Titled ‘The Awards’, hair extensions advocate Samantha Harrison of SH Hair Extensions had a vision to create a platform that recognises the dedication and craftmanship in hair extensions as a stand-alone platform, developing the event over a period of 12 months. Taking a leap of faith into the complete unknown, Sam invited hair extensionists from across the country to enter more than ten awards categories with an even bigger event expected next year.
“I’ve always wanted to enter into an awards program but I couldn’t because I’m not a hairdresser, so I put my heart and head to work and celebrated my own way with Australia’s first ever awards gala that recognises the success and wonderful world of extensions. The Awards are my way of giving back to the industry that has given me so much and allowed me to realize my own personal dreams and goals,” Samantha said.
“We are such a huge part of the hairdressing industry but at the same time we are so separate in many ways. Hairdressing awards are everywhere but there hasn’t been anything that truly recognises the artistry skill and incredible talents and business success stories we have in hair extensions. Hair Extensions gave me a livelihood as a single mum. I could never have got through without it.”
Held at the serene and sprawling Sunshine Coast Novotel Twin Waters resort and emcee’d by bubbly radio host Ash Gierke and channel 7 presenter Olivia Degn, the awards brought energy and enthusiasm to the entire proceedings. Welcoming over 170 guests, the evening included entertainment, a DJ, roaming saxophone sounds and larger than life ‘golden globes’ style statues for some much-needed elegance and attitude to the business of hair extensions, and the incredible individuals who make it such a profitable and successful category.
Sam reached out to companies to help realise her vision and sponsor The Awards but many were apprehensive until the first year got off the ground. Sam largely paid for the cost of the illustrious event out of her own pocket, with thanks to many who supported the best they could, including Muk Haircare who donated the haircare for the giftbags. With year one being such a success and ease of entering being key to the program, there is no doubt the 2026 instalment, which is set to go back to the Novotel, will be even bigger.
“It’s a bit of relief for me as I’ve put so much of my own time and money into getting this year’s awards to come to light. I have a similar plan for next year, but will change up the categories and potentially even add some more categories,” Sam shared. “I really want to encourage more people to get involved and continue to do it on the Sunshine Coast, which is my home and also home to such a big hair extensions and wedding hair community. I loved doing it at the Novotel, the venue was great – as soon as you do something like this in a city its three times the price and having it somewhere where everyone can stay on site was helpful too – it’s like a mini holiday for all our artists to get away and celebrate our unity.”
With guests from all over Australia traveling far and wide, the commitment and appreciation in the room was truly palpable. A special thanks also to all the judges, which included Meghan Hayden from Plush Locks Salon, Cheyenne Smith from Haus of Muse, Nadine Johns Alcock from Showpony Group and Krystal Donaldson from Luxe Label Hair.
With a heartfelt speech at the end of the program, Sam spoke of her incredible journey working with second hand equipment she bought off Gumtree from her living room at 17. For the first seven years she didn’t pay herself a wage, super or register for GST. At 19 she became a single mum juggling nap times with clients to make ends meet. This journey all culminated in this event 13 years later.
“Here we are. I started my journey with no formal education, no mentor or no money and now I’m giving back to what gave so much to me,” Sam said. “I didn’t know the difference between revenue and profit, how to market myself or any of the things one must do to run a business, but this hunger is what allowed me to fail forward and try new things and made me fearless. There is so much I love about this industry.”
Sam spoke fondly and emotionally of her journey, not only finding herself throughout her career but reinventing herself so many times as well, now with an incredible team behind her everyday.
“I became an educator, created hats with hair, started business coaching, became a wholesaler and somehow ended up a travel agent taking business owners from all over the world on China manufacturing tours,” Sam said.
For Sam, this event wasn’t about adding another title to her resume, it was about creating something she thought was missing – unity.
“Hair Extensions are a world of individuality and endless customisation. Every client and head of hair is different to the next and somehow we are expected to know it all, and while we love and know what we do – for those who are just starting, who didn’t feel confident to enter tonight or are still finding your feet, I hope this gives you your confidence. You don’t have to be a master of everything on day one. You will make mistakes. Some clients won’t be kind and you’ll probably wonder more than once what you’re doing and that is OK.”
The night was not just about celebrating each other but celebrating ourselves and our own confidence – to fill the space where you can be creative and feel safe to learn. Sam challenges the ideas of who can do hair extensions– adamant about celebrating the skill, dedication and innovation needed – because that is what truly defines an exceptional hair extensions technician, she believes.
“Tonight isn’t just about new talent, it’s about a new movement, a movement that values community over competition and one that encourages you to fail, try, grow and try again and one that pushes us to share knowledge instead of gatekeeping it. To support instead of criticising and silently competing,” she said. “Thanks for being part of this moment and the vision and helping to shape something that’s one of its kind. To the Novotel and the incredible AV partners, Bella Strong, my incredible mentor Bolivia Baron, Velvet Palm Studios and everyone who helped bring my idea to life.
Congratulations to all the winners for taking home the top prizes at the inaugural event!
Flat Track Weft Transformation Of The Year
Karrys Oukaddem from Plush Locks Salon
Invisible Weft Transformation
Rhianna Pisa from Locks and Length
Tape-In Transformation
Ceri Connors from Coastal Blondes
Avant Garde
Felicia Janes from The Hair Plug
Most Innovative
Taleesha Grainger from Plush Locks Salon
Keratin Bond Transformation
Madeleine Beekmans from Gloss Salon
Mesh Integration
Rachael Smith from Rachael Louise Hair Studio
Luxe Label Rising Star
Emily Trinder from Camilles Salon
Samantha Harrison Rising Star
Samantha Kupie from Pearl Rocks Hair Extensions
Plush Locks Rising Star
Hannah Young from Infinity Hair Collection
Haus of Muse Rising Star
Samantha Ivanina from Samantha Nicole Hair Extensions
Client Choice Award
Jessica Schembri from Jessica Marie Hair Extensions.
Reel of the Year
Nicole McDonnell from Sorelle Of Hair
Transformation of the Year
Aleksandra Rybakova from The Russian Doll Team
For more information visit www.samanthaharrison.com.au