It was a dazzling night in Melbourne as Hair Expo closed off the weekend with the pinnacle celebration: the 2018 Hair Expo Awards Gala. Hundreds gathered in The Plenary to hear the winners announced and to revel in the festivities with friends and colleagues.
Entertainment for the night included Sina King and her showgirls, who kicked off the gala with a racy burlesque performance that unveiled the night’s host, Natalie Bassingthwaighte. Later in the night, songstress Thando got the room moving with her soulful sound, backed up by a saxophone player.
New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, Danny Pato, wowed the audience with a recreation of the looks from his 2018 finalist collection, inspired by global women. 2017 Australian Hairdresser of the Year, Jason Fassbender, followed with a beautiful runway showcase featuring models with a doll-like aesthetic and pops of bright colour.
Following this, it was time for the awards to get underway. Winners were announced and awards presented across four business categories, 14 creative categories, the newly created Editor’s Choice category, and the Hall of Fame inductee was also named.
Joey Scandizzo was crowned as the 2018 Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year, the second time he’s taken out the award since first winning in 2012. He accepted the award from the legendary Angelo Seminara.
Joey Scandizzo with his 2018 Australian Hairdresser of the Year Award
“For me, this is a dream come true and I’ve been working on this for years and years”, said Joey backstage following the win. “I’ve put the hard yards in; I’ve got a fantastic team. We’ve had a great night, the guys have won plenty of awards and everyone has worked hard for them. To take this baby home is awesome!”
The 2018 Hair Expo New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year award went to Danny Pato of D&M Hair Design in Auckland, who has now taken out the title for three consecutive years – 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Danny Pato with his 2018 New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year award
“[It feels] amazing,” said Danny. “This collection is about a global woman… and about being proud.”
Vincent and Anton de Lorenzo were inducted into the Hair Expo Hall of Fame in 2018 in recognition of their inspiring contribution to the Australian hairdressing industry. The award was accepted by Anton’s son Anthony de Lorenzo at the awards gala.
Hermiz Daniel took home the inaugural Editor’s Choice award, chosen by Hunger magazine (UK) Fashion Director, Kim Howells. “It feels very modern, brave, very editorial”, said Kim of Hermiz’s winning collection.
Congratulations to all our fabulous 2018 winners!
2018 HAIR EXPO AWARDS GALA – THE WINNERS
Australian Hairdresser of the Year
Joey Scandizzo – Joey Scandizzo Salon, South Yarra VIC
New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year
Danny Pato – D&M Hair Design, Auckland, NZ
Hall of Fame Inductee
Vincent and Anton de Lorenzo
Colour Technician of the Year
Stevie Corthine – Stevie English Hair, Glebe NSW
Men’s Hairdresser / Barber of the Year
Uros Mikic – Kinky Curly Straight, Adelaide SA
New Creative Force
Joe Habbaki – TONI&GUY Armadale, VIC
Apprentice / Student of the Year
Nicholas Tragos – Colour Cosmetica, Adelaide SA
Salon Team of the Year
UVA Salon – Prahran, VIC
Session Stylist of the Year
Sarah Laidlaw – Union Management
Editor’s Choice
Hermiz Daniel – Joey Scandizzo Salon, South Yarra VIC
Best Salon Design
Rixon Hair – Brisbane, QLD
Education Business of the Year
Sharon Blain Education
Educator of the Year
Jules Tognini – Lil’ Off The Top
Industry Business of the Year
Excellent Edges
Salon Business of the Year
Circles of Subiaco – Perth, WA
STATE CATEGORIES
NSW-ACT Hairdresser of the Year
Nathan Cherrington – TONI&GUY Concord, NSW
SA-TAS Hairdresser of the Year
Sam James – Orbe North Adelaide, SA
VIC Hairdresser of the Year
Hermiz Daniel – Joey Scandizzo Salon, South Yarra VIC
WA-NT Hairdresser of the Year
Pauline McCabe – Rock Paper Scissors Hair Studio, Fremantle WA
QLD Hairdresser of the Year
Brodie Lee Stubbins – ROKSTAR, West End QLD
We caught up with Head Judge and Awards Ambassador, Julie Piantadosi, to get her take on the awards and how she feels about her first year in the role. You can read our Q+A here.
