Australia and New Zealand’s best in barbering talent, creativity, and business excellence have been named at the ANZ Modern Barber Awards 2025 (AMBAs).
Held on Monday, May 5th at The Island in Surfers Paradise, the gala celebrated the most talented barbers, business leaders, and educators from across Australia and New Zealand and shone a spotlight on this fast-evolving industry.
Guests enjoyed a stylish start to the night with canapés and drinks before moving into the elegant Glasshouse room for the awards ceremony.
Established in 2021 by Linda Woodhead and the Mocha Group, the AMBAs have quickly become the ultimate benchmark of success in barbering. In a landmark moment, the 2025 awards opened the floor to New Zealand participants for the first time, creating a trans-Tasman showcase of talent and innovation.
As the official media partner of EXPO4BARBERS, the AMBAs were the crown jewel in a weekend packed with networking, education, and high-impact events. The awards night provided a fitting finale, leaving attendees inspired and energised by the possibilities ahead.
So, without further ado, here are the ANZ Modern Barber Awards 2025 winners:
Style Product of the Year – Sponsored by mocha barber magazine
REF Rough Paste by Smiths Collective Brands
Best ANZ Barber Collection - Junior – Sponsored by Hairco - JRL/Reuzel
Duncan Black, Harrison and Co Barbers
Best ANZ Barbershop Team Member of the Year – Sponsored by Dp EXO GROW
Keegan Walklin, Kings Domain Barber Shop
Best ANZ Business Director/Owner of the Year – Sponsored by Shortcuts
Robby Lippett, Attaboy
Best ANZ Barber Collection - Classic – Sponsored by Dateline Imports
Gianni Sollazzo, Esq. Male Grooming
Best ANZ Barber Collection - Freestyle – Sponsored by Gamma+
Jordan Donegan, Studio X
Best ANZ Customer Care – Sponsored by Heiniger
The Studio-X
Best ANZ Barbershop Design – Sponsored by Comfortel
Common Barbershop
Best ANZ Barber Educator of the Year - Individual – Sponsored by ZIB
Damian Lai
Best ANZ Barber Educator of the Year - Organisation – Sponsored by Depot
The Barber Academy x 4 Barbers
Best ANZ Team Collection – Sponsored by American Crew
Hearts & Minds
BTS Crew – Sponsored by mocha barber magazine
Photographer: Theresa Hall. Stylist: Ysha Giorno. MUA: Sarah Smith.
For Ryan Poole, Modern Barber Collection
International Modern Barber of the Year – Sponsored by Expo4Barbers
Rino Riccio, UK
ANZ Modern Barber Business of the Year – Sponsored by American Barber
Empire Barbershop
ANZ Modern Barber of the Year – Sponsored by mocha group
Matt Clarke, Esq. Male Grooming
Special Recognition – Sponsored by mocha group
Jimmy O’Brien, AKA Jimmy Rod
AMBA Hall of Fame – Sponsored by mocha group
Clare Castles
Image credit: Supplied
