The Hair Industry’s Night to Shine: AHIA 2024 Business Awards Winners Announced!
Sunday, October 20th, marked a glittering celebration of the Australian hairdressing industry, as the 11th annual Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA) Business 2024 crowned the best of the best. Hosted by Mocha Group at The Star Gold Coast, the event brought together industry leaders, salons, educators, and business trailblazers to recognise those setting new standards across the country.
This year’s big winner was AHC member Circles of Hair from Perth, which took home the prestigious Australian Salon Business of the Year award, and its powerhouse leader, Sharlene Lee, was also named Business Director/Owner of the Year. These wins underscore the immense talent, hard work, and business acumen driving Circles of Hair’s success, proving once again why they remain at the top of their game.
Another standout moment of the night was the awarding of the Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian of the Year to Craig Hollywood, founder of Short Back and Sidewalks. His impactful work providing free haircuts to those in need has created ripples of change far beyond the salon floor, demonstrating the power of hairdressers to give back in meaningful ways.
The ceremony itself was a feast for the senses. Guests were treated to a high-energy show that combined an ultra-modern Oscars vibe with vibrant choreography and an exciting club remix of classic tunes. The celebrations didn’t stop at the awards, they carried on into the early morning with the official after-party at Nineteen at The Star, sponsored by Be Crowned. From cocktails to a 360-degree photo booth, it was a night to remember (or maybe, not remember?)
But beyond the glamour, the AHIA awards represent so much more. They’re a chance to celebrate the innovation, hard work, and creativity that fuel this incredible industry. Whether it’s through cutting-edge salon design, sustainable practices, or providing excellent customer care, the winners are leading the way and inspiring others to raise the bar.
The AHIA awards offer an opportunity for salons and professionals to take stock of their achievements and showcase their excellence. Think you have what it takes to be among the best? Start preparing now for the 2025 AHIA awards and show the industry what you’re made of. Visit the AHIA website for details on how to enter and take the next step in your career!
2024 AHIA Business Winners List
Best in Care
- Flower Colour Maintainer Shampoo and Conditioner by milk_shake Australia
Best in Treat
- Curl Wow Flo-etry Vital Natural Serum by Color Wow
Best in Style
- Glow Smooth and Shine by Osis
Best Electrical
- Boss DigiForce Digital Hair Dryer by EVY Professional
Salon Team Member of the Year
- Ben Semple – Circles of Hair
Salon Manager/Co-Ordinator of the Year
- Amber Bullock – Bond Hair Religion
Sole Operator of the Year
- Nicole Kae
Business Director/Owner of the Year
- Sharlene Lee – Circles of Hair
Best Business Performance of the Year
- Eco Heads
Salon Business Newcomer of the Year
- Privé Hair Organics
Best Eco Salon
- George & Ivy
Best Salon Design
- Fon Salon
Best Marketing
- Rokstar
Best Customer Care
- Ms Monaco Hair Society
Salon Team of the Year
- Cobelle Creative
Best In Salon Training
- Bond Hair Religion
Educator of the Year – Individual
- Bernadette Beswick – Beswick Education Services
Educator of the Year – Organisation
- Taylorweir Hairdresser and Barber Training
Educator of the Year – Product or Equipment Company
- L’Oréal Professionnel Education Team
QLD Salon Business of the Year
- Rokstar
NSW/ACT Salon Business of the Year
- Sloans
VIC Salon Business of the Year
- Telleish Hair Studio
SA/TAS Salon Business of the Year
- Acqua Lounge Hair Studio
WA/NT Salon Business of the Year
- Circles of Hair
National Wholesaler of the Year
- Salon Direct Hair & Beauty Supplies
Special Recognition Award
- Epic Hair Designs
Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian of the Year
- Craig Hollywood – Short Back and Sidewalks
Australian Salon Business of the Year
- Circles of Hair
