Sunday 19th October saw the Australian and New Zealand winners crowned at the 12^th annual ANZ Hair Industry Awards 2025 – Business. Launched in 2014 by mocha group, this definitive awards program recognises business excellence for leading hairdressers, salons, specialist businesses, educators and professional products.

Among the night’s key winners was Sloans of Lane Cove which claimed four wins including the coveted AHIA Business Australian Salon of the Year 2025 and AHIA Business Director of the Year 2025 for Owner Scott Sloan, as well as The Following Hair Co which was named AHIA Business NZ Salon of the Year 2025. The evening also awarded Anthony Gray of MIG Training with AHIA Business Special Recognition 2025 and Paul Frasca and Ewelina Soroko of Sustainable Salons with AHIA Business Humanitarian Award 2025.

With award creators and industry leaders Mocha Group celebrating 20 years in 2025, the decision to open existing categories to NZ salons, and introduce the new AHIA NZ Salon of the Year 2025 category, reinforced their commitment to elevating industry excellence. This milestone year also saw a record-breaking 300+ entries assessed by an independent panel of more than 30 international and national judges including the exciting additions of Tabatha Coffey and Sandy Chong.

2025 saw the much-anticipated gala event moved to Brisbane for the first time, taking place at The Star, where the awards didn’t just open, they detonated! The special guest electro-pop supergroup tore through a Teddy Swims medley mashed with powerhouse vocals, DJ, drums, sax, and surprise specialty act, delivering a high-voltage, high-fashion spectacle. The result was pure electricity: glamour, grit, and high volume, unapologetic cool. The renowned official after party continued celebrations complete with special guest DJ, sponsored by Angel Extensions.

Proud sponsors include Alfaparf Milano Goldwell, Revlon, Wella Company, Rogue, CPR, Dyson, Salon Lane, Redken, Matrix, Kitomba, Angel Extensions, Shortcuts, Comfortel, Schwarzkopf Professional, Gamma+, DNA Organics, DP Exo Grow, Goddess, Sustainable Salons, L’Oréal Professional as well as Official Media partner Mocha Hair and all presented by the mocha group.

Celebrating two decades of celebrating and supporting the industry, Mocha Group Owner and Founder Linda Woodhead reflected:

“We’re profoundly grateful for another hugely successful year and feel a tremendous sense of obligation to keep delivering the awards this industry deserves. The quality of this year’s winners showcases what an exciting era we’re experiencing across salon owners, hairdressers and brands. We’re proud to have been elevating the industry we love for so long, and these awards stand as a testament to the way that our entrants value and strive to exceed quality benchmarks across both Australia and New Zealand. We’re excited to see what another 20 years of excellence will bring!”

AHIA Business Winners

Care / Treat / Style / Electrical Awards

Sponsored by mocha hair

Best in Care

Signature Structure Complex Protein Shampoo & Conditioner by NAK Hair

Best in Treat

Pure Gloss by DNA Organics

Best in Style

Intense Hydrate Styling Cream by REF Stockholm

Best Electrical Tool

Cloud Nine 2-in-1 Contouring Iron Pro

Salon Team Member of the Year

Sponsored by Dyson

Bevan Clark, Co and Pace Salons

Salon Manager/Co-Ordinator of the Year

Sponsored by Angel Extensions

Kate Turvey, Intuition The Art of Hair

Sole Operator of the Year

Sponsored by Salon Lane

Katy Reeve, Katy Reeve Hair

Business Director/Owner of the Year

Sponsored by Shortcuts

Scott Sloan, Sloans of Lane Cove

Best Business Performance of the Year

Sponsored by mocha hair

Amazing Hair

Best Business Coach

Sponsored by Goddess

Kym Krey, The Salon Mentor

Salon Business Newcomer of the Year

Sponsored by CPR Hair

Wakefields

Best Eco Salon

Sponsored by DNA Organics

Little Birdie Hair Co

Salon Design Award

Sponsored by Comfortel

Mamawest

Best Marketing

Sponsored by Kitomba

Ms Monaco Hair Society

Best Customer Care

Sponsored by mocha hair

Rokstar

Facebook: Mocha.Hair.Media  | Instagram: @mochahairmedia  |  #ahiabusiness2025

Whether you’re seeking subtle maintenance, a fresh new look, or a complete transformation, Blondee is where blonde dreams come to life. Founded in 2019 by Faith Williams, Blondee was created with a clear purpose, to redefine the standard of blonde hairdressing. From the very beginning, the mission was to deliver WOW-worthy magical moments and offer a service experience unlike any other.

Faith’s vision was clear: every guest should leave Blondee feeling confident, cared for, and absolutely in love with their hair. This commitment to excellence has shaped everything about the business, from the way clients are greeted to the meticulous approach taken with every colour, cut, and extension application.

A Journey of Growth

MIG Day Out’s stage program was an inspiring showcase of artistry in motion. From the first demo to the final act, the audience was treated to techniques, ideas, and approaches that spoke to every corner of our craft. Concurrent sessions allowed those who attended to choose their own adventure from an incredible line-up that included:

• The Rixon Hair Crew: Brad, Chloe, Imogen and Lilly – kicked off the day in style, showcasing cutting and dressing hair techniques with their trademark elegance. Known for their collaborations with L’Oréal, the team also highlighted their education platform for cutting and styling — a valuable resource for salon training that brings high-end skills into everyday salon life.

• Ella & Jade – Anna & Alanah: Specialists in curly and Afro hair, Anna and Alanah demonstrated precision cutting and styling techniques for textured hair. Their session celebrated diversity in hairdressing and promoted their education platform dedicated to curly and coily hair professionals, shining a spotlight on the beauty and complexity of natural texture.

Industry Recognition

Blondee’s reputation for excellence has been recognised far beyond their client base. They’ve been featured in publications such as Refinery29 and Style Magazines, cementing their place as one of Queensland’s most trusted names for blondes, balayage, lived-in colour, and premium extensions. Their dedication to training and business excellence has also been rewarded on the awards stage. Blondee has been a finalist in the Queensland Training Awards (Metro Region) for two consecutive years, and in 2025 proudly took home Small Employer of the Year. This recognition shines a light on their in-house education program, which is integral to shaping emerging stylists into confident professionals.

From Chair Rental to Salon Group

Faith’s journey is one of vision and determination. Starting with a single chair rental, she saw a gap in the market, a space where blonde hair wasn’t just offered, but mastered. What began as a personal mission has grown into a fully functioning business with three thriving salons, a leadership team, and a close-knit crew of 23 talented stylists. Watching each stylist grow, evolve, and climb the “Blondee ladder”, from emerging apprentice to senior creative, is one of the most rewarding parts of Faith and Holly’s work. It’s a culture of progress, where every win is shared and celebrated.

Commitment to Apprenticeship Training

One of the strongest pillars of Blondee’s success is its deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of hairdressers. Since 2019, Blondee has partnered with MIG Training to deliver high-quality, nationally recognised apprenticeship programs. They currently have five apprentices training with MIG and have proudly graduated 5 senior hairdressers. Apprentices at Blondee benefit from a structured, hands-on education model. Every second Monday is dedicated to full-day in-salon training sessions, where emerging stylists refine techniques, build speed, and develop the signature Blondee standard in real time.

On alternate weeks, they attend MIG College to balance formal study with practical application. From the very start, they work on real models and clients, gaining the confidence to deliver outstanding results early in their careers. It’s not just about teaching technical skills, it’s about fostering confidence, professionalism, and a love for the craft. By investing in apprentices, Blondee is actively raising industry standards and creating career pathways that keep talented stylists in the profession long-term.

The Blondee Experience

Blondee is best known for:

• Signature blonde transformations that turn heads

• Effortless balayage and lived-in looks that last

• Premium hair extensions with ethically sourced Great Lengths hair

• Healthy, glossy finishes using the world’s best products

Clients can expect Wella Professionals colour for its performance and reliability, Kérastase and Kevin Murphy care products for that luxe finish, and K18 treatments to protect and repair hair throughout the colouring journey. Every detail is considered to ensure the end result is as healthy as it is beautiful.

Culture at the Core

Ask anyone in the Blondee team what makes their workplace special, and the answer won’t just be about hair, it’s the culture. Blondee lives by four core values: Excellence, Heart & Soul, Integrity, and Inspire. These values aren’t just written on the wall; they’re woven into daily life.

From midweek shoutouts to surprise celebrations, the team makes time to acknowledge and uplift each other. Wins are shared loudly, challenges are tackled together, and successes are celebrated in style, including the legendary Blondee Christmas party. It’s a culture that attracts stylists from across the country and even overseas.

Faith and Holly believe that culture matters just as much as skill. In hiring, they look for kindness, energy, and alignment with values first, skills can always be taught. When a stylist feels supported and inspired, that energy flows straight to the client experience.

Education as a Lifelong Pursuit

Education isn’t a one-off training day at Blondee, it’s a career-long journey. The team regularly hosts guest artists, brand-led masterclasses, and internal workshops. Since the Burleigh salon opened, they’ve introduced quarterly full-day development sessions across all locations, focusing on both personal and professional growth. These sessions give the team space to reflect, realign, and recharge together.

This commitment to constant improvement ensures Blondee stays ahead of trends while maintaining the highest technical standards. It’s also what makes clients keep coming back, they know their stylist is at the top of their game

@blondee_salon @mig_training @anthonygray_mig

Written by Anthony Gray

CLICK HERE TO SEE PUBLISHED ARTICLE

MIG Day Out 2025 was more than an event, it was a full-scale celebration of hairdressing culture, creativity, and connection. On Monday 21st July, the MIG campus came alive with over 130 people from across our incredible community, from Curate Award finalists to salon owners, company representatives, apprentices, and senior stylists.

This was a day to gather, learn, and be inspired, but more than that, it was a reminder of the joy and energy that flows when our industry comes together. For many, it was a chance to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new ones, and walk away buzzing with fresh ideas and renewed passion for their craft.

The Welcome

The moment guests walked through the doors, they stepped into a space alive with colour, music, and movement. There was a true festival feel, bright styling zones, the hum of conversation, the scent of great food in the air, and a soundtrack from our resident DJ that set the tone for the entire day.

Everyone was greeted with a goodie tote bag packed with surprises, setting the scene for a day where every detail was designed to make people feel welcome and inspired. The coffee cart was in full swing from the first arrival, ensuring everyone was fuelled for the creativity ahead.

A Trade Area Full of Ideas

The trade area quickly became a social and learning hub. Here, our incredible sponsors, L’Oréal, Showpony, and Sustainable Salons, Barber Temple and Becky B Education — showcased their latest innovations and connected directly with the community.

• L’Oréal brought their global prestige to the floor, sharing their latest product developments and colour technologies.

• Showpony offered insight into the power and versatility of premium hair extensions, inspiring guests to explore new ways of enhancing their work.

• Sustainable Salons reminded everyone of the importance of environmental responsibility, showing practical ways salons can reduce waste and give back to the community.

• Barber Temple – Showcasing their innovative one stop barber education and supply hub.

One of the most talked-about stops in the trade area was the interactive trichology zone by @becky_b_education. The Becky B team were scanning scalps, sharing personalised hair science insights, and offering expert trichology tips. For many guests, this was an eye-opening experience, adding a new layer of understanding to the link between scalp health and creative results.

A Creative Line-Up to Remember

MIG Day Out’s stage program was an inspiring showcase of artistry in motion. From the first demo to the final act, the audience was treated to techniques, ideas, and approaches that spoke to every corner of our craft. Concurrent sessions allowed those who attended to choose their own adventure from an incredible line-up that included:

• The Rixon Hair Crew: Brad, Chloe, Imogen and Lilly – kicked off the day in style, showcasing cutting and dressing hair techniques with their trademark elegance. Known for their collaborations with L’Oréal, the team also highlighted their education platform for cutting and styling — a valuable resource for salon training that brings high-end skills into everyday salon life.

• Ella & Jade – Anna & Alanah: Specialists in curly and Afro hair, Anna and Alanah demonstrated precision cutting and styling techniques for textured hair. Their session celebrated diversity in hairdressing and promoted their education platform dedicated to curly and coily hair professionals, shining a spotlight on the beauty and complexity of natural texture.

• Matt Clarke: Newly minted ANZ AMBA of the year for 2025, Matt delivered a brace of sharp, edgy cuts packed with heavy texture and clipper work. His demo bridged the worlds of barbering and hairdressing, offering techniques that were both commercially relevant and creatively daring.

• Kristie Kesic: Wonderfully supported by Nathan Yip, Kristie provided the only live colour demonstration of the day. Kristie wowed the audience with her freehand and lived-in colour techniques. Widely recognised as one of Australia’s top colourists, her expertise and calm, confident approach inspired both emerging colourists and seasoned professionals to experiment and refine their craft.

• Barber Temple Crew: Kat and Kristian from the Barber Temple were locked in an energetic and entertaining- this or that challenge, the Barber Temple team showcased their barbering skills in a format that was as inspiring as it was fun. The friendly rivalry, quick banter, and technical precision made it a highlight for many.

• Justin Pace: 2023 Hairdresser of the Year Justin Pace brought the day to a fitting finale with a live demo incorporating a timeless curly shape reimagined through progressive, creative, and outside-the-box cutting techniques. Combined with wig creativity and delivering standout colour work, Justin’s artistry and showmanship ended the event on an absolute high.

If the creative line up was not enough Showpony GM Nadine Johns-Alcock provided a thought-provoking education session on ethics and sustainability of the extension industry. Nadine’s presentation even had a cameo from Sustainable Salons one and only Paul Frasca.

What made MIG Day Out so special was the way it blended high-level education with genuine community spirit. It wasn’t just about watching hair being cut, coloured, or styled — it was about the conversations between demos, the laughter in the crowd, and the spontaneous “wow” moments when a technique clicked.

People weren’t just inspired by the presenters; they were inspired by each other. Apprentices stood shoulder-to-shoulder with award-winning stylists. Salon owners shared tips with students. Everyone, regardless of experience level, left with something new to bring back to their chair.

MIG Day Out 2025 simply wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of sponsors: L’Oréal, Showpony, Sustainable Salons, Becky B, Barber Temple and Curate. Their contributions helped create a space where artistry could shine and our community could come together in such a meaningful way.

The incredible energy and success of the day meant that MIG Day Out 2026 is a distinct possibility. Stay Tuned!

@mig_training @anthonygray_mig

Written by Anthony Gray

CLICK HERE TO SEE PUBLISHED ARTICLE

Check out this edition Mocha Hair Magazine.

Check out the new mochahair magazine featuring more great articles by our very own Anthony Gray including “MIG Day Out 2025” on page 34, and “Blondee – Raising the Standard of Blonde Hairdressing” on page 44.

MOCHA HAIR is the only magazine of its kind which offers a comprehensive look at both the business and image side of the hair industry. It provides salon owners with tools and information to be more successful and knowledgeable when it comes to business skills as well as keeping them informed with trend forecasts, interviews, profiles, news, reviews and product info.

The Australian hair and barbering industry is preparing for one of the most significant changes in vocational education in more than a decade. The national qualifications that underpin the training of thousands of emerging professionals are being reviewed, restructured, and reimagined—bringing with them the promise of a better-prepared, more technically capable, and more future-focused generation of stylists and barbers.

Led by Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), the reform of the Certificate III in Hairdressing (SHB30416) and Certificate III in Barbering (SHB30516) aims to eliminate duplication, raise technical standards, and bring qualifications into closer alignment with what salons, barbershops, and clients expect today.

These reforms aren’t being developed in isolation. They’re the product of extensive national consultation with salons, educators, apprentices, and industry representatives— voices that have made it clear: while the current qualifications have laid strong foundations, they no longer reflect the complexity, creativity, and commercial realities of modern industry life.

The Problem: A Disconnect Between Training and Industry

For years, industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the structure of the current training packages. While they contain many important components, they’re often criticised for:

• Repetitive or overlapping content across units between the hairdressing and barbering qualifications,

• Limited emphasis on foundational skills such as communication, customer service, and client consultation,

• Rigid qualification structures that don’t easily allow for career progression or cross-skilling between the two crafts, and

• Insufficient technical depth in some areas of cutting, styling, and colour.

These issues have real consequences. Employers are finding that many graduates aren’t fully job-ready. RTOs (Registered Training Organisations) are working overtime to stretch the curriculum to meet workplace needs. And learners—many of whom are apprentices— struggle to see how their training connects to their day-to-day work or long-term career goals.

As one salon owner recently put it, “We’re not just teaching someone to cut hair. We’re building professionals. And right now, the training system isn’t making that easy.”

A Single, Stronger Qualification Model

At the heart of SaCSA’s reform plan is a bold move: to explore the development of a single Certificate III qualification for both hairdressing and barbering. Rather than separating the two trades entirely, this model would introduce distinct specialisation streams—likely a Creative stream (hairdressing) and a Service stream (barbering)—within a common qualification framework.

The benefits?

• It reduces unnecessary duplication, especially across shared foundational units.

• It recognises the shared core competencies between hairdressers and barbers, such as hygiene, customer care, and consultation.

• And it enables customisation and career mobility, giving learners the opportunity to develop specific technical specialisations while still building a well-rounded skill set.

This model, if adopted, would represent a major shift—but one that brings greater flexibility and relevance to how we prepare our future professionals.

Building Better Foundations

A major focus of the reform is ensuring that learners are work-ready from day one. This means placing greater emphasis on the foundational skills that matter most in real-world settings:

• Interpersonal communication

• Client consultation and service

• Teamwork and time management

• Personal well-being and resilience

As anyone in the industry knows, technical skills will only take you so far. True success in the salon or barbershop depends just as much on the ability to connect with clients, work well with others, and deliver consistently high-quality service.

The new qualifications will aim to build these capabilities into the learning experience in a more deliberate, structured way—ensuring graduates don’t just know how to cut, colour or style hair, but know how to do so in a professional, clientcentred environment.

Technical Excellence Front and Centre

While foundational skills are critical, there’s also a clear directive from industry to raise the bar on technical training. The reforms will prioritise:

• Stronger technical content, particularly in cutting and styling

• Clearer assessment expectations, with a focus on practical competency

• Reinforced repetition where necessary to build muscle memory and precision

• Greater alignment with workplace practice, ensuring learners are exposed to current tools, techniques, and technologies

This will be supported by improved implementation guidance—resources that help trainers and assessors deliver the qualification more effectively, and more consistently, across Australia.

Ultimately, the goal is to empower RTOs and employers alike with qualifications that are clearer to navigate, easier to deliver, and more effective in producing confident, skilled professionals.

Future-Focused Career Pathways

Beyond the Certificate III, SaCSA’s reform process is also exploring how to establish clearer pathways for career development—from apprentice to senior stylist, educator, manager, or creative director.

This includes looking at how qualifications can better link from:

• Certificate II entry-level training

• Certificate III trade qualification

• Certificate IV and Diploma-level education

By creating visible and achievable progression steps, the industry has a better chance of retaining talent, fostering ambition, and developing future leaders.

A Collaborative, Transparent Process

Importantly, SaCSA is not undertaking this reform in isolation. Over the next 18 months, they will continue to engage with:

• Employers and business owners

• Industry associations and peak bodies such as the Australian Hairdressing Council

• Training providers

• Current students and apprentices

• Product companies and education partners

This co-design process ensures that the final training products are not only technically sound and pedagogically robust—but that they also reflect the real-world needs of modern hairdressing and barbering.

As SaCSA stated in its reform outline, “We are committed to qualifications that serve learners, support industry, and strengthen the future of our craft.”

Key Milestones

The project officially commenced in February 2025, with a planned completion date of September 2026. The key stages include:

• Consultation and industry engagement –already underway

• Design and drafting of new qualifications and units

• Validation and pilot testing

• Publication and endorsement

• Implementation planning and support for RTOs

Training providers, salons, and learners can expect to see new training products ready for enrolment from early 2027, depending on the national endorsement process.

What It Means for the Industry

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape the foundation of hair and barber training in Australia.

For employers, it means better-prepared apprentices.

For educators, it means clearer pathways and stronger support.

For learners, it means training that reflects the industry they’re entering.

And for the industry as a whole, it’s a step toward stronger professionalism, technical excellence, and recognition of the incredible work hairdressers and barbers do every day.

Whether you’re an RTO, salon owner, apprentice, independent educator or industry leader—now is the time to engage, contribute, and be part of shaping the next chapter in our story.

www.sacsa.org.au/our-projects/

Written by Anthony Gray

CLICK HERE TO SEE PUBLISHED ARTICLE