Hair Expo 2019 returned to the International Convention Centre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour in 2019, offering three packed days of events, education, product displays, demonstrations, entertainment and networking opportunities. It was practically a year’s worth of hair industry overload packed into one long weekend.
“Wow, what an incredible three days it’s been at Hair Expo! We’ve brought some of the world’s leading talent in hairdressing to Sydney this year to share the skills and techniques that have made them real superstars in the industry, and it’s amazing to see visitors so enthusiastic to learn from them and discover all the latest innovations the industry has to offer. The feedback we’ve had has been amazing and it’s so gratifying to see our visitors feeling inspired and driven for the year ahead,” said Hair Expo’s Event Director, Cory Watson.
The inspiration started on the floor itself, as a myriad of longstanding and newly attending brands showed off their products, with over 200 brands exhibiting in total. The Piiq mirror turned attendees’ hair different colours in front of their eyes, Excellent Edges decorated with a chandelier made of blades, Haircare Australia’s stand distributed evo colour like ice cream and so many more brands showed off new launches in bold and dynamic ways. Dyson wowed the crowd with their tools and legendary ambassadors in equal measure, while Rogue beauty, De Lorenzo, ANTI, Paul Mitchell, Comfortel, O&M, Wahl and Andis were just some of the many floor highlights. The stands ranged from software and new technology, to styling tools, wet products, hair extensions and salon furniture, everything your salon needs to succeed. INSTYLE was also there by the entrance, offering subscriptions and information on the new Real Talk event, while connecting with the industry at its epicentre.
Also on the floor were new and established features to make the event really feel like a festival. The new Advice Hub provided business expertise into topics of tax, salon insurance, accounting, HR and more to answer every important question, while the Festival Hangout was the perfect place to have a snack and catch up with fellow attendees. Live competitions on the floor made for a floor focal point, while the awards gallery with all the finalists’ work on display was your go-to editorial inspirational fix.
In the education rooms, the limitless industry possibilities continued, with major brands and industry figures teaching their skills. Big international names included hairdresser to the stars (for example, the Kardashians) Jen Atkin, who gave an inimitable masterclass that had attendees queuing to meet her in person, while TV hair queen Tabatha Coffey gave personalised business classes throughout the weekend. Candy Shaw, AKA the Balay Lama, was also in attendance to inspire and educate on the floor and in the classroom with her expert colour tips, showcasing both technical mastery and easy to use hacks, and Paul Mitchell’s Robert Cromeans proved a feature on whatever he stage he stood on.
The other education covered every facet of hair knowledge. Hair legend Sharon Blain taught long hair styling, Educator of the Year for 2019 (once again) Jules Tognini educated in men’s hair, expert educator Dario Cotroneo delivered a hero class and Lorna Evans taught bridal hair from every angle, while brands such as Pulp Riot, WAHL and Franck Provost showcased their expertise in hairdressing’s various facets. Men’s hair continued to be pivotal, with important figures such as Uros Mikic leading the way, and business education focused on topics such as social media, business profit and consultation. EDVOS wrapped it all up with the final session, teaching important lessons that hairdressers can use to recognise, respond to and refer when faced with family violence being experienced by their clients and colleagues.
On stage, this education continued in enthralling, bite sized fashion across the Main Stage, Men’s Stage and Hot Tools sponsored Styling Stage. Major names on these stages included Guy Tang, Robert Cromeans and Angus Mitchell, Kings Domain, Nick Irwin, Kobi Bokshish and so many others in these constant, parallel shows across the weekend. All seats were filled and crowds piled up at every stage to catch a glimpse of the action.
Off site many brands made good use of this community weekend. During the day, Keune and Kao (Goldwell and KMS) provided specialised events that meant hairdressers were Ubering all over Sydney for their education fix. At night, De Lorenzo, Keune, Haircare Australia, ANTI, Timely Salon and Spa Software and the Australian Hairdressing Council booked out rooms (and in Haircare Australia’s case, a boat) across the city to party like only hairdressers know how.
Hair Expo was up late throwing parties of its own, first with GenNext on Sunday and finishing the weekend with the Hair Expo Awards Gala. At GenNext, up and coming hairdressers put on eight enthralling shows centred mostly on themes of gender fluidity, sustainability and true hair art, before Robert Cromeans and Angus Mitchell finished the night with clippers, fans and gravity defying hairspray to have audiences mesmerised. The awards paid tribute to the industry we all love, involving hairdressers in every part of the process and honouring dozens of award winners for their business savvy, creative talent and extreme drive. Check out the full list of talented award winners here.
It was, as always, an annual highlight, with something for every hairdresser who wanted to elevate their career, purchase the latest innovation or simply sip champagne with their salon family. Hair Expo always provides for this in every way, re-energising the industry to continue to grow, flourish, connect and redefine what makes the community so special.
Keep an eye on Styleicons for more education, event and collection information from Hair Expo 2019.
For more information visit www.hairexpoaustralia.com
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