Celebrating the Next Generation: Meet the 2025 CURATE Awards Finalists

At the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC), we are proud to support initiatives that inspire the next generation of hairdressers. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate the announcement of the 30 finalists in the 2025 CURATE Awards, an innovative competition designed to showcase the brightest apprentice talent across Australia and New Zealand.

A Platform for Next-Gen Talent

Founded by Brisbane hairdressing icon and AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023, Justin Pace, the CURATE Awards were created to spotlight apprentice talent and reinforce hairdressing as an exciting and rewarding career path. Now in its second year, the competition has seen an incredible 50% increase in entries, proving that the industry’s next generation is more motivated than ever to make their mark.

Unlike traditional competitions, CURATE is a fully digital platform that removes geographical barriers and allows apprentices to shine from anywhere. Entrants submit a two-minute video showcasing their cutting, colouring, and styling skills, along with their creativity and technical expertise. Judged by a mix of local and international industry leaders, finalists are selected based on their vision, execution, finished look, and even their video editing skills.

What’s Next for the Finalists?

The winners will be announced on April 13, and five outstanding apprentices will secure a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with Justin Pace in a full-day photo shoot workshop in Sydney. This is just one part of an incredible prize package worth over $51,000, which includes:

• Tickets to Hair Festival and the AHIA Creative Awards Gala
• L’Oréal ACCESS Education vouchers
• Excellent Edges scissors
• ghd Professional electrical tools
• ELEVEN Australia products
• Sustainable Salons goodie bags
• A professional biography from Lily Blue Communications
• Ongoing industry exposure throughout 2025

But the support doesn’t stop there. To recognise the hard work and dedication of all entrants, CURATE is also offering every 2025 participant:

• A complimentary ‘Viewing Gallery’ ticket to the AHIA Creative Awards Gala (as part of Mocha Group’s 20th anniversary celebrations)
• A free ticket to Hair The Movement’s Day 3 Seminar: ‘Industry Leaders: Journey to the Top’
• A free ticket to MIG Training’s ‘MIG DAY OUT’ (for Queensland entrants)

Growing Stronger, Reaching Further

“The success of the inaugural CURATE Awards last year reinforced the importance of this initiative for our industry, and I was so proud of our winners,” said Justin Pace. “This year, we’re expanding into New Zealand, increasing our reach and giving even more young talent the chance to excel. It’s my hope that CURATE becomes an integral stepping stone in many hairdressing careers.”

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of the industry’s biggest names. A huge thank you to CURATE’s 2025 partners, including Official Media Partner Mocha Group, Major Partner L’Oréal Access, and Prize Partners Excellent Edges, ELEVEN Australia, and ghd. Sustainability Partner Sustainable Salons and Proud Supporters MIG Training, Jadore Hair, and, of course, the AHC are also making this initiative possible.

We also want to acknowledge the 32 industry leaders who lent their expertise to judging this year’s entries, ensuring the next generation of hairdressers gets the recognition they deserve.

A Future to Look Forward To

At the AHC, we believe that competitions like CURATE are essential in shaping the future of our industry. By providing a platform for apprentices to showcase their skills, gain industry exposure, and learn from the best, we are building a stronger, more dynamic hairdressing community.

We can’t wait to see the winners take their next steps in April. Congratulations to all finalists, your journey is just beginning!

CURATE AWARDS 2025 FINALISTS

REGIONAL AUSTRALIA – COLOUR & STYLE
Alexandria Oomen, Kaboo Haircutters
Georgia Schembri, Mayko Hair
Kynan Booty, Parlour O
Maddison Stone, The Salon Collective
Madison Groves, Safari Room
Sophie McDonnell, Bella Donna The Hair Collective

REGIONAL AUSTRALIA – CUT & COLOUR
Bella Karlsson, Becky B Hair
Casey Churchwood, Ms Monaco Hair Society
Kealey-Grace Harkins, Jarahs Hair
Lilli Dearden-Ord, Intuition The Art Of Hair
Madison Groves, Safari Room
Sienna Shields, Wow Hair Wickham

URBAN AUSTRALIA – COLOUR & STYLE
Alicia Edwards, The Disco
Cam Day, Co And Pace Salon
Danielle Carman, Fon Salon
Elisha Forgione, Bliss The Art Of Hair
Isabella Molloy, Tigerlamb
Odette Hall, Heading Out Hair & Beauty

URBAN AUSTRALIA – CUT & COLOUR
Bethany Robinson, HeadHunters Hair Studio
Jasmin Movsowitz, Toni&Guy Sydney City
Kobi Lee, The Factory 3013
Lucy Ahearn, Tsiknaris Hair
Shannon Westwood, The Factory 3013
Xanika Kearnan, MAMAWEST

NEW ZEALAND – COLOUR & STYLE
Eva Jones, Bettjemans Hair Salon
Eva Jones, Bettjemans Hair Salon
Jess Wilson, Zibido Hair
Nascita Lindsay, Smoke & Mirrors Hair Lounge
Natalia Newson, Wabi Sabi
Samantha Eddy, Salon One Hair & Beauty