The ultimate celebration of the hairdressing industry’s next gen talent, HOT SHOTS provides the chance for those 31 and under to take their career to a whole new level on their road to better the industry. Hairdressers (including Barbers) submit their collection and work created during the awards period.
Winners require passion, dedication and trends focused skill in order to be named on the team before experiencing unparalleled access to industry icons, training opportunities, prizes and creative projects around the globe.
Winners are announced at the AHIA Creative gala with the best in the industry supporting them from the get go.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026 HOT SHOTS
ENTRY DEADLINE 13/4/26
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED 18/5/26
GALA NIGHT 29/6/26
🥂 THE PARTY DOESN’T STOP AT THE AHIA BUSINESS GALA NIGHT! 🥂
We’re excited to announce Angel Extensions as the Official After Party Sponsor of the 2026 AHIA Business Awards! ✨
When the awards wrap, we’re keeping the celebrations going onsite from 11pm–1am — no taxis, no venue change, just straight into the after party! 💃🕺
Another reason to grab your ticket if you haven’t already… because this is one industry night you’ll want to see through to the very end.
AHIA Business Awards 2026
📍 The Star Brisbane
📅 Sunday 18 October
🥂 Official After Party | 11pm–1am
✨ Proudly sponsored by Angel Extensions @angelextensions_au
The awards finish. The party doesn’t.
Gala Tickets on sale still at www.mochagroup.com.au/shop
#AHIABusiness2026 #AngelExtensions #AHIABusinessAwards #PoweredByMocha
AHIA - Creative 2026 WINNERS INSPO
MENS HAIR SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner – Justin Hampson, The Safari Room
@justin_safaricanvashair
INORDINARY
“INORDINARY” is a celebration of real man — authentic, unfiltered, and captured exactly as they are. This collection draws inspiration from the everyday: men of different ages, backgrounds, and lived experiences, each wearing their own story through their hair. Shot in monochrome to remove distraction, every portrait spotlights texture, individuality, and the quiet power of male identity. With no makeup, minimal styling, and a commitment to honesty, INORDINARY reframes the ‘common man’ as an icon.
The result is a high-fashion yet human series that elevates natural hair into
something striking, relatable, and undeniably true.”
Credits:
Damion Ramsay - Photographer @_damionjramsay_
What is happening in hair this week?
Swipe through to catch up & head to the website to read more!
#mochahair #hairindustry #apprenticehairdresser #hairnews
Celebrating our 2026 AHIA Creative Editorial Hairstylist of the Year 🏆
A standout talent bringing vision, artistry and incredible creativity to every frame. Congratulations to our very deserving winner! 👏✨ @anthony_nader
Proudly sponsored by @angelextensions_au
#AHIACreative2026 #EditorialHairstylistOfTheYear #AustralianHairIndustryAwards #HairAwards #CreativeHair
Less than two weeks to go until the 2026 AHIA Business Awards! ✨🏆
It’s been almost a year, since these incredible winners were celebrating on stage… and very soon, a whole new group of industry stars will be having their moment.
Who will we see holding a AHIA Business trophy this year? 👀✨
#AHIABusiness2026 #AHIAAwards #AustralianHairIndustryAwards #HairIndustry #MochaGroup
There’s something shifting in our industry… and Louise is asking whether hairdressing could be coming full circle. ✂️
From the long-running skills shortage to the impact AI may have on the careers of the future, her latest Editor’s Letter looks at why this next chapter could create a huge opportunity for hairdressing and for the next generation entering our industry.
Read the full Editor’s Letter in the latest issue of Mocha Hair. 🤎
#MochaHair #HairIndustry #Hairdressing #AustralianHairIndustry #IndustryInsights FutureOfHairdressing
✨ 2 WEEKS TO GO! ✨
The countdown is officially on to the 2026 AHIA Business Awards 🏆🥂
In just two weeks, we’ll be celebrating the incredible people, teams and businesses shaping the future of the hair industry across Australia & New Zealand. ❤️🔥
📅 Sunday 18 October 2026
📍 The Star Brisbane
⏰ From 7PM
Who’s ready for one unforgettable night? ✨
#AHIABusiness2026 #AHIA2026 #HairIndustryAwards #MochaGroup #HairIndustry AwardsNight CountdownIsOn
Big talent, bright future ✨✂️
Celebrating our 2026 AHIA Creative Emerging Hairstylist of the Year an incredible achievement and such an exciting name to watch! 🏆 & ALSO TAKING OUT A PLACE IN THE 2026 HOT SHOT TEAM
Congratulations @_safariroom_gemma 🤍
Proudly sponsored by @bktbeautypro & @natalieannehaircare
#AHIACreative #EmergingHairstylist #AustralianHairIndustryAwards #HairIndustry #NextGeneration
AHIA - Creative 2026 WINNERS INSPO
AVANT GARDE HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
Winner – Joshua Congreve, Togninis Hair
@josh_congreve
FRACTALS
Fractals is inspired by recurring patterns found in nature, fashion, symmetry, mathematics, technology and human behaviour. It explores repetition as both structure and evolution.
Each look reflects patterns within patterns. Sculptural styling creates geometric foundations, while texture and movement introduce organic disruption. Colour placement follows intentional sequences, echoing mathematical rhythm yet remaining instinctive and expressive. Like natural forms, digital grids and behavioural cycles, the work repeats, expands and transforms without losing its core identity. Fractals is a study of order and intuition. Control and chaos. Structure that breathes.
Credits:
Photography: James Caswell @jaamescaswell
Makeup: Brooke Clarke @brookeclarkemakeup
Stylist: Ysha Giorno @caesura____
#avantgarde #ahiacreative #mochagroup #creativehairdressing #creativeexcellence
Okayyyy this lineup is SERIOUS 🔥🔥🔥
The Hotshots House is about to take over Melbourne for 3 jam-packed days, and we’ve got an incredible crew of industry icons dropping in to mentor our Hotshots along the way.
Swipe to see WHO’S COMING TO THE HOUSE 👀🏠
Thank you to our amazing sponsors for helping make the magic happen ✨
@matsuihair @joicoaustralianz @amazinghairaustralia @gammaplusaus
Come along with us on the ride!!
#hairdresser #hairdressermentor #hotshots #2026hotshots #ahiacreative
A true work of art ✨🏆
Celebrating the incredible 2026 AHIA Creative Hair Masterpiece Winner where creativity, vision and pure hair artistry came together in one unforgettable moment.
Congratulations to our deserving winner Marilyn Guarino @marilynguarino ! 👏🔥
Proudly sponsored Alfaparf Milano @alfaparfmilanopro_aus
#AHIACreative2026 #HairMasterpiece #AustralianHairIndustryAwards #HairArtistry #CreativeHair
Retreats, rising Leaders & everything happening in hair this week!
Still missing out? Click the link in bio to join our free weekly mail 📧
#hairnews #hairindustry #hairupdates #mochagroup #mochamail