By Linda Woodhead, CEO and founder of mocha group and the AHIA
With the current noise around the use of AI in photographic hair competitions globally, I wanted to contribute to this important topic and be very clear about where mocha group and the AHIA Creative stand.
- As stated in our rules, AI generated hair is NOT accepted. This has never been in question and will remain, to ensure the integrity of the hairdressing craft
- All AHIA CREATIVE finalists have abided to this ruling.
- AHIA criteria, categories and rules are always in place for a 12-month award period, as entries are either already underway, or have been submitted checked and judged.
- Historically we have taken on board all relevant industry feedback and added or removed categories and if warranted, updated and amended submission requirements for the following year and will continue to follow this timing process.
For over 10 years, across every Australian hair awards platform, as well as our international counterparts, creatives have always pushed the boundaries of the composite photo with design, illustration, photographic and computer-generated elements, and been celebrated for it. This year is no different.
The world is changing and various design software and apps including AI are fast becoming platforms which many hairdressers, photographers, designers and other artists are exploring as a new way to expand their creativity. This encouraged us to introduce the new category this year of AHIA AI Collection of the Year, which has been extremely well received.
Let me make this very clear; the introduction of this category DID NOT change the rules and regulations for other categories regarding the need for hand-crafted, authentic hair looks. Finished hair looks in all other AHIA Creative collections, outside of this new AI specific category, are NOT accepted if generated by AI.
Change, if required, is something that we have always explored in a considered way rather than impulsive, with deeper conversations and an understanding of the overall ramifications and an outcome that is in the best interests of all stakeholders based on the position we are in, which we do not take lightly, as the custodians of the awards.
In summary, the existing rule, regarding the unacceptable use of AI generated hair will of course always remain and any review of the use of AI and computer enhancements for composite image elements is a decision for future awards that we can all make together.
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