Hair Festival 2023 welcomed thousands of hairdressers through the doors of Carriageworks in Sydney, for two days spent celebrating the hair industry at its best. The second annual outing over the June long weekend elevated last year’s launch, with a large, engaged crowd of attendees ready to shop, learn, compete and connect. The high energy of the crowds, the clear willingness learn and grow, and warm feelings of connection throughout the weekend permeated the events, leaving the industry on a high and raving about the festivities.

“It was an unreal event, from every angle,” says Craig Hawtin-Butcher, managing director of BHA Media and publisher of INSTYLE and styleicons.com.au, organisers of Hair Festival. “Over 4700 leading lights from the industry joined us across two action-packed days and one huge evening. The venue was heaving, stands were incredibly busy and it was great to see the vast majority of the industry represented on the show floor, in the education sessions, our business forum and the Wonderland party. In just our second year, it couldn’t have been bigger or better. I’d just like to thank everyone who came, spoke, educated, judged or partied – you make Hair Festival what it is, we do our best to make it happen for you and we’re honoured that you came.”

The MarketPlace was the sprawling oasis that greeted the lines outside over the two full days of shopping opportunities. From the Business Hub to the Barber Hub and beyond, attendees wound around the maze of stands to gain the latest in everything from products in every specific category to tools, hair extensions, business and technology updates, charity initiatives, men’s hair expertise, salon furniture and so much more. Food trucks and coffee carts lined the space, as attendees networked at the hubs or found their latest purchase. Hair demos, model looks and even a book signing from Sharon Blain added to the excitement.

“It’s the second year in, it’s always hard to back it up but they’ve done really well. I love it because it’s such a different vibe in here, it’s a relaxed way to do it and it suits our brand being a little bit more warm like this,” shared Pete Walstab from Excellent Edges. “From last year to this year there’s been so many great improvements, there’s so many people, so we look forward to it getting stronger and stronger and continuing to be the premiere annual event for hairdressers.”

The REALtalk Business Forum kicked off the proceedings on Sunday morning with a pivotal overarching theme of self-care, as keynote speakers, headlined by global futurist Anders Sörman-Nilsson, and panel discussions traversed conversations that truly matter, around topics of technology, sustainability and mental health. Vital personal takeaways showcased the inner connectivity in business, ensuring salon owners went back to their teams with relevant teachings, a forward-thinking approach and significant reminders to build better habits both in and out of the salon.

Education filled three spaces all weekend long, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about colour, cut, style and more from leading brands and educators, as well a choice of as hands-on workshops, business discussions, barbering sessions and other interesting focuses. Sold out crowds filled the rooms, asking questions, snapping content and showcasing how education and growth continues to be the backbone of the hairdressing community.

“It’s been amazing this year, I couldn’t believe the hype and the buzz, there were so many people here with such good energy,” said industry leader Richard Kavanagh. “I was blown away by how many people were here and how keen they were for education, information and new knowledge and just really being a part of it. I think the energy from all of the exhibitors has been cool, it’s been really nice to see everything that everybody’s up to but, more than that, I’m so impressed with the energy of the hairdressers coming in, experiencing the MarketPlace and going to the education sessions. People are just pumped.”

The industry’s other backbone – that is, partying – was also well satisfied as the Wonderland party, which took over Sydney’s Establishment Bar with a fittingly titular theme. Giant mushrooms, flowers and glitter walls took over the room as glowing Gaga dancers, dancing human disco balls and neon performers put on a show and mingled with the crowd. An open bar, live band and DJ, 360 degree photobooth and delicious food options – the bao station remains a highlight – ensured a night to celebrate, dance and party as the industry deserves.

The competitions saw a packed room of attendees ready to watch live hair creations and runway presentations across extended categories of men’s hair, women’s street and editorial hair, colour, bob styling and teamwork. Putting true hair art across the stage, the competitions awarded the inimitable Hair Festival Trophy to a bevy of talented competitors and kept the flame of live hair competitions burning bright to close out the event.

Sustainability was an essential component of Hair Festival, as the event partnered with Sustainable Salons in its event practices and delivered education on this essential salon component at REALtalk and the Sustainable Salons stand.

“It’s really great to see Hair Festival’s support of sustainability across its whole network, that’s really important to building a sustainable salon future,” said Paul Frasca of Sustainable Salons. “Without these events here, when do you ever get that face time now with a person where you can actually explain what you do? Face to face is still very important, and it’s nice every year to have this opportunity. We’ve had our biggest ever year of leads come through for more people wanting to sign up to sustainability, so we can’t thank Hair Festival enough for not only helping us be part of their experience but also implementing it within their environment.”

Look out for continued coverage throughout the coming days and weeks as we delve into the highlights, takeaways, looks and learnings we can’t stop thinking about from this dynamic weekend.

Thank you to all who joined us at Hair Festival 2023 – we’ll be buzzing until we’re back next year.

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au

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