The second annual 2025 CURATE Awards have named their winners, awarding five apprentice talents throughout Australia and New Zealand. The digital competition allows apprentices to show their skills in a two-minute video, showing off their digital skills alongside cutting, colouring and styling talents.
Congratulations to Kynan Booty of Parlour O, the Regional Australia winner for Colour & Style, Kealey-Grace Harkins of Jarahs Hair, the Cut & Colour winner in Regional Australia, Elisha Forgione of Bliss The Art Of Hair, the Urban Australia winner in Colour & Style, Kobi Lee of The Factory 3013, the Urban Australia winner for Cut & Colour, and Jess Wilson of Zibido Hair, The New Zealand Colour & Style winner.
The awards were created to shine a light on these urban and regional apprentices, as built by AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year winner Justin Pace. Entrants are judged on the inspiration in their work, the delivery of their hair creation, the finished result and their video editing skills.
“Working with our winners last year was such a personal highlight, but I also truly believe that the success of the awards is crucial for the longevity and sustainability of our industry,” Justin shared. “Hairdressing is an incredibly fulfilling and exciting career and I want every apprentice and aspiring apprentice to feel that. I can’t wait to work with our five amazing talents this year. Watch this space for the magic we will create!”
The winners were awarded their full-day photo shoot workshop in Sydney with Justin as part of their shared $51,000 prize pool. The prize 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 biography from Lily Blue Communications and industry exposure throughout 2025. Sponsors include Official Media Partner Mocha Group, Major Partner L’Oréal Access, Prize Partners Excellent Edges, ELEVEN Australia and ghd, Sustainability Partner Sustainable Salons and Supporters MIG Training, the AHC and Jadore Hair, which will be supplying all hair for the winners’ photo shoot.
Congratulations to the winners!
For more information visit curate.awardsplatform.com
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