The Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFA) website is officially live, and all 2025/26 category entry kits are ready for you to start your submission! Get started here.

This year, we’re introducing a one-time hybrid timeline before shifting into our new annual schedule from 2027 – ensuring that winners start the calendar year holding their title for maximum impact on their career, publicity, and brand opportunities.

The New Hybrid Timeline: Setting Up the Future of AHFA

Big wins deserve big recognition – so we’re making sure AHFA winners start the year holding their title and have the momentum to make the most of it. This hybrid season isn’t just about 2025/26 – it’s setting the foundation for a stronger, more strategic awards cycle moving forward.

By shifting the awards cycle, we’re ensuring that from 2026 onwards, every winner will enter the new year already recognised as the industry’s best, maximising their exposure and career opportunities from day one.

Key Dates for 2025/26

Categories & Criteria Revealed: March 2025 (Now Live! Start your submission here.)
Entries Open: May 2025
Finalists Announced: November 2025 (at a brand new in person event – details revealed soon!)
AHFA Gala: March 2026

Why does this matter?

Winning an AHFA title is career-defining. This shift ensures winners start the year with their title in hand, setting the stage for this improved timeline to continue in future years.

Major Rules Updates for 2025/26

With this new structure, we’re also introducing key category and rule changes:

– Best New Hair Tool is now TWO categories!

• Best New Hair Tool (for hot tools like irons, dryers, and wands)
• Best New Hair Essential (for brushes, combs, foils, cutting tools & more)

– State Hairdresser of the Year: A Prestigious Stepping Stone
The State Hairdresser of the Year titles are among the most prestigious in the AHFA, celebrating the best talent across Australia. To enter Australian Hairdresser of the Year, hairdressers must now have won their state title at least twice – ensuring the national award represents the absolute best of the best. 

*All previous Australian Hairdresser of the Year finalists are exempt from this rule.

– Transformation Stylist of the Year is now part of the Digital Hair Awards.
As the industry evolves, so do we! This category is moving into the premium global smartphone competition for maximum impact.

– New Product Judging Process
We’ve refined the product category judging to ensure an even more thorough and transparent evaluation. Brands – check the updated criteria for details.

Don’t Miss These Highlights!

NEW Finalist Announcement Event – Coming November 2025!
Get ready for an in-person celebration to announce our finalists. Stay tuned for details.

Relive the Magic: 2024 AHFA Highlights Reel
Feeling inspired? Watch the best moments from AHFA 2024 here.

Got Questions?
We’ve got answers. Check out the FAQ here.