It’s the biggest weekend on the annual hairdressing calendar, with shining stars from across the country – and globe! – descending on Sydney for the non-stop whirlwind of education and celebration that was the 2023 Australian Hair Fashion Awards Weekend.
Kicking things off with MANE STAGE – the unmissable day of education boasting a jam packed international lineup – attendees were left inspired by the lessons garnered and techniques unpacked on stage, and empowered to make 2024 their biggest year yet.
On the agenda in 2023?
This year saw attendees soak in lessons from seven artistry-packed sessions designed to leave you with fresh skills the could start using immediately.
THE 2023 LINE UP:
Social Media Superstars |
Featuring renowned artists Sarah Emilia, James Earnshaw, Belinda Mills, Kaine Vakai, Dom
Pelli, and Chantelle Maree this event brings together a powerhouse panel of social media
icons. They’re ready to divulge their insider strategies on how you can take your social
media game to new heights in 2024.
From Backstage to Runway with Davroe’s Jordan Robertson and Madison Voloshin:
Davroe’s world revered session stylists, Jordan Roberston and Madison Voloshin will merge
minds and blow yours at the upcoming Backstage to Runway MANE STAGE presentation.
The secrets to the highest, widest, gravity defining hair will be unlocked as the pair reveal
the pace, precision and products driving some of New York, Paris, London, Sydney and
Milan’s most iconic looks.
R+Co Technicolor with Richy Kandasamy and Renee Valerie:
Get ready for an unparalleled colour education experience as R+COLOR welcomes two
international colour luminaries, Richy Kandasamy and Renee Valerie, in a not to be missed
session showcasing the most dynamic trends, top-tier techniques, and eye-popping
technicolour transformations.
TrendVision Colour Out Loud with Wella Professionals’ James Ernshaw:
From high contrast shades of blonde and cool combinations of tonal browns, to dreamy
pastels and optimistic brights, the season’s big trend is COLOUR BLOCKING. See Wella
Professionals and ghd global ambassador, James Earnshaw, showcase his interpretation of
Color Blocking, a trend that addresses your clients’ desires and wishes to promote a unique,
energised look to complement their personality.
WOMAN with the 2023 FAME Team:
An amalgamation of learnings and inspiration from a year of mentoring – including a whirlwind
trip to London’s Salon International – the 2023 FAME Team (alongside Lauren McCowan,
Jack Morton and some very special guests), present to you their collection ‘WOMAN’.
Don’t miss this collection of cut, colour and editorial looks to trigger the imagination, yet
grounded in useful ideas and techniques for everyday adaptability.
Styling Masterclass with Dyson’s Pete Thomsen and Eoin Mccarthy:
Learn how to push the creative boundaries, while delivering in-demand finishes for your
clients with Global Dyson styling ambassador Peter Thomsen and Australia Dyson styling
ambassador Eoin McCarthy. They will share their expert insights from a must-know beautiful
Blowout technique, to working with men’s and shorter hair.
The World of Liquid Colour with Redken featuring Sheree Knobel, Justin Pace, Kaine
Vakai, Kyra Williams, Ash Wuilleman & Sara Briscoe:
Immerse yourself in the world of liquid hair colour. Join Redken hair pro’s at this year’s Mane
Stage. Be educated and inspired with techniques showcasing vibrant, shiny liquid hair
colour. Master the secrets behind the Redken colour mantra, DON’T JUST COLOUR
REPAIR.
After a huge day of education, it was time for guests to let their hair down and dance the night away at the VIP Vision Industry Party (in partnership with Wella Professionals). The eagerly anticipated TrendVision Winners Announcement kickstarted the night, with Kate Findlay from Ink for Hair taking out First Place in the Color Visionary Category and Mikaela Campbell from Ukiyo Salon and Co claiming Gold in the Craft Visionary Category.
Wella’s very own Renya Xydis (and 2022 Australian Hairdresser of the Year!) then led the charge with a breathtaking hair show that wowed the crowd and showed off the incredible colour that Wella Professionals is so well known for.
After the artistic demonstration, guests then danced the night away and spent the evening reconnecting with industry friends ahead of AHFA Gala Night.
And then it was time for the big one, in which our industry’s brightest talents and innovations are celebrated at the 2023 AHFA Gala Night. Taking over The Star in Sydney for a night of celebration unmatched by any other, the 2023 event served as the glittering crown jewel of a year filled with major moments within the hairdressing industry.
Led by Dyson Styling Ambassadors Renya Xydis, Damien Rinaldo and Michael Beel – and powered by Principle Partner Dyson – the Runway Show took things to new heights (quite literally) and kept creativity pumping through the room. Between awards, Club Sol and DJ Tigerlily kept the dancefloor pumping and vibes at an all-time high. The crowd went wild as Biba Salon’s Lyndal Salmon was crowned 2023 Australian Hairdresser of the Year, and the good times kept rolling well into the early hours at the afterparty.
Click here for our full list of 2023 AHFA Winners, and stay tuned for our 2023 Highlights Video.