The Australian and New Zealand hair industry came together on Monday 29 June to celebrate the very best in creativity, innovation and technical excellence at the 2026 AHIA Creative Awards, held at the ICC Sydney Ballroom as part of Hair Festival weekend.
The annual awards recognise the outstanding individuals and teams who continue to raise the standard of professional hairdressing and barbering across Australia and New Zealand.
Congratulations to all finalists and winners, whose passion, artistry and dedication continue to inspire our industry.
Major Award Winners
The evening’s highest honours were awarded to:
- Australian Hairdresser of the Year – Scott Sloan (Sloans)
- New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year – Danny Pato MNZM (D&M Hair Design)
- Master Colourist of the Year – Kristie Kesic (Cobelle Creative)
- Master Cutter of the Year – Ryan King (Loco London)
- Salon Team of the Year – Stevie English Hair
- International Hairdresser of the Year – Gary Hooker & Michael Young (Hooker & Young)
Celebrating Emerging Talent
The AHIA Creative Awards also recognised the next generation of industry professionals through several emerging talent categories.
Congratulations to:
- Apprentice of the Year – Tori Yardley (Toni & Guy Newtown)
- Emerging Stylist of the Year – Gemma Koster (The Safari Room)
- New Creative Talent of the Year – Paige Cameron (Cobelle Creative)
The 2026 HOT SHOTS Team was also announced, recognising some of Australia’s and New Zealand’s most promising young creative talent:
- Gabrielle Evaga – Tokunai Hair
- Gemma Koster – The Safari Room
- Pat Ryan – Wild Life SoGo
- Riccardo Iembo – Toni & Guy Perth
Recognising Creative Excellence
Additional category winners included:
- Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year – Joshua Congreve
- Editorial Hairstylist of the Year – Anthony Nader
- Men’s Hair Specialist of the Year – Justin Hampson
- Make Over Artist of the Year – Domi Cherie
- Hair Masterpiece of the Year – Marilyn Guarino
- Collective Team of the Year – Kristie Kesic & Dee Parker-Attwood
- AI Collection of the Year – Tyron Nohr
- Brand Content of the Year – Togninis
- BTS Dream Team of the Year – Bernadette Beswick Collection Team
Regional Hairdresser of the Year winners were also announced across Australia and New Zealand:
- NSW/ACT – Jenni Tarrant
- Queensland – Ryan King
- Victoria/Tasmania – Danielle Blakeley
- WA/SA – Nicole Lamers
- North/South Island (NZ) – Anthony Bayer
Hall of Fame Recognition
One of the evening’s most memorable moments was the induction of Lorna Evans into the AHIA Creative Hall of Fame, recognising her exceptional contribution and lifelong impact on the hair industry.
Congratulations to All
The Australian Hairdressing Council congratulates every finalist and winner recognised at the 2026 AHIA Creative Awards. Your creativity, technical excellence and commitment to pushing the boundaries of our profession continue to inspire the wider industry and showcase the exceptional talent that exists across Australia and New Zealand.
