6 minute read
WAHL LORD OF THE BARBERS AND EXCELLENT EDGES STATE HAIRDRESSING CHAMPIONSHIPS
HOSTED BY WA IHS
WA IHS was back by popular demand on Sunday the 8th of October 2023 hosting The WAHL Lord Of the Barbers and Excellent Edges State Hairdressing Championships.
Since 2020, and like so many industry events, the volunteer team had to take a “time out” while WA enforced border closures and strict social distancing rules however, they were working behind the scenes to plan for this next chapter for WA IHS.
Sharing industry passion is so important to the committee members who volunteer their time to keep WA IHS at the forefront of live competitions in Australia.
For decades, live competitions had previously been hosted at the Italian Club Inc in Perth, and in 2023 the team decided to bring the live competition event back to this original venue, reestablishing this long-held tradition.
The long-awaited event was opened by industry icon Paula Hibbard, while DJ Perfect Brown and the Perfect Promotions group kept the beats rolling all day, keeping spectators and sponsors entertained.
Paula always brings a level of enthusiasm, encouragement, and interaction to a live competition and this was no exception.
The motivation and support from sponsors was phenomenal on the lead up to the day, with Wahl, Excellent Edges, International Salon Supplies, Comfortel, TaylorWeir School of Hairdressing, Joico, Muk, De Lorenzo and Mocha Group committed to sponsoring the day.
Each sponsor had an exhibit stand and was interviewed throughout the day promoting all their latest tools and products to offer the industry. They provided an impressive prize pool for the competitors and a combination of trophies were awarded to multiple winners over several categories.
The categories consisted of urban and traditional barbering and hair cutting, hair art design and express session styling, fantasy, blonde and classic colouring, and a free apprentice photographic pre-done competition.
All of these categories are judged by a panel of industry leaders in their field, with no affiliation to any competitors; one of the reasons why WA IHS is regarded as one of the fairest and prestigious competitions in hosted live within Australia.
Competition excitement mounted all day, and by 7pm, four incredibly talented artists were crowned with the overall titles of The WAHL Junior + Senior Lord of The Barbers and The Excellent Edges Apprentice + Senior Hairdresser of The Year.
These titles were awarded to:
• Jordan De Salis from The Fade Doctor for The Wahl Junior Lord of The Barbers
• Taahir Joomun from Mt T Barbershop for The Wahl Senior Lord of The Barbers
• Amy Doak from LaRose Hair for The Excellent Edges Apprentice Hairdresser of The Year.
• Jo Milieri from Eclectic Styles Hair Studio for The Excellent Edges Senior Hairdresser of The Year.
The purpose behind WA IHS is to create a community and lift the industry standards to a higher level. The committee believe that all growing artists deserve a platform for exposure and recognition.
This event has provided artists from all over the state the perfect opportunity to showcase their skills and talent.
The team at WA IHS will be back in 2024 hosting this industry event again at The Italian Club Inc on Sunday the 8th of September. Be sure to save the date as The Lord of The Barbers and The State Hairdressing Championships is set to be an event not to be missed!!
THE WAHL JUNIOR + SENIOR LORD OF THE BARBERS AND THE EXCELLENT EDGES APPRENTICE + SENIOR HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR.
THE WAHL JUNIOR LORD OF THE BARBERS
“What an awesome experience getting involved within the WAIHS Lord of the barber’s competition! I speak for all of us up and comers in the industry when I say we greatly appreciate WA IHS, Wahl, and all sponsors for organising such an opportunity to showcase ourselves and have some fun.
Big shout out to my teammates at The Fade Doctor, was great to have their support so come down and check us out!” - Jordan DeSalis.
THE WAHL SENIOR LORD OF THE BARBERS
“Winning the title of Lord of the Barber is a profound recognition of the countless hours of practice, the mastery of techniques, and the sheer dedication that every barber invests in their work.
It’s not just a personal victory, it’s a tribute to the rich heritage of barbering that dates back centuries. One of the aspects I cherish most about the competition experience is the sense of community it fosters. Barbers from diverse backgrounds, with unique styles and inspirations, come together to celebrate the art of grooming.
It’s a learning experience like no other, where we share our knowledge, exchange innovative techniques, and support one another’s growth. Beyond the rivalry, there’s a strong bond that forms within the barbering community during these competitions, which is truly remarkable.”- Taahir Joomun
THE EXCELLENT EDGES APPRENTICE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
“It was and still is a surreal feeling taking home the title of WA IHS Excellent Edges Apprentice Hairdresser of the Year 2023. I am forever grateful to have this opportunity. It was so inspiring to meet and work alongside such talented individuals! I definitely took more than just trophies home with me that day.
Even though this was a competition the environment on the day was one of the most supportive and welcoming I have experienced, and I cannot wait to see what 2024 brings our gorgeous community!
All this would never have been possible without my incredible bosses Billi & Naomi who took a chance on me and my gorgeous colleagues at LaRose hair who never stop pushing me to be the best hairstylist I can be.” - Amy Doak
THE EXCELLENT EDGES SENIOR HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
“The WAIHS state hairdressing championship is always a fun and exciting day. The experience on the day is very fast-paced and thrilling. In the live competitions, you have a limited time to put a complete look together, whether that be a style or a cut.
I specifically love the feeling of bringing a concept to life. If you have ever been on the fence about entering WA IHS, I recommend you give it a go. It is always such a fun and exciting day, and you will feel so happy once you see your finished look out there and the crowd cheering you on.
While I understand live competitions may only be for some, the WA IHS state hairdressing championship has various categories that enable looks to be prepared in the salon and have it ready for the judges to see.” - Jo Milieri
