The Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards, kicked off last night, Monday June 14, with much excited anticipation.


Australian Hairdresser fo the Year 2010, Shane Henning.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the annual Hairdressing Awards at Hair Expo are the most respected, established and longest running awards in the Australian hair industry.

Julia Erben, Hair Expo Event Director, commented; “The Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards are the highest accolade in our industry – recognised internationally as the benchmark for Australian and New Zealand hairdressing. This year, the competition was tougher than ever before, with all categories except Australian Hairdresser of the Year open to New Zealand entrants.”

Hosted by a charismatic Daniel MacPherson, guests enjoyed a spectacular show by Schwarzkopf Professional before the award announcements commenced.

Winners across all categories included Ali Holmes for New Creative Force, Sarah Laidlaw for Session Hair Stylist and NZ’s Servilles Academy for Educuation Organisation of the Year.

Paul Serville of the Servilles Academy was also inducted into the Hair Expo Hall of Fame, for his contribution to the industry over his 40-plus years in hairdressing.

Of course, the nervous anticipation stepped up a notch when the Australian Hairdresser fo the Year was announced.

In an unprecedented industry achievement, Shane Henning of Sydney’s Noddys on King salon took the major accolade. Having previously won the title in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003, this latest victory makes it the fifth time he has taken the Australian Hairdresser of the Year honour.

Shane is widely regarded as a driving force in the Australian hairdressing industry and in 2008 was inducted into the Hair Expo Hall of Fame. He also won for Best Photographic Collection – judged purely on the creativity and artistic talent portrayed in his photographic collection, against every submission received during the judging period.

“Well – five times, what a unique achievement. It’s something I never expected,” said Shane. “I really thought it would be one of the young guys up here tonight. I feel honoured to take the award again tonight, but think it might be time to end on a high!”

Australian Hairdresser of the Year is the most coveted award at Hair Expo – the ‘Oscars of the hairdressing industry’ – and is judged by a panel of independent industry experts. The decision takes into consideration all aspects of the entrant’s hairdressing career, from their photographic collection to prior recognition and involvement in the industry.

The 25th annual Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards was the culmination the 36th year of Hair Expo Australia; the premier hairdressing event in the Southern Hemisphere.

Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Award Winners 2010:

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
Shane Henning, Noddys on King, Newtown, NSW

NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
Mana Dave, Blaze, Auckland, NZ

NEW CREATIVE FORCE
Ali Holmes, Wildlife, Surry Hills, NSW

COLOUR TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR
Kristina Russell, Sable, Darlinghurst, NSW

APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR
Jules Tognini, Aka Togninis, Fortitude Valley, QLD

SESSION HAIR STYLIST OF THE YEAR
Sarah Laidlaw, Erskineville, NSW

BEST NEW SALON DESIGN
Luxe, Chatswood, NSW

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
Sharon Blain, The Art of Hair, Pennant Hills, NSW

EDUCATION ORGANISATION OF THE YEAR
Servilles Academy, Auckland, NZ

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Belinda Keeley, Chumba Concept Salon, Warragul, VIC

EXCELLENCE IN SALON MARKETING
Paul Foote, Sublime Hairdressing, Carindale, QLD

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
Gavin Hinton, Easydry Australia & New Zealand, Fig Tree Pocket, QLD

SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR
Wild Life Hair, Milsons Point, NSW

BEST PHOTOGRAPHIC COLLECTION
Shane Henning, Noddys on King, Newtown, NSW

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
Paul Serville, Servilles Academy, Auckland, NZ

www.hairexpoaustralia.com