It is with profound sadness that the professional beauty industry mourns the passing of Dana Lyseng, a highly respected stylist, salon owner, educator, mentor, and award-winning colourist from North Vancouver, British Columbia. Dana passed away following a years-long and courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that she faced with remarkable strength, resilience, and grace.
Dana Lyseng’s passing marks a tremendous loss not only for her family and close friends but also for the countless colleagues, students, clients, and industry professionals whose lives she influenced throughout a remarkable career spanning more than 25 years. Widely admired for both her creative talent and compassionate spirit, Dana built a legacy that extended far beyond hairstyling — she inspired generations of beauty professionals through mentorship, education, artistry, and leadership.
Based in North Vancouver, Dana dedicated her life to the professional beauty industry and became recognized across Canada as one of the field’s most accomplished and respected artists. Her journey began as an apprentice at Beverly Ball Hair Design, where her passion for creativity and commitment to excellence quickly became evident. Determined to refine her craft at the highest level, Dana attended the prestigious Vidal Sassoon Academy in Los Angeles, further developing the precision and artistry that would define her career.
In 1995, Dana joined the education team for Goldwell Canada, where she served as a brand educator for a decade. During those years, she earned admiration for her ability to teach, inspire, and elevate other stylists through education and mentorship. Colleagues remember Dana not only as an exceptional artist but also as someone who generously shared her knowledge and encouraged others to pursue greatness in their careers.
For the past 18 years, Dana worked as a Wella Top Stylist, continuing to establish herself as one of Canada’s premier colour experts. Throughout her distinguished career, she received numerous honours and accolades recognizing both her artistic excellence and innovative contributions to the beauty industry. Among her many achievements were four Contessa Awards, including her most recent recognition for Collaboration of the Year at the 2026 Contessa Awards.
Dana’s influence extended deeply through her work at Supernova Salon, where she served not only as a salon owner but also as a mentor and guiding force for her team. Those who worked alongside her describe her as passionate, visionary, supportive, and endlessly dedicated to helping others succeed. Her salon became more than just a workplace — it was a creative community built on encouragement, artistry, and professionalism, all reflecting Dana’s leadership and values.
Even while battling glioblastoma, Dana continued to inspire those around her through courage, determination, and positivity. Friends and colleagues have spoken about the strength she displayed throughout her illness, facing unimaginable challenges with dignity and an unwavering love for her family, work, and community.
Tributes from across the beauty industry continue to pour in as fellow stylists, educators, salon owners, and clients honor Dana’s memory and celebrate the extraordinary impact she made during her lifetime. Many have shared stories about her kindness, infectious energy, creative brilliance, and unwavering support for others both personally and professionally.
Beyond her accomplishments in the beauty world, Dana was deeply loved by her family. She leaves behind her husband, Michael, and children, Cora and Sjor, who were at the center of her life and greatest source of pride and love. Friends say Dana spoke often about her family and balanced her professional success with deep devotion to those closest to her.
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions and lasting legacy, organizers of the 38th annual Contessa Awards announced they will pay special tribute to Dana Lyseng during the upcoming event. The tribute is expected to celebrate not only her award-winning artistry but also the lasting influence she had on the Canadian beauty industry and the many lives she touched.
Dana Lyseng’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void within the beauty community, but her legacy will continue through the countless stylists she mentored, the creative work she produced, and the inspiration she gave to others throughout her life.
Though she has passed, Dana’s impact, artistry, and spirit will never be forgotten. She will be remembered as a pioneer in her field, a compassionate mentor, a devoted wife and mother, and a beautiful soul whose strength and creativity changed lives.
May Dana Lyseng rest in peace, and may her family, friends, colleagues, and the entire beauty industry find comfort in the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.
