Meet the Winners

Created by Mocha Group, the AHIA’s were launched due to national demand for a platform to highlight business achievement and recognise excellence, providing an exciting snapshot of the impressive quality of the industry. Learn more about the Winners as we congratulate them all in this special AHIA Winners coverage.

Australian Salon Business Of The YearSponsored By Mocha Group Circles of Hair

State Salon Business of the Year WA/NT Sponsored By DeLorenzo Circles of Hair

Business Director/Owner of the Year Sponsored by Kitomba Sharlene Lee, Circles of Hair.

Whilst clients of the Fitzgerald Street and Subiaco locations are well aware of their legendary status, the industry is also left with no doubt that the best hairdressers are based right here in Perth.

These are far from the first national awards for the team, having previously been named, AHIA Australian Salon of the Year 2020 plus Hair Expo Salon Business of the Year 2019 and 2018. The Circles team are also renowned for their work with celebrities including hometown Perth actress

Katherine Langford, providing her with a showstopping copper makeover that made headlines around the globe including within Elle, Girlfriend, In Style, MTV, Teen Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and W Magazine. The go-to salon for Perth’s social set for special events and festivals,

they also work with local influencers including @graciepiscopo, @madalingiorgetta, @emdavies__ and @rahneebransby. With a team of 51, Sharlene Lee, owner/director leads by example still working on the floor as well as managing operations.

In 28 years of business, she has nurtured and developed countless hairdressers and so many remain part of the family from Apprentice and beyond.

Staff can generate 6 figure salaries, her diversification with products, loyalty clubs and more have to be seen to be believed and with an ideology to empower from within, this powerhouse businesswoman is a credit to the industry.

VIDAL SASSOON HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Mocha Group

Helen Owens.

Helen’s impact on the Brisbane community cannot be overemphasised such has been her commitment to helping those less fortunate.

Philanthropy for this amazing individual started young when she used to be a part of the doorknocking team for the Red Cross and various animal charities and in the past 19 years of running her incredibly successful business she has raised over $250,000 by way of donations, gifts and fundraising for charities, not to mention the many hours of time she and her beloved staff, friends, family and colleagues put into the running of major charity balls, community events, blanket drives, fashion parades, dress up days, reduced service offerings and local community-based events.

In 2022, she launched the Phoenix Project during the seemingly continuous adversity of fires, floods, pandemics, heartbreaks and hardships for regular people caring for those grieving the loss of family, home, income and safety.

Her salons have completed 4 Charity Bridge to Brisbane walks, multiple 24-hour haircut charity events, support Share the Dignity, the ponytail project and Shave For A Cure. Most recently she has been a major supporter of RizeUp Australia Domestic and Family Violence Charity, a national organisation whose mission is to drive awareness of domestic and family violence within society by generating life-changing, practical support for the families affected, giving them the hope, empowerment and ability to move on to a life free from violence.

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

Sponsored By L’Oréal Professionnel Jenny Burns.

Jenny has played an instrumental role in marketing and promoting so many people in the hair industry through both the business and creative arenas. Coming from a PR background, in the 1990’s she set up her own Boutique PR, events and marketing agency specialising in lifestyle areas such as hair, beauty, fashion, food, tourism, sport and recreation. In 2002, she moved across to publishing using her skills as a wordsmith taking up a position with Culture magazine showcasing talent, trends, people and industry news for Australian hairdressing, eventually becoming Editor in Chief. Following this tenure, she went back to freelance professional writing, public relations, social media management, award submissions, copywriting and creative communications. In her current role as Marketing and Public Relations Manager for the Australian Hairdressing Council and Head Hunter Recruitment Australia, she literally lives and breathes the industry and is known for her infectious laugh, smile and general kindness towards anyone she can help along the way.

State Salon Business of the Year NSW/ACT Sponsored By Alfaparf Milano Professional

Sloans.

Created by hair industry icon Scott Sloan, the Sloans group has been dedicated to delivering a little modest glamour in a relaxed and sociable space for over 21 years in Lane Cove and 7 years in North Sydney, alongside Co-Director Jordan Hone.

With 27 dedicated professionals across the north shore, the vibrant and eclectic team channel a fashion forward vibe onto the salon floor yet remain approachable and relatable for their diverse local clientele.

Renowned throughout the industry, Sloans have been awarded countless accolades including AHFA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year 2021, AHFA Creative Team of the Year 2021 and AHIA Australian Salon of the Year 2019.

Scott is also currently hard at work creating looks at London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks for the likes of Fendi, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Valentino, Miu Miu and The Row.

State Salon Business of the Year QLD Sponsored By Wella Professionals

Rokstar.

Multi-award-winning salon Rokstar started back in 2013 when Owner Brodie took over an outdated hair and beauty salon, transforming it into a new benchmark in quality for the area. Named one of the “Top Hair Salons in Australia” in Beauty Crew, they are also leaders in the sustainability space as one of the first salons to become part of Sustainable Salons Australia and inspiring so many Queensland salons to follow suit.

Following a luxurious expansion and rebrand in 2020, the salon continues to go from strength to strength and are previous winners of AHIA Hair Director of the Year 2022 for Brodie Tsiknaris and AHIA Team Member of the Year 2022 for Evie Golding.

The team’s technical ability sets them firmly at the forefront of Brisbane’s thriving hair scene, specialising in colour correction and all blonde colour services.

State Salon Business of the Year SA/TAS Sponsored By Timely.

SJ Establishment.

Owner and Director Sam James and her team continue their run as the very best in the state with this latest win and with he team renowned for their experience and extensive accolades it’s no surprise. Designed with the ultimate client journey in mind SJ Establishment is a stunning salon and, from moment you walk inside, you realise you are in for a special experience.

Gone is the old-fashioned check-in desk, instead guests are welcomed into the space immediately to feel part of the fun and relaxed vibe. The salon is ever evolving thanks to the monthly featured artist works lining the walls and also features the PIIQ digital mirror technology.

The team are industry leaders when it comes to creating trend focused cuts, colours and styles, as well as their business know-how, having also taken out AHIA Best Marketing 2022 last year.

State Salon Business of the Year VIC Sponsored By Revlon Professional.

Mama West.

Founded by Sheridan Rose Shaw, a hairdresser with more than 17 years industry experience and a niche in creative colour, MAMAWEST is Melbourne’s first EVER collaborative co-working hair salon, and home to individual women-led businesses.

And, where ‘life’s too short for sh!t hair!’ Launching something so dynamic and creative was an ambitious undertaking in any environment, but to successfully launch, then grow in every way during a global pandemic and well beyond was a true achievement, taking out AHIA Newcomer of the Year 2022.

The demographic is as diverse as the community, with business owners, mums, rebels, people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community making up the bulk of their clientele.

The salon is a true expression of Sheridan’s exuberant personality and is painted in vibrant pinks, greens and blues, with beautiful murals featuring bejewelled animals and artwork from local artists.

Through radical authenticity and generosity, dedication to inclusivity, a commitment to excellent working conditions, genuine connection to the community and industry, and business practices that have true integrity, MAMAWEST is SO much more than a local hairdresser.

Salon Team Member of the Year Sponsored by Excellent Edges.

Leanne Kay, Stevie English Hair.

Stevie English Hair opened in November 2007, born of an idea to build a cool, unique hair salon with an environmental conscience. Led by industry icon and AHIA Colour Expert of the Year 2023, 2022 and 2021, Stevie English, Scotland born Leanne has already started to be noticed for her skills in this competitive industry.

The ultimate slashie, she is Senior Stylist, Educator, Ambassador and Social Media Manager and helps to drive this thriving salon to new heights daily. This win marks an exciting time for Leanne, who was previously named Finalist for AHIA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year 2023 and Fame Team 2023.

Salon Manager/Co-Ordinator of the Year Sponsored by Wella Professionals.

Brooke Blinco, RocaVerde.

Established in 2008, and with the new concept ‘The All’ launching in 2021, Roca Verde is a collective home of passionate creatives featuring expansive space with an open plan design full of light.

The beautifully bespoke environment evokes authentic feelings of relaxation and rejuvenation. Known for their beachy blondes and balayage, Brooke has managed this dynamic team of experienced stylists to deliver the highly sought after effortless, future-proof hair which our coastline adores, since 2017.

Brooke is an adept and compassionate leader who cultivates enthusiasm in the team and constantly updates her skills to positively impact those around her. She is also committed to minimising impact on the environment and works closely with Sustainable Salons Australia to incorporate environmentally friendly practises into every aspect of the salon.

Salon Team of the Year Sponsored by Goldwell

Toni&Guy Cronulla.

For more than 50 years, TONI&GUY has been renowned as an innovator within the hair industry, having grown from a single unit in Clapham, London to a multi-national company.

TONI&GUY Cronulla opened its doors in March 2004 on cosmopolitan Cronulla Street and quickly set itself apart from the rest.

Talented Head Technician Louise Blake has taken the reins of the salon in Cronulla with her outstanding team of stylists and technicians and the salon has grown by leaps and bounds. British-born Louise brings world-renowned TONI&GUY style infused with her personal passion for hairdressing, leading her talented team of hairdressers to consistently challenge themselves and each other, feeding their passion for hairdressing and delivering great, fashionable looks to their clients. They are also a proud local sponsor and collection point for the Share the Dignity project.

Sole Operator of the Year Sponsored by Matrix.

Katy Reeve.

From humble beginnings as an Apprentice Stylist in her father’s salon back home in the UK, to spending a decade with TONI&GUY both in London and Sydney, through to an incredibly enriching time with luxury brand La Biosthetique as Education Director, Katy brings a wealth of global experience to the beaches.

Alternating her time between Cromer salon Exquisite Hair as well as Academie Hair in Sydney’s inner west, with plenty of education delivery in between, she is a powerful force within the industry.

This is just the latest accolade having won AHFA NSW Hairdresser of the Year 2019, appearing backstage at numerous fashion shows and with work appearing in titles including The Australian.

Best Eco Salon Sponsored by DNA Organics.

George & Ivy.

Located in the back streets of East Fremantle, George & Ivy Hairdressing has become more than just a place for a great haircut, colour or style, it’s a community centre of sorts.

Winners of AHIA WA/NT Salon of the Year 2022, they are renowned for their dedication to sustainability with owners Paul and Cat leading the way within the industry. The stunning building was created from 80% recycled materials including reclaimed bricks, steel, and timber and the welcoming interiors have been designed using vintage and reclaimed furniture including the well-loved Chesterfield lounges.

They also installed solar panels to reduce power usage by 60% and are officially partnered with Carbon Neutral Australia, making them proudly carbon-negative. There is even 10% off for all clients who walk or ride to the salon! Add that to their use of only certified organic hair care, and this innovative team have truly discovered the secret to merging sustainability and style with ease.

Best Salon Design Sponsored by Comfortel.

Ms Monaco Hair Society.

Ms Monaco Hair Society is the newest hair salon on the Sunshine Coast with a one of a kind salon experience.

Owner Samanatha Jones has always been fascinated by the marriage of Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier of Monaco and the glamour and style of the era. Everything about Monaco screams luxury from the grand Belle Epoque architecture and characteristic curved lines to the idyllic coastal lifestyle, it is all captured in this stunning space.

What truly sets the experience apart? After a personal salon tour, each guest relaxes in the exquisite members’ lounge featuring a fully licensed and well-stocked bar, with all staff holding RSA certification, and enjoys a welcome cocktail.

Guests holding salon memberships enjoy snacks, drinks and our VIP hospitality in premium lounge surroundings for the entirety of their visit for the ultimate VIP experience.

From the moment a client walks through the velvet roped entrance you can literally see the sense of ‘wow’ reflected in their expression.

To work with the unusual building shape, owner Samantha Jones created multiple ‘zones’ within the overall footprint, creating a sense of bespoke specialisation and personalisation, as well as privacy within a very large space.

Best Marketing Sponsored by Shortcuts.

Elysium Hair Brisbane.

As the previous AHIA Australian Salon of the Year 2022, the Elysium team are no strangers to awards shows. Kate and Oscar Henderson created the Elysium Hair Brisbane brand after purchasing an old salon back in 2008 and now manage a thriving hair hub.

A highly successful hair salon with 13 team members, the stunning space features 24 hair stations, a dedicated consultation area, eight private electric reclining basin lounges, retail zone, toolbar, customer kitchen and large dispensary.

The team also blend passion and purpose in doing good for people and the planet by recycling up to 98% of all salon waste as a member of Sustainable Salons Australia. They have firmly positioned themselves as industry leaders in minimising carbon footprint through waste reduction, recycling, reduced energy consumption and green purchasing.

The team were also awarded AHIA Best Customer Care 2022 and it isn’t hard to see why, with the delicious snacks, glasses of bubbles, sensory experiences and personalised rituals available for all clients.

Best In-Salon Training Sponsored by Haircare Group.

Co and Pace Salons.

Led by the AHIA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023, Justin Pace, Co and Pace Salons is the fundamental expression of Justin’s three decades’ experience in the hairdressing industry.

As a master colourist, cutter and stylist he understands implicitly the fundamental importance of education. His dedication to ensuring his accomplished team have access to best training opportunities in the country is testament to the high quality services that are delivered to their loyal clients.

From cutting to colouring to styling, Co and Pace operate at a global level. Justin combines a consummate command of technical dexterity with artistic finesse and his work has appeared in an abundance of media platforms internationally and nationally including Estetica Magazine, Salon Magazine, Focus on Hair, Colour World, Friseur, Fashion Weekly Magazine, Instyle Magazine and Style Magazines, plus he is also Redken 5th Avenue NYC International and National Artist and Educator.

Best Salon Group of the Year Sponsored by M&U Imports.

Toni&Guy Australia.

For more than 50 years, TONI&GUY has been renowned as an innovator within the hair industry, having grown from a single unit in Clapham, London to a multi-national company. Australia’s story started in 1995, when TONI&GUY Managing Director Dennis Langford laid the foundations for TONI&GUY Australia in a carefully selected salon shop front on Oxford Street, Paddington.

This shopfront soon moved down the street a little later to become the ultra-modern and high-tech TONI&GUY Paddington flagship Academy, Salon and National Head Office.

The group are now passionately dedicated to providing clients with the highest level of skills, service and products in an enjoyable, friendly salon environment.

TONI&GUY has been a key sponsor of Australian Fashion Week, has twenty-five salons across Australia, two education schools in Sydney and Melbourne and they continue to represent the industry as leaders in hair fashion.

Now led by Sara Langford, during the last 12-18 months TONI&GUY Australia has demonstrated a notable shift in strategy and sentiment towards the position as an industry BIG Brother.

A period of reflection to remember the foundation of a brand heritage seeped in education, inspired by fashion and trusted as a result of highly skilled staff. TONI&GUY Australia has provided a platform for our group of individual salon owners to achieve success whilst maintaining an appointed role as an industry captain.

It’s a fairly unique position, to be a comrade and a competitor, unlike some other groups who operate solely within a consumer-facing sphere.

Educator of the Year – Individual Sponsored by Redken.

Sharon Blain.

Sharon Blain is one of the most acclaimed hairdressers and educators in the world today. For more than five decades she has been toiling her craft, perfecting her skills and sharing her unrivalled knowledge with thousands of hairdressers from all corners of the globe at workshops, seminars, online and at her highly acclaimed boot camps.

Sharon’s innovative and unique education programs cover the entire spectrum of long hair prowess, from stunning bridal and celebrity red carpet hair styling through to editorial and beautiful avant-garde dressing.

She is recognised for her exceptional creativity through stunning photographic imagery that has been published worldwide and has been bestowed with a myriad of prestigious accolades and achievements, of which this is only the latest!

Educator of the Year – Organisation Sponsored by EVY PROFESSIONAL

Taylorweir.

Dedicated exclusively to training the future hairdressers and barbers Taylorweir see it as their mission to prepare apprentices and students for cutting-edge careers in hairdressing and barbering by providing them with exceptional training in a positive and creative learning environment.

Their unique approach has seen them recognised as WA Small Training Provider of the Year 2022, and Bronze for Australian Small Training Provider of the Year 2022. Their innovative training programs have been crafted by experienced, award-winning, and industrycurrent instructors’ all delivered in purpose-built and optimum learning spaces.

They also have the TAYLORWEIR Training Salon where all services incur just a small charge to cover the cost of our products while all students are in training, supervised by a qualified trainer and assessor.

Educator of the Year - Product or Equipment Company Sponsored by Sustainable Salons.

L’Oréal Professionnel.

L’Oréal Professionnel is the leading luxury hair colour and hair care company globally. Throughout the company’s 114-year history the brand has encouraged the industry to be the best, create the best, inspire the best, through technology driven solutions to industry demand. In 2022/23 they have lifted the benchmark of education even higher.

The national team of 12 educators have strong technical skills coupled with an abundance of passion for the industry. The team is committed to the development of themselves and inspirational education and as a result have created more touchpoints in education, delivered through online and offline sessions, via L’Oréal Access a 24/7 online learning platform.

They have created a variety of downloadable materials, videos, interactive e-webinars and face to face sessions and classes. Their education includes core fundamentals, inspirational and an array of sessions designed to develop industry growth through elevating the proficiency of the luxury experience.

NATIONAL WHOLESALER OF THE YEAR Sponsored By Parlux by Dateline Imports.

Salon Direct Hair and Beauty Supplies.

Salon Direct Hair and Beauty offer an extensive range of salon professional hair, nail and beauty products alongside excellent customer service and knowledge in the industry.

With over 18 years experience they pride themselves on fast, secure online service, efficient deliveries and the best prices around and are now the highest voted favourite Hair wholesaler within Australia.

AHIA CARE, TREAT, STYLE & ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS Sponsored by HAIRBIZ.

BEST IN CARE Qiqi Makes You Feel Like You Just Left The Salon Shampoo & Qiqi Goodbye Dry Hello Gorgeous Conditioner by Dateline Imports.

This winning duo leave hair with a smooth and silky feel, making it more manageable, shiny and glossy. The Shampoo is boosted with essential hair proteins and moisture and it is great for all hair types and for daily use.

The Conditioner provides perfectly hydrated, soft and glossy hair and is especially suited to those suffering from parched, dry hair and reduces combing time on wet and dry hair.

AHIA CARE, TREAT, STYLE & ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS Sponsored by HAIRBIZ.

BEST IN TREAT BC Clean Frizz

Away Treatment by Henkel Beauty Care Professional

An intensive vegan hair treatment, specially formulated to tame and nourish unruly, coarse and frizzy hair. It provides all hair types with up to 72 hours of frizz control for beautifully shiny, smooth hair.

AHIA CARE, TREAT, STYLE & ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS Sponsored by HAIRBIZ.

The EVY Professional E-Curl Pro with Mineral Infused Technology allows you to create healthier looking hair with volume that lasts. The ultimate styling tool collection with 5 interchangeable barrels is a must for all professionals and consumers demanding the ultimate styling tool collection.

AHIA CARE, TREAT, STYLE & ELECTRICAL PRODUCT AWARDS

Sponsored by HAIRBIZ

BEST IN STYLE Joico Youthlock Blowout Crème by Sabre

This blow-out crème is formulated with collagen and steps in to help safeguard hair with luxurious protections that helps reverse the effects of time and aging on hair. This product provides protection from breakage and hair fall during brushing and blow-drying while delivering youthful body and bounce