The AHIA Creative, as its name suggests, is all about your Photographic Collections. The written component is minimal asking just a few simple questions in relation to the description, inspiration, and creative process of your collection. 

WE have a sinple to follow AHIA Awards Path. Think of a seedling growing into a beautiful oak tree! 

There are 5 sections in a simple timeline of award categories: –

1. Still in training – Apprentice and you can also be part of a Salon Team and/or a Collective Team
2. The Beginning of your Career – Qualified up to 5 Years – Emerging Stylist, Men’s Hair Specialist, Hot Shots (if under 31) and you can also be part of a Salon Team and/or a Collective Team
3. Continuing in your Career – Qualified from 2-6 years – New Creative Talent, Avant Garde, Men’s Hair Specialist, Hot Shots (if under 31) and you can also be part of a Salon Team and/or a Collective Team

4. Established – Qualified for 5+ years – Master Colourist, Master Cutter, Avant Garde, Men’s Hair Specialist, Australian State Categories, NZ Local Categories, and you can also be part of a Salon Team and/or a Collective Team

5. Cream of the Crop – Qualified for 8+ years – Australian, NZ and International.
6. And finally our 2 new video categories open to all as well as our NEW one shot Hair Masterpiece Category

Yes!

1. Make Over Artist of the Year: This category highlights the exciting direction of digital content creation across social media platforms. Entries comprise a maximum 90 sec video edit showcasing a trend-based hair makeover across cut, colour, extensions and/or style from start to finish. The entry should be high quality and demonstrate inspiration, technique and consideration of the client.
2. Branded Content of the Year: This category allows products, salons, industry providers, educators and more to showcase engaging professional video content which celebrates and promotes their brand. Entries comprise a maximum 2-minute video edit which brings to life innovative and entertaining marketing and/or advertising approaches.
3. One Shot Hair Masterpiece of the Year: This award is open to all hairdressers across Australia and New Zealand, celebrating the ultimate ‘Masterpiece single hair shot. It’s a single-image submission, so there’s no need to submit a full collection. The image should showcase your best or signature work, presenting a standout look. This can be an image you’ve previously used or a fresh shot. Entries previously submitted to other industry competitions are also eligible. Images submitted for AHIA 2025 categories cannot be resubmitted here, but images from an AHIA photoshoot that didn’t make it into your final collection are welcome in this category. Multiple entries are allowed. Professionally shot images, iPhone and smartphone photos are accepted. The Winner will be the image the judges feel is a Masterpiece that stands out above all others when it comes to the overall shot. It can be innovative, visionary, commercial, forward thinking, trend based or anything that truly makes the judges excited and inspired.

Mainly just contact info, your collection or video, model release, declaration, raw images, and then minimal information to explain your collection name and description, inspiration, creative brief and process as well as a mood board. That’s the lot! Forms required with you entry are available on the site to download, print out sign and re-upload.

This award is open to qualified hairdressers who have exceeded 8 years beyond the conclusion of their apprenticeship and have actively practiced hairdressing consistently in Australia/NZ for the entire awards period and are based in Australia/NZ.

You must have already won a similar National Hair Industry Award at state level or be a previous winner of Colour Expert of the year or similar or have been a finalist or winner at Australian level. 

Whether you are a stylist or colourist you can win the title! As a single person entry. YOU CAN BE  COLOURIST (assisted by a stylist) OR A STYLIST (assisted by a colourist) OR BE BOTH. If a colourist and stylist who work together both want to enter, they must enter with a completely 100% unique collection, in their own name with a completely new collection, theme, styling, hair, make up etc.

As well as exceeding 8 years beyond the conclusion of your apprenticeship and be a winner/finalist in previous awards (see rules & regs), you must be able to meet a minimum of 4 out of the following 6 criteria and will be asked to supply minimum information on each:

• Be a Brand Ambassador
• Be a Hair Director for Fashion, Editorial or Advertising
• Be an Educator or Mentor within or outside of the salon environment
• Have proven International recognition
• Show philanthropy through some Volunteer or Charity Work
• Have Australian or NZ Media Recognition

Yes! With only one exception and that is Master Cutter of the Year. 

6 photos in all collections except Apprentice, Emerging HairStylist and AI Collection where only 4 are required.