cut as part of the shortcut challenge. The winner was, as usual, allowed to have first model choice. He was also allowed to decide how his competitors would choose. The loser - - Lacey - - was sent home in a surprise elimination.

To add extra fun to the elimination challenge, the stylists had to choose from a variety of household utensils - - from box cutters to hedge clippers - - with which to cut their model's hair. Evangelin, who chose to use the hedge clippers, proved that talent could overcome negative odds. She walked away with the top prize.

Unfortunately, for the loser, Theodore, it was his "final cut."

This show is oddly intriguing. It proves a point that most woman have contended for many years. Hair stylists with talent can work with anything and those without, can't work with the best tools, or models, in the world.