The Australian Modern Barber Awards (AMBAs) celebrated an unforgettable night on Sunday, 10th November at Brisbane’s Tivoli Ballroom. The fourth annual AMBAs, hosted by Mocha Group, honoured Australia’s top barbers and barber shop owners, highlighting the best of men’s grooming and entrepreneurial talent. This year’s event set the stage for an exciting future, as winners and guests alike enjoyed a night filled with well-deserved recognition, live performances, and big announcements.

Taking the top honours, Star Barber’s Emma Dinon was crowned Australian Modern Barber of the Year, while AMBA Australian Modern Barber Business of the Year went to Esq. Male Grooming. The international spotlight shone on the UK’s Robert Braid, awarded International Modern Barber of the Year. Adding to the night’s excitement, industry veteran Frank Ciccone was inducted into the AMBA Hall of Fame, and Gareth Philpott received the Special Recognition Award for his significant contributions to the barbering world.

The evening wasn’t just about awards – the crowd enjoyed a musical performance on the historic Tivoli stage, a venue that’s seen legends like Bob Dylan and Nick Cave. Dinner, crafted by Cuisine on Cue, showcased seasonal local produce, followed by a buzzing after-party sponsored by Beard Dye with a guest DJ setting the vibe.

In a major announcement, AMBA will continue its media partnership with EXPO4BARBERS, Australia’s premier barbering expo, set for May 3-5, 2025, on the Gold Coast. This partnership brings the AMBAs to the expo’s final night, with entries closing on March 3rd. Get your submissions ready – the 2025 awards promise to be even bigger.

Linda Woodhead, Mocha Group’s Owner and Publisher, expressed pride in the winners and the vibrant barbering community: “Our barbers are a powerful force of creativity and resilience. The AMBAs celebrate this passion and the impact these professionals have on their clients every day.”

To all barbers and industry suppliers, it’s time to prepare for next year’s awards. Entering the AMBAs is your chance to stand alongside the best in the business. For those already recognised, congratulations on setting a new standard in barbering excellence!

 

 

 

AMBA 2024 Winners

Men’s Hair Style Product of the Year

Sponsored by Barbershop Magazine

Natural Matte Cream by The Bearded Chap

Men’s Beard Product of the Year

Sponsored by Barbershop Magazine

Beard Serum by Dr Sleek Lab

Best Men’s Collection – Junior

Sponsored by American Barber

Jack Patroni, Ryan.Co Barbershop

Best Men’s Collection – Freestyle

Sponsored by Andis

Dylan Marks, Boy Barbershop

Best Business Director/Owner of the Year

Sponsored by Gamma+

Gregory Roe and Brook Phillips, Boy Barbershop

Best Customer Care

Sponsored by Shortcuts

Guys Grooming

Best Men’s Collection – Classic

Sponsored by Dateline Imports

Jordan Dimitriadis, Kings Domain Barber Shop Rialto Towers

Best Mens Education Organisation of the Year

Sponsored By Depot

4BARBER’S Education

Best Barbershop Design

Sponsored by VITAMAN

Jimmy Rods Barbershop Robina 2

Best Team Collection

Sponsored by American Crew

ZAK Grooming for Men

International Modern Barber of the Year

Sponsored by BEARDdye

Robert Braid, UK

Best Men’s Collection – BTS Crew

Sponsored by Barbershop Magazine

Sean Hayes, Australian Modern Barber Collection

Photographer: Kateriena Emmanuel. MUA: Riley Wallace

 

Australian Modern Barber Business of the Year

Sponsored by JRL and Reuzel

Esq. Male Grooming

Special Recognition Award

Sponsored by mocha group

Gareth Philpott

AMBA Hall of Fame

Sponsored by mocha group

Frank Ciccone

Australian Modern Barber of the Year

Sponsored by Heiniger

Emma Dinon, Star Barber