The Australian and New Zealand hair industry came together to celebrate its finest talent at the 2026 AHIA Creative Awards on Monday 29th June, delivering the biggest and boldest celebration yet.
The event marked another milestone year for this prestigious awards platform, continuing Mocha Group's legacy as a leading force in media, awards and events across the hair, beauty and barber industries.
The winners who took home top honours included AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2026, Scott Sloan of Sloans, AHIA Creative New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2026, Danny Pato MNZM of D&M Hair Design and AHIA Creative Master Colourist of the Year 2026, Kristie Kesic of Cobelle Creative.
Their work was acknowledged as the best in the industry by 80+ respected judges including Errol Douglas, Mark Leeson, Hooker & Young, Candy Shaw, and Vivienne Mackinder, alongside elite international media names.
"This industry never stops pushing boundaries, and this year proved it more than ever," shared Mocha Group founder, Linda Woodhead.
"A 30% jump in entries and our biggest stage yet at the ICC Sydney Ballroom, it's a reflection of just how much talent exists across Australia and New Zealand. Congratulations to all of our incredible winners!"
Without further ado, here are the winners of the AHIA Creative Awards 2026:
AI COLLECTION OF THE YEAR, Presented by Aura300 –
Tyron Nohr
APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR, Presented by Curate Awards –
Tori Yardley, Toni & Guy Newtown
EMERGING STYLIST OF THE YEAR, Presented by Natalie Anne and BKT Nanoplasty –
Gemma Koster, The Safari Room
NEW CREATIVE TALENT OF THE YEAR, Presented by L’Oreal Professional –
Paige Cameron, Cobelle Creative
BRAND CONTENT OF THE YEAR, Presented by Hair Candy –
Togninis
AVANT GARDE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR, Presented by Amazing Hair –
Joshua Congreve, Togninis Hair
COLLECTIVE TEAM OF THE YEAR, Presented by CPR Hair –
Kristie and Dee
Kristie Kesic, Cobelle Creative & Dee Parker-Attwood, Wieslemann Salon
EDITORIAL HAIRSTYLIST OF THE YEAR, Presented by Angel Extensions –
Anthony Nader
EDITORIAL MAKE UP ARTIST OF THE YEAR, Presented by Saint Minerals –
Krista Jade White
HAIR MASTERPIECE OF THE YEAR, Presented by Alfaparf Milano –
Marilyn Guarino, Biba Academy
MAKE OVER ARTIST OF THE YEAR, Presented by Hair Festival –
Domi Cherie, Togninis
MEN'S HAIR SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR, Presented by 4Barbers –
Justin Hampson, The Safari Room
HOT SHOTS TEAM, Sponsored by Joico, Matsui, Gamma+ & Amazing hair –
Gabrielle Evaga, Tokunai Hair
Gemma Koster, The Safari Room
Pat Ryan, Wild Life SoGo
Riccardo Iembo, Toni & Guy Perth
SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR, Presented by Schwarzkopf Professional –
Stevie English Hair
MASTER CUTTER OF THE YEAR, Presented by Matsui –
Ryan King, Loco London
MASTER COLOURIST OF THE YEAR, Presented by ELEVEN Australia Colour –
Kristie Kesic, Cobelle Creative
INTERNATIONAL HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR, Presented by Dyson –
Gary Hooker & Michael Young, Hooker & Young
BTS Dream Team of the year, Presented by Perlino –
Photographer: Andrew O’Toole MUA: Kylie O’Toole Styling: Catherine V
For Bernadette Beswick, Australian Hairdresser of the Year Collection
THE AHIA DENNIS LANGFORD HALL OF FAME, Sponsored by Mocha Group –
Lorna Evans
NORTH/SOUTH ISLAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR, Presented by Great Lengths –
Anthony Bayer, Anthony Bayer Hair
NSW/ACT HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR, Presented by O&M –
Jenni Tarrant, Bond Hair Religion
QLD HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR, Presented by Redken –
Ryan King, Loco London
WA/SA HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR, Presented by Taylorweir –
Nicole Lamers, Nicole Lamers Creative
VIC/TAS HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR, Presented by Goldwell –
Danielle Blakeley, Yoshiko Hair
NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR, Presented by Mocha Group –
Danny Pato MNZM, D&M Hair Design
AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR, Presented by Mocha Group –
Scott Sloan, Sloans
The awards were proudly presented with Major Sponsors ELEVEN Australia Colour, Dyson, Amazing Hair and Natalie Anne Haircare, and supported by 4Barbers, Alfaparf Milano, Angel Extensions, Aura 300, BKT Nanoplasty, Curate Awards, Gamma+, Goldwell, Hair Candy, Hair Festival, Joico, L'Oreal Professional, Matsui, O&M, Perlino, Redken, Schwarzkopf Professional, Great Lengths and Taylorweir. Red Carpet Arrival Partner, CPR Hair and Make Up Partner Saint Minerals. Mocha Hair, a division of Mocha Group, being the Official Media Partner.
Image credit: Supplied
