It was the start of a new era for an iconic event as the Australian Hair Fashion Awards hit Luna Park for its 26th year, with a new product partner, international celebrity guests and updated awards category making a statement about its current progression. Held in front of almost 1000 hairdressers, with dozens of award categories up for contention, and an alluring fashion show from partner KEVIN.MURPHY and their new COLOR.ME range, the AHFAs once again reinstated itself as a staple of the industry.
The evening was hosted by TV personality Lauren Phillips with a musical performance by 90s disco queen Ultra Naté, who also performed as DJ at the exclusive ghd after party. Attendees were on their feet and dancing before main course had even been served.
Legendary celebrity hairdresser Jen Atkin, also known as the maestro behind the hair of the Kardashians and Jenners (as well as the Hadid sisters, Chrissy Teigen and more), was a special guest, and received an award highlighting her iconic status. Her Instagram following of 2.3 million fans also points to her industry stature, and she fittingly announced the new award for Digital Influencer of the Year, which went to Natalie Anne.
The awards were, as always, the main attraction, judged by an illustrious panel of international hairdressers, who were featured in a series of inspiring videos. Names such as Anthony Mascolo, Akin Konizi, Zoe Irwin, Nicola Clark, Sally Brooks, Eugene Souleiman and Sam McKnight headlined the judging panel. CEOs and business experts, as well as editorial figureheads, lent their talents to the business and product categories.
The major winner was the legendary hair artist Damien Rinaldo, who won Australian Hairdresser of the Year for his alluring, simple and authentic collection, titled Self. State categories, artistic awards such as Men’s hair, colour, Avant Garde and the all new Hair Shot of the year and awards for apprentices and newcomers each shed light on the talented members of our industry. Education and salon businesses were also heralded for their commitment and success within the industry. Fashion specific categories of Hair Fashion Video, Fashion Stylist, Makeup Artist and Session Stylist were also announced, as were the dynamic 2018 FAME Team. See the full list of winners below.
An evening highlight came courtesy of KEVIN.MURPHY’s colourful, disco-inspired fashion show, celebrating the launch of COLOR.ME with vivid hues and bright fashion-centric colours, all set under swirling disco lights. “Fashion has always played a huge role in the KEVIN.MURPHY brand so partnering with the AHFA’S to launch our revolutionary new product which is truly a celebration of hair and fashion seems like a perfect fit,” Kevin said.
A night dedicated to the fashion sensibilities, talent and passion of our industry, the AHFAs 2018 saw Australian hairdressers travel from every corner of the country (and abroad) to celebrate why the hairdressing community is one to be heralded.
Congratulations to all the winners listed below:
AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year
DAMIEN RINALDO – BORIS THE CUTTERY
AHFA Creative Colourist of the Year
CHARMAYNE ROBINSON – PAPAS & PACE
AHFA Men’s Hairdresser of the Year
UROS MIKIC – KINKY CURLY STRAIGHT
AHFA Artistic Team of the Year
FRUITION ARTISTIC TEAM
AHFA Avant Garde Hairdresser of the Year
SHAUN McGRATH – STEVIE ENGLISH HAIR
Australian Hairshot of the Year
MARIAM ENEGD – BIBA GERTRUDE ST
Digital Influencer of the Year
NATALIE ANNE
AHFA NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year
ADAM CIACCIA – AXIS HAIRDRESSING
AHFA Victorian Hairdresser of the Year
JACKY CHAN – OSCAR OSCAR SALONS
AHFA Queensland Hairdresser of the Year
AMANDA O’CONNOR – PAPAS & PACE
AHFA South Australian/Tasmanian Hairdresser of the Year
TIFFANY SMITH – SEQUEL BY PARLOUR HAIR
AHFA Western Australian/Northern Territory Hairdresser of the Year
LISA POLINI – HYPE HAIR STUDIO
AHFA Apprentice Hairdresser of the Year
GEORGIA FREEDMAN – ROKK EBONY TOORAK
AHFA Newcomer of the Year
JESSICA SUTHERLAND – ROKK EBONY TOORAK
AHFA Session Stylist of the Year
RICHARD KAVANAGH
AHFA Make-Up Artist of the Year
MIKELE SIMONE
AHFA Fashion Stylist of the Year
MELISSA NIXON
2018 AUSTRALIAN FAME TEAM
BEN RUSSELL – BIBA GERTRUDE ST
TIFFANY DECAUX – BORIS THE CUTTERY
SHANTELLE NEATE – FRUITION
ELIZABETH SHEDWICK – TONI&GUY PADDINGTON
AHFA Hair Fashion Video of the Year
UROS MIKIC – KINKY CURLY STRAIGHT
AHFA Excellence in Education
KATE REID
AHFA Salon of the Year
JOEY SCANDIZZO
Best New Professional Haircare Product
JOICO – BLONDE LIFE RANGE
Best New Professional Styling Product
BALMAIN VOLUME MOUSSE STRONG
Most Innovative Hair Tool
ECOHEADS: THE PING
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