The Australian Hair Fashion Awards have taken Sydney and the Big Top at Luna Park by storm for 2019, partnering with Dyson to push innovation in the industry even further forward, putting on inspiring and entertaining shows and announcing all the talented winners all in one massive night. Congratulations to all-new Australian Hairdresser of the Year Craig Smith of Fruition, who spoke of his long-term perseverance in the industry to win this honour, as well as the other major winners.
The evening began with a massive show from new partners Dyson, who united a veritable A-Team of hairdressing legends for the hair runway of a lifetime. Glitter, bright pink, braids, weaving and bold, gravity-defying shapes and structures took to the runway, thanks to the master hands of Jayne Wild, Frank Apostolopoulos, Damien Rinaldo, Joey Scandizzo and Renya Xydis. Sam Burrowes and Ludmilla Hlinovky also took to the stage to explain the skill and engineering behind the now iconic Dyson hair tools.
Aside from this display of hair art, the night was kept running smoothly by celebrity MC Kate Peck, and a mid-evening dance party as performed by Sneaky Sound System, which had all attendees out of their seats and starting the after party early. A speech from neurosurgeon Charlie Teo, who is running the Charlie’s Angels initiative with the Australian Hairdressing Council to fight brain cancer, moved the crowd and reminded everyone of the good our energised collective industry can do.
Impressive finalist collections were enlarged on screen and winners took to the stage in categories that ranged from editorial roles, state finalists, emerging talent, product awards, education, multimedia and more. The camera panned to the proud loved ones in the audience as hairdressers walked on stage to hold up their trophy, with plenty of tears and emotion as winners thanked their supporters and salon families. Men’s Hairdresser of the Year Madison Voloshin even had his elated mother on speakerphone while he accepted his award. TONI&GUY proved a major winner, taking titles in NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year, VIC Hairdresser of the Year and Artistic Team of the Year. See the full list of winners below.
It was another night to remember the core pillars of our industry, from the innovation of major sponsor Dyson, to the inspirational work on display on the catwalk and in the many finalist collections on screen, the partying and fun atmosphere that makes the industry so special and the true love and support its members show to each other. The party continued on with dessert and drinks at Crystal Palace, a fitting industry-centric end to a night dedicated to hair, fashion, creativity and community. Until another year in 2020, here’s to us.
Well done to the winners:
Apprentice Hairdresser of the Year:
Jessica Riches, Chumba Concept Salon
Salon of the Year:
Papas and Pace
Excellence in Education:
Dario Cotroneo
Artistic Team of the Year:
TONI&GUY Artistic Team of the Year
Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year:
Bill Tsiknaris, Tskinaris Hair
Creative Colourist of the Year:
Rachel Vitullo, Joey Scandizzo Salon
Men’s Hairdresser of the Year:
Madison Voloshin, A+H Salon
Newcomer of the Year:
Natalia Humphries, Joey Scandizzo Salon
Hair Transformation Video of the Year:
Natalie Anne, Natalie Anne Hair
Best New Professional Haircare Product:
Wells Invigo Recharge Blonde Shampoo And Conditioner
Best New Professional Styling Product Award:
Joico Blonde Life Brilliant Glow Oil
Most Innovative Hair Tool:
Dyson Supersonic Pro Dryer
Hair Fashion Video of the Year:
Dmitri Papas, Papas and Pace
Session Stylist of the Year:
Diane Gorgievski, Koda Cutters
Makeup Artist of the Year:
Shella Martin
Fashion Stylist of the Year:
Melissa Nixon
Hair Shot of the Year:
Uros Mikic, Kinky Curly Straight
FAME Team 2019:
Charlene Fernandez, Rokk Ebony
Christopher Byrne, Sloans of Lane Cove
Laura Spinney, Acadèmie Salon
William Webb, Ella & Jade
Digital Influencer of the Year:
Bixie Colour
WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year:
Jo Banks, Hairart
SA/TAS Hairdresser of the Year:
Megan Panozzo, In Awe Salon
QLD Hairdresser of the Year:
Amanda Joy O’Connor, A.J.O Salon
VIC Hairdresser of the Year:
Jo Smith, TONI&GUY Georges
NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year:
Katy Reeve, TONI&GUY Paddington
Australian Hairdresser of the Year:
Craig Smith, Fruition
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