"Shear Genius" Keeps the Cuts Coming

Bravo's wonderfully unusual hit, "Shear Genius," continued last night. Joining the crew this week was world-renowned hair stylist Campbell McAuley filling in as guest judge.

For the short-cut challenge, the competitors were asked to create interesting and structurally complicated hairstyles. The catch? Their models had excessive long hair that ranged anywhere from 28" to 63" in length. The stylists were required to use at least one of the hair accessories provided and were told they were not allowed to cut a single hair on their client's head.

The crew mumbled and grumbled through the challenge. Some seemed to know exactly where they were going with the style while others were more than a bit lost.

Most opted for an updo because that allowed them to use part of the hair as the base for the remaining structure. However, a couple of them opted for a style that was half and half; half up and half down.

In the end, stylists Nekesia and Nicole were named the bottom two. Both failed to execute a style that meant the judges' qualifications. More than that, however, neither style was really "wearable." Nekesia's proved to be a hair worse than Nicole's and she was named the bottom competitor.

The top three contestants included Matthew and Charlie. Judge Campbell McAuley said that Matt's hair "made a real statement." He thought that Charlie's style provided "wonderful texture."

Ultimately, Matt was declared the winner. His win gave him an advantage for the elimination challenge in that he would be allowed first pick of clients.

For the elimination challenge, the stylists were told they would be doing "red carpet ready" hair. But rather than actual clients to choose from, the stylists were presented with a rack of red carpet gowns.

They had to choose among the dresses. The girl wearing that gown would then become their client. Matt made his choice and then picked the other contestants in his decided upon order until all of the gowns had been given out.