The winners of this year's ANZ Hair Industry Awards – Business were crowned at a gala event held at The Star, Brisbane, recognising business excellence across the hairdressing industry.
Launched by Mocha Group in 2014, the AHIAs have tracked the industry's evolution for over a decade.
This year saw over 300 entries, spanning individual and group categories, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the Australian and New Zealand hairdressing landscape.
A significant milestone for 2026 was the introduction of dedicated entries for the prestigious categories of AHIA Australian Salon of the Year and AHIA New Zealand Salon of the Year. For the first time, these coveted national titles were entered directly, rather than being determined from state category winners, further elevating their prestige and competitiveness.
Entries were assessed by an independent panel of over 30 international and national judges, comprising industry, media and PR professionals alongside business specialists from fields including business, finance, marketing, education, design and leadership.
As always, the Business Care, Treat and Style categories were judged entirely blind, with entries repackaged and assessed over a six-week period with no knowledge of brand, ensuring every product stood on its own merit.
"Walking into that room on Sunday night, you could feel exactly why we do this. Thirteen years in, and the standard just keeps climbing," shared Mocha Group owner and founder, Linda Woodhead.
"This year's winners showed the kind of care, commitment and and craft that doesn't happen by accident. From Salute Hair Skin Spa flying the flag for New Zealand to Tigerlamb taking out Australian Salon of the Year, every winner tonight earned it."
"I couldn't be prouder of what this industry continues to build together."
Proud sponsors included: AER Wellness Co., Angel Extensions, Aura 300, Aveda, Comfortel, DNA, DP exo grow, Dyson, Gamma+, genyve, Goldwell, Imperfect Spirits, L'Oréal Professional, Lily Blue Communications, NAK, Redken, Revlon, Salon Dr, Salon Lane and Salons for Sale, with Mocha Hair serving as Official Media Partner and all presented by Mocha Group.
ANZ Hair Industry Awards – Business 2026 winners:
AHIA 'CARE' Hair Product of the Year – Sponsored by mocha hair
All Smooth Shampoo & Conditioner, KMS
AHIA 'TREAT' Hair Product of the Year – Sponsored by mocha hair
Night.Shift, Kevin.Murphy
AHIA 'STYLE' Hair Product of the Year – Sponsored by mocha hair
Slick & Smooth Balm, Natalie Anne Haircare
AHIA 'ELECTRICAL' Tool of the Year – Sponsored by mocha hair
Contouring Wide Iron, Cloud Nine
Salon Team Member of the Year – Sponsored by Dyson
Jordan Irven, Privé Hair Organics
Salon Manager/Co-Ordinator of the Year – Sponsored by Angel Extensions
Cherie Cowan, Sloans
Sales or Business Development Representative of the Year – Sponsored by Aura 300
Jodie Jensson, CPR Hair
Best Business Performance of the Year – Sponsored by Imperfect Spirits
Conceptual Brands
Best Business Coach – Sponsored by Lily Blue Communications
Cait Muir, Iconic Coaching
National Wholesaler of the Year – Sponsored by Gamma+
Hair Mart, WA
Sole Operator of the Year – Sponsored by Salon Lane
Jools Purchase
Business Director/Owner of the Year – Sponsored by Redken
Kristian Tognini, Togninis
Salon Business Newcomer of the Year – Sponsored by Salon for Sale
HONE&CO
Best Eco Salon – Sponsored by mocha hair
Pura Holistic Studio
Best Salon Design – Sponsored by Comfortel
Togninis
Best Marketing – Sponsored by mocha hair
Ms Monaco Hair Society
Best Customer Care – Sponsored by Aveda
Eye Am Hair
Best In Salon Training – Sponsored by DNA Organics
MAMAWEST
Salon Team of the Year – Sponsored by mocha hair
Ms Monaco Hair Society
Educator of the Year – Individual – Sponsored by genyve
Jules Tognini, LOTT
Educator of the Year – Organisation – Sponsored by DP Exo Grow
Stefan Hair
Educator of the Year – Product or Equipment Company – Sponsored by mocha hair
CPR Hair
QLD Salon Business of the Year – Sponsored by NAK
Togninis
NSW/ACT Salon Business of the Year – Sponsored by Goldwell
Pelo by Lago
VIC Salon Business of the Year – Sponsored by Salon Dr.
Telleish Hair Studio
SA/TAS Salon Business of the Year – Sponsored by Revlon Professional
Blow It's a Hair Thing
WA/NT Salon Business of the Year – Sponsored by AER Wellness Co.
Scissor & Stone
New Zealand Salon of the Year – Sponsored by mocha group
Salute Hair Skin Spa
Australian Salon of the Year – Sponsored by mocha group
Tigerlamb, King Street
Special Recognition – Sponsored by L’Oreal Professional
Natalie Anne
Vidal Sassoon Humanitarian Award – Sponsored by Mocha Group
Stefan Ackerie
You can find more information about the awards here.
Image credit: Supplied
