Meet the 2022 AHIA Creative Winners

Now in its 2nd year the Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA) Creative celebrate the very best creative talent in the industry. To be recognised for this prestigious award, hairdressers, colourists and teams put together a collection of hair photographs, before their work is blind judged to select the finalists and subsequent winners in each category.

The stakes are high and the talent on display is immense, so only the very finest hairdressing collections that demonstrate well-thought-out concepts, imagination, flair, technical skill, perfect execution, suitability and beautiful photography can be chosen as the award winner. Here we celebrate the stunning and inspiring 2022 AHIA Creative winners.

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR Dee Parker Attwood - Wieselmann Salon

Dee is one of our most accomplished hairdressers globally, having taken out numerous awards and accolades against her peers around the world. As co-owner and Artistic Director of Wieselmann salon in Melbourne, her career spans over 20 years including being international ambassador for Schwarzkopf Professional and 2019 Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year and Best International Avant-Garde Collection at the International Hairdressing Awards 2020. She is also one of the leading visionaries of the local industry having been named president of the Hairdressing and Beauty Industry Association where she uses her passion and love for her craft to help to educate and share with the community. But, it’s her skill in the salon where she truly shines, creating some of the most incredible colours, cuts and styles Australia has ever seen.

NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR Danny Pato - D&M Hair Design

Co-Founder and Creative Director of D&M Hair Design, Danny Pato grew up in Greece with five sisters, the very women who sparked his passion for hairdressing. That passion has taken him all over the world and seen him recognised as one of the most awarded hairdressers in the industry. Indeed, the D&M team are proud to have been consistently recognised as the top salon team in the country since first opening more than 15 years ago. The combination of unique cultures, specialty skill sets and creative passions is what defines them, alongside their comprehensive in-house training program focused on international trends and techniques. Today, Danny works full-time on the salon floor, and juggles training his team, doing fashion editorials, writing industry commentary and adding to his trophies for Hair Expo NZ Hairdresser of the Year 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, AIPP International Trophy 2020 and top-three finalist for International Hairdresser of the Year 2020.

AHIA International Hairdresser Of The Year - Errol Douglas MBE.

With over four decades in the hair industry and a lifelong ambition to represent the craft, both in the UK and around the world, Errol is the current title holder of IHA International Hairdresser of the Year, Fellowship Hairdresser of the Year and Belgravia Local Hero. He also holds the prestigious title of Patron of Honour for the Fellowship of Hairdressing – one of only four others ever to have been chosen to receive it. Whether on stage or behind the scenes at a shoot, educating or as an ambassador, his passion and dedication is showcasing the best of British hairdressing. Hailed as a centre of technical excellence and accredited as one of only 12 Leading Salons of the World in the UK, his salon is a destination for international and UK based hair clients, celebrating their 23rd year in business in 2022. Errol is the ultimate artisan within the hairdressing industry and renowned for his photographic, session and event work.

Award collected by Lee Cohen

NSW/ACT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR Nathan Yazbek - Salon Yazbek

Nathan created the stunning Salon Yazbek salon in Neutral Bay over 10 years ago and not only does he create beautiful hair, provide excellent customer service and a fantastic experience, he also leads the industry in the benefits of an eco-luxe approach to business. With an estimated 6 out of 10 Australians now looking for environmentally preferable products the need for this is only increasing, particularly among North Shore clientele. Working alongside Aveda as a brand Ambassador he is inspiring other salons to make the switch whilst providing clients with professional results whilst helping the environment and having a positive impact on sustainability. Winners of the 2012 Australian Small Business Champion Awards – Most Outstanding New Business, they also have several industry accolades under their belts.

WA/NT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR Stephanie Bellairs - Cabello by Stephanie Bellairs

Stephanie is a self-made and successful Salon Owner and Creative Director who has been in the hair industry for 27 years, establishing her popular salon over 19 years ago. Cabello by Stephanie Bellairs is now a sought after hair destination, a busy and successful salon and one of the longest running independent salons in the state. Stephanie and the team specialise in on-trend, lived-in colours, customized cuts and professional hair extensions, all delivered with their trademark exemplary customer service. Indeed, her stellar reputation led to one of the most exciting developments of her career, with the creation of the critically acclaimed Cabello Education-an independent education platform unlike anything else offered in WA.

QLD HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR Bill Tsiknaris - Tsiknaris Hair

Bill created Tsiknaris Hair back in 1994 and has since become a household name in Brisbane fashion and hairdressing circles, regularly spotted backstage at fashion shows, campaign and editorial shoots and working with VIP’s. He has an impressive list of accolades including 2020 and 2019 AHFA Avant Garde Hairdresser Of The Year and has also recently been appointed elite professional hair brand Alfaparf Milano’s Global Ambassador for Australia- testament to his global reputation.

SA/TAS HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR Lisa Robertson - Pipsqueek in Saigon

Lisa is one of the most exciting names in the industry and has been steadily growing her profile before taking out this huge award. The Pipsqueek in Saigon brand was established in 2005 and is currently a small team of highly trained and well skilled hair stylists and colourists across two salons. Incredible colour work, precision cuts and showstopping styles are all their trademarks and Lisa wows with all of these.

VIC HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR Bernadette Beswick - Beswick Education Services

Based in Mt Martha, Bernadette is a truly unique hairdresser given her 35 years experience and dual roles as Salon Owner and Stylist at Bezaboo Hairdressing as well as leading industry educator through Beswick Education. Bezaboo Hairdressing is a boutique salon which focuses on delivering her skills as a cutting expert, color specialist and styling maestro all while putting her education principles to work. Her renowned education offering Beswick Education is an esteemed organization which offers a mix of online and face to face training courses as well as free resources aimed at keeping this industry thriving in good times and bad, teaching everyone from apprentices to experienced hairdressers. Her skills have most likely transformed your last great trip to the hairdresser, such is her phenomenal reach!

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Ella Stewart - Stevie English Hair

Ella has been mentored closely by the man himself, Stevie English, as she embarks on her apprentice journey. She has already achieved so much in such a short amount of time and has styled hair on multiple photo and video shoots for Australian musical acts such as Muki and Merci, Mercy. She also has a broad styling repertoire of weddings, awards ceremonies and black ie events including live music shows for Abbey May March and David Potter of Stand Atlantic. Soaking up everything she can in the busy and successful Stevie English Hair salon she has discovered that hairdressing is her true passion and it is her mission to be creative and make others happy every day at work.

MASTER CUTTER OF THE YEAR Shae Tsiknaris - Tsiknaris Hair

Director Stylist Shae has been in the industry for over 20 years and is known for her expertise with both cutting and straightening, with precision unlike any other stylist! Alongside Bill Tsiknaris, qld Hairdresser of the Year, this dynamic duo are further putting Tskinaris Hair on everybody’s lips. With Shae’s wealth of experience she can advise what is best for your face shape and hair texture.

INDEPENDENT STYLIST OF THE YEAR Carolyn Gahan - Carolyn Gahan for 'Joico'

Whether you’re lusting after dreamy pastels or searching for the ultimate celebrity blonde with the expertly-crafted cut to match, Carolyn Gahan is one seriously amazing stylist who has the skills to get you there. Starting her career in Ontario, Canada, Carolyn has travelled the world honing her craft, moving to call Australia home in 2011, she has been locally recognised as a force to be reckoned with. Carolyn loves traditional hair cutting and colouring but is also hugely passionate about her editorial and competition work.

AVANT GARDE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR Chung-Yang Su - Su-Atelier

Chung-Yang’s work is truly inspirational and unique, with his Avant Garde collection for this award needing to be seen to the believed. As an independent hairdresser he has only recently opened his own space, with Su-atelier opening in February 2021. This beautiful studio was a courageous leap into the unknown for this up and coming industry talent.

NEW CREATIVE TALENT OF THE YEAR Elle Coco - Jack Horton Hair

Hairdressing was truly in Elle’s blood with her mother a hairdresser, Salon Owner and her mentor, however it took her some time to decide on this path. Growing up in a small town in regional QLD, her priority, apart from creating amazing hair that people love, is to create a safe environment that is wholehearted and inclusive to people of all walks of life, inadvertently resulting in a notable percentage of new and repeat business coming to her as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Growing up as a social minority, this fills her with gratitude and enforces the power of connection through her craft. Ensconced at the acclaimed Jack Horton Hair since the start of 2021, she has very quickly made her mark.

COLOUR EXPERT OF THE YEAR Stevie English - Stevie English Hair

Stevie needs little introduction to those who appreciate the power of a great cut, colour and style and has been manning his Glebe salon, Stevie English Hair, since 2007 alongside his talented team. Dedicated to driving green innovation, they were the first salon in the world to use the acclaimed evo hue.verse colour. This unique and proudly Australian product is ammonia-free and was used to create the stunning collection of images that led him to take out this award. Now the Global Colour Creative Director for evo, he inspires those both in the salon as well as the global community as an exciting and engaging national and international educator. He also showed the amazing support and comradery that he is famous for by also taking out AHIA Best Collab of the Year 2022 for the second year running, this time with Bernadette Beswick as well as celebrating one of his team- Ella Stewart who was named AHIA Apprentice of the Year 2022.

MEN'S HAIR SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR France Khamees - By France

Since opening his own shop in October 2021, France has had a huge impact. BY FRANCE. is a bespoke men’s hair studio set within an exquisite heritage building designed with the discerning male in mind. Personalised lighting, in-built Sonos sound system, luxurious leather chairs and the scent of Le Labo Santal 26, this is not your average barber shop. Having dedicated 16 years to his craft, France has worked alongside countless talented hairdressers and barbers and at many high-end hair salons, learning from the best in the industry and combining his knowledge in this new location. Referred to by his loyal clientele as the "King of King Street" it’s not only a nod to his shop’s enviable location but also to his skills and standing in the hair industry. He has an unwavering dedication to quality and high standard of service which is evident in every consultation.

CREATIVE TEAM OF THE YEAR Jack Horton Hair

Multi-award winning and certified Wella Master Colourist, Jack Horton opened his boutique style salon located in Brisbane inner-city suburb of Albion in June 2014, but 12 months later he relocated to a much larger space in RED HILL catering to the ongoing growth and recognition as one Brisbane's up and coming colour experts. Jack Horton Hair is now an intimate salon located in Red Hill which specialises in personalised haircutting, and creative colouring - along with a sincere approach to every individual’s hair service. Renowned for their creative nuance, the team have a stellar reputation within the industry and this award only seeks to further their standing within the hair community.

BEST COLAB OF THE YEAR Stevie and Bernie (Stevie English and Bernadette Beswick)

Stevie and Bernie have collaborated on different projects for the past 3 years and are the original odd couple. Stevie the head of colour for an international brand and Bernie, educating young hairdressers all over Australia who started collaborating as Bernie wanted her dolls heads coloured for her classes. Stevie and Bernie have completely different skill sets so there is never any competition, just pure collaboration. The common purpose is to achieve the best result for both parties - there is no supernova star in their galaxy, they are more of a constellation!

PEOPLES CHOICE PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION OF THE YEAR Paul James Graham – Paul and Paul Salon

Voted online and at hair Festival for the favourite collection was for the 2nd year running Paul James Graham for his Avant Garde collection, Le bijou de Julie. His collection is inspired by a story from his mothers youth about acceptance, love and friendship. Aspiring to create a modern take on the elegant French Provincial style with a soft innocent vibe, his missions was to think 'high fashion pretty' over the usual 'too cool chic'. Motion, sound, texture and smell are all emotive qualities that make up the fabric of this collection with Paul succeeding in conveying a sense of wonder.