The Australian Hair Industry Awards (AHIA) Creative 2024 gala evening was nothing short of spectacular. Held at The Star, Sydney, on 1st July, Australia’s leading creatives gathered to celebrate a night of innovation, talent, and unparalleled artistry. This year’s event was a record-breaking showcase of the finest hair creatives in the country, culminating in an unforgettable evening that highlighted the exceptional talent within our industry.
AHC member Sam James of SJ Establishment took home the biggest accolade of the night, being named Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2024. This prestigious award is a testament to Sam’s dedication, creativity, and talent in hairdressing. But Sam wasn’t the only member to be recognised for their incredible work. So many AHC members made us proud, taking home several top awards and demonstrating why they are a part of a benchmark standard in the hair industry. They included:
- Apprentice of the Year: Hunter Kostrubiec, Tsiknaris Hair
- Emerging Stylist of the Year: Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair
- New Creative Talent of the Year: Paige Cameron, Cobelle Creative
- Master Cutter of the Year: Shae Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair
- Master Colourist of the Year: Amber Bullock, Bond Hair Religion
- Salon Team of the Year: Bond Hair Religion
- NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year: Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion
- WA/NT Hairdresser of the Year: Jude McEwen, Toni&Guy Perth
- BTS Dream Team of the Year: For Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion NSW/ACT Collection
The evening, hosted by the charismatic Will Fennell, was filled with brilliant performances and creative showcases. Adam Williams choreographed three incredible shows that featured more hair, fashion, and entertainment than ever before. The 2024 Creative Couture opening performance by Justin Pace and Danny Pato, along with the 2023 Hot Shots team, set the stage ablaze with their Avant-Garde theatrical presentation. Iconic salon group Oscar Oscar celebrated their 35th anniversary in style, with stunning looks created by Jacky Chan and REDKEN. To top it off, international sensation Natalie Anne brought her it-girl cool to the catwalk, closing the night with a bang.
Guests partied the night away at the on-site after-party hosted by Rogue Beauty, celebrating the success of the evening’s winners.
Launched in 2012 by industry pioneers Mocha Group, the AHIA’s have grown into the national award platform that sets the benchmark for excellence in hairdressing. This year, the Creative Awards highlighted the incredible photographic collection work that represents the vibrant talent in our industry. Judged by international hair icons and influential media figures, the competition was fierce, and the standards were high.
The 2024 HOT SHOTS team was also announced, showcasing the next generation of talent. This initiative provides young professionals under 31 the opportunity to elevate their careers and gain recognition on a national stage. Additionally, the first Medal of Honour recipients were acknowledged, celebrating those who have won award categories three years in a row.
Mocha Group Owner and Founder Linda Woodhead summed it up perfectly: “With the sheer number of entries this year, every winner should be so proud of their achievement. The quality collections and exciting creativity that our industry has put forward is truly world-class and testament to the strength and sustainability of the industry. Congratulations to all of our deserving winners.”
Here’s to another year of pushing boundaries and celebrating the artistry that makes the Australian hair industry so exceptional. We couldn’t be prouder of our AHC members and their incredible achievements!
See the full list of AHIA Creative 2024 winners below:
AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR – Sam James, SJ Establishment
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR – Hunter Kostrubiec, Tsiknaris Hair
EMERGING STYLIST OF THE YEAR – Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair
NEW CREATIVE TALENT OF THE YEAR – Paige Cameron, Cobelle Creative
MEN’S HAIR SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR – Luke Munn, Havachat Barbershop
AVANT GARDE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR – Danny Pato, D&M Hair Design
COLLECTIVE TEAM OF THE YEAR – Breakthrough Team (Laura Szakaly, Toni&Guy South Yarrah. Tia Wright-Pihama, Toni&Guy Perth. Liam Johnson, Toni&Guy Mosman.
Delphine Kanuma, Toni&Guy McMahons Pt.)
MASTER CUTTER OF THE YEAR – Shae Tsiknaris, Tsiknaris Hair
MASTER COLOURIST OF THE YEAR – Amber Bullock, Bond Hair Religion
AI COLLECTION OF THE YEAR – Johnny Georgiou
SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR – Bond Hair Religion
HOT SHOTS TEAM
Adam Harant, Wild Life SoGo
Domi Cherie, Tsiknaris Hair
Ella Stewart, Stevie English Hair
Victoria Shayler, Sir Fletcher
NSW/ACT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR – Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion
VIC HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR – Benjamin Martin, Salon XVI
QLD HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR – Krystle Tokunai, Tokunai Hair
WA/NT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR – Jude McEwen, Toni&Guy Perth
SA/TAS HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR – Lisa Robertson, Parlour Glenelg
NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR – Andrew Cobeldick, Buoy Salon and Spa
NZ NORTH ISLAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR – Ella Thompson, Dharma
MEDAL OF HONOUR
Stevie English: AHIA Master Colourist of the Year
Danny Pato: AHIA New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year
BTS DREAM TEAM OF THE YEAR
For Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion NSW/ACT Collection
COLOURIST – Amber Bullock
PHOTOGRAPHER – Andrew O’Toole
MAKE UP ARTIST – Kylie O’Toole
STYLIST – Catherine V
DENNIS LANGFORD HALL OF FAME AWARD – Jamie Carrol
INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR – Mark Leeson, Mark Leeson
