The 2022 Australian Modern Barber Awards (AMBAs), the platform’s sophomore outing, announced their winners at Melbourne’s Plaza Ballroom on November 6, honouring the industry’s pioneers in the barber space, from individual talent, to barbershop owners, products and educators.
The platform was launched by Mocha Group in 2021 to highlight the very best in this ever-growing market, adding to the Australian Hair Industry Awards and Australian Beauty Industry Awards also run by this awards group.
After COVID moved the inaugural event online last year, this was the first time the industry was able to congregate in person to celebrate the awards. The event was MCed by community legend and award-winning educator Jules Tognini, alongside co-host Kellie Woodhead, Mocha Group Art Director, and included a gala-style meal and dynamic hair fashion show directed by Adam Williams. The show featured a special guest performance by Clara Fable, as well as a dance party DJ set, while the afterparty took place at Lumia Bar, Melbourne Casino.
The awards were announced in 14 categories focusing on varied aspects of the barber industry, and judged by an independent panel including media, PR and business specialists, international barbering icons and specialists in the barbering industry. The event was sponsored by Le Barberie, Wahl Professional, BaByliss PRO, American Crew, STMNT, Depot Male Tools, American Barber, Shortcuts, Excellent Edges, Mr Muk, Andis and Barbershop Magazine.
A huge congratulations to the barbers, businesses, educators and product leaders who won in their categories, listed below.
Care, Style and Beard Product Awards: Sponsored by Barbershop Magazine
Men’s Hair Care Product of the Year
Vitaman – Volumising Shampoo & Conditioner
Men’s Hair Style Product of the Year
Mr Muk – Gritty Paste
Beard Care Product of the Year
Pure – Walnut Scrub
Best Men’s Collection – Junior: Sponsored by Depot The Male Tools & Co.
Raiden Stone – Barber Boys & Co Newton
Best Men’s Collection – Freestyle: Sponsored by STMNT
Clint Wallace – Barber by Design
Best Business Director/Owner of the Year: Sponsored by American Barber
Anna De Sanctis – Barber Boys/Barbery the Craft of a Barber Academy
Best Customer Care: Sponsored by Shortcuts
Grand Royal Barbers
Best Men’s Collection – Classic: Sponsored by Babyliss Pro
Stacy Fernandes – The Barber Academy & Beards, Blondes and Blush
Best Men’s Educator of the Year: Sponsored by Excellent Edges
Barbery the Craft of a Barber Academy
AMBA Special Recognition Award: Sponsored by Andis
Collette Saunders
Best Barbershop Design: Sponsored by mr muk
Jimmy Rod’s, Paddington
Best Team Collection: Sponsored by American Crew
Unoit Barber Team
International Modern Barber of the Year: Sponsored by Mocha Group
Christian Wiles, UK
AMBA Hall of Fame: Sponsored by Mocha Group
Lino D’Adderio – Luigi and Sons
Australian Modern Barber Business of the Year: Sponsored by Wahl Professional
New York Barbers
Australian Modern Barber of the Year: Sponsored By The Barbiere Company
Costa Zacharia – Unoit Barber
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