The main change is that it has been simplified. The AHIA Creative, as its name suggests, is all about your Photographic Collections. The written component has

been minimalised to reflect that, asking just a few simple questions in relation to the description, inspiration, and creative process of your collection. We have

also changed some criteria in some of our categories and introduced some new ones also simplifying entries and giving a clear path through the AHIA Creative awards.

We have created The AHIA Awards Path. Think of a seedling growing into a beautiful oak tree! Similarly, we will now have an easy-to-follow path, for all, as they grow in experience and creative excellence.

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, Emerging Colourist, 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.

Yes!

1. Emerging Stylist and Colourist are for newly qualified individuals providing an introduction and stepping stone into the awards program leaving no gap from when you have completed your apprenticeship.
2. AI Collection of the Year – A brand new category for hairdressers, photographers, graphic designers or really any creative that wants to produce a hair collection using real people or 100% computer generated graphics to embrace state of the art technology.

3. Collective Team of the Year – replaces Colab of the year but is essentially the same being a team of 2 or more from different salons, or from a product company or any group formed from creatives that do not work for the same salon.

Essentially the whole process has been simplified and while there are some categories such as Australian and NZ Hairdresser of the Year, that may have some additional requirements, mainly just contact info, your collection, 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!

We felt that the Creative awards should be about exactly that – Creativity and execution of an award-winning hair collection. As we also own the AHIA Business, for those that can show incredible business acumen, education ability, salon management and ownership, then there are many categories under the AHIA Business banner that suit these skill sets. We wanted to create a defined line between the two mocha owned awards honouring our creatives and their creative process in the AHIA Creative.

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. 

For the first time in the history of Australian Hair awards, 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! Without exception! We recognise the evolvement and direction of our industry and we are excited for this developmental change

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