The Hair Festival 2025 Competitions are almost here, taking place at The ICC, Sydney, on the morning of Monday, June 30!
Nine categories across men’s hair, women’s hair, colour, bridal, street style, blow dry and beyond will decide the ultimate Hair Festival Champions in women’s, men’s and emerging talent. Nine category winners take home cash prizes, thanks to O&M, as well as trophies and editorial coverage, while there’s product prizes for every single entrant!
The Hair Festival Competitions are a great opportunity to experience the thrill of live competition, push yourself out of your comfort zone, build your skills and show them off. Here are five reasons to enter – as told by some of last year’s talented winners.
Show Off Your Skills
“The Hair Festival competitions provide a platform to demonstrate unique skills and vision. I feel this is an amazing space for hairdressers and apprentices to build their confidence with on stage performance but also to get creative and showcase their work. Winning or even participating can enhance your reputation and elevate your career,” shared 2024 Hair Festival Barber Champion Harrison Sansom.
“It is really so great to get you and your work out there in front of your peers,” added Hair Festival 2024 Stylist Champion Aimee Egan. “I was so inspired by all the amazing work and amazing hairdressers showcasing what they had to offer, regardless of the trophies. Winning the awards are an absolute bonus. You won’t regret putting yourself out there!”
Build Your Skills
“Live competitions really push me to grow as a stylist. I love the challenge of thinking on my feet and striving to refine my technique under pressure and scrutiny. Equally, I value the opportunity to connect with other talented stylists, there’s such a supportive community vibe, and I always leave inspired,” said 2024 Bridal winner Pearlin McCarthy.
“I would definitely say to practice a lot and be flexible in what you are doing and your design process, to change part of your design on the fly if needed. There will always come a time where you need to change what you are doing as it just isn’t working how you’d like,” advised Editorial Glam Slam winner Rose Thorogood.
Be Part of An Electric Atmosphere
“I love the energy of the live competitions. The music and atmosphere made the experience so exciting to be a part of,” shared Rising Star Blow Dry winner Paige Casanovas. “Hairdressers should enter the 2025 competitions because it’s an incredible experience. You cannot replicate the energy from that type of environment. It’s an experience I won’t ever forget. It truly pushes your creativity and builds your confidence. Whether you’re qualified or starting your apprenticeship, you won’t regret it. I cannot wait to compete again this year.”
Be Creative
“I love that it allows the individual artist to be creative and showcase their work in front of lots of other hairdressers in the industry,” Harrison said. “I also really appreciate that it is the raw haircut or colour with no editing capabilities and showcases the actual live image.”
Push Yourself Out of Your Comfort Zone
“I think the pressure is great for anyone looking to grow in their career and put themselves out of their comfort zone,” Aimee said. “I entered last year as I really felt like I needed to get back out there and it’s really given me the confidence to be more present in the industry and keep striving towards my goals.”
Are you the next Hair Festival Champion? Enter now and find out!
For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au/compete/
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