A New Chapter for AHFA
The Australian Hair Fashion Awards return for 2027 with one of the biggest program evolutions in AHFA history.
New categories. A new structure. More accessible entry pathways. A renewed commitment to live judging, transparency and creative excellence across Australia, New Zealand and the global hair community.
This is AHFA 2027, evolved for the industry it represents.
TWO NEW
CATEGORIES
Hair Cutter of the Year and Texture Artist of the Year make their AHFA debut in 2027, while Transformation Stylist of the Year returns by industry demand, creating more opportunities to showcase technical excellence and creativity.
NEW PREMIUM
GROUP CATEGORY
AHFA's most prestigious creative titles are now brought together under a dedicated Premium Category Group, creating a clearer pathway through the program and recognising the highest level of achievement.
NEW REGIONAL
TITLES
The former State Hairdresser of the Year categories have evolved into two regional titles, recognising outstanding talent across Australia while elevating these awards within the new Premium Category Group.
MORE ACCESSIBLE
ENTRY PATHWAYS
Texture Artist of the Year, Commercial Colourist of the Year, Hair Cutter of the Year and Transformation Stylist of the Year can all be entered using content captured entirely on your smartphone, making AHFA more accessible than ever.
LIVE GALLERY
JUDGING RETURNS
Entries requiring professional photographic collections will once again be judged side-by-side at a dedicated Live Gallery Judging Day, bringing Australia's leading hairdressers together to assess work in its intended format.
REDUCED COLLECTION
REQUIREMENTS
Selected collection-based categories have been streamlined to four images, helping reduce production costs while maintaining the creative and technical standards AHFA is renowned for.
Meet the New Categories
The 2027 season introduces two brand-new creative categories and welcomes back one of the industry's most celebrated awards. Together, they create more opportunities for hairdressers to showcase technical skill, creativity and real world work through accessible, modern entry formats.
HAIRCUTTER
OF THE YEAR
​Entry Format:
Smartphone Video
Created exclusively for cutters, this category celebrates the craft of haircutting through a complete, start to finish haircut captured on smartphone video. No professional production required, just exceptional cutting skill.
TEXTURE ARTIST
OF THE YEAR
​Entry Format:
4 Smartphone Images
Recognising artists working across the full texture spectrum, from Type 2 waves through to Type 4C coils, this new category celebrates textured hair as a creative discipline in its own right and gives it the dedicated platform it deserves.
TRANSFORMATION
STYLIST OF THE YEAR
​Entry Format:
60sec Smartphone Video
Returning for 2027, this category celebrates the artistry of transformation through a compelling before-and-after journey. It rewards technical excellence, creative vision and the ability to tell a powerful story through your work.
A New Awards Structure
The AHFA 2027 season introduces a clearer awards structure, designed to better reflect the journey of today's hairdresser while elevating AHFA's most prestigious creative titles. From emerging talent to the industry's highest honours, the new hierarchy creates greater clarity across the program.
PREMIUM CATEGORIES
The highest honours in the AHFA program, recognising the pinnacle of creative excellence across Australia, New Zealand and the global hair industry.
CREATIVE CATEGORIES
Celebrating technical skill, innovation and artistry across the industry's most diverse creative disciplines, with new categories and updated entry pathways.
BUSINESS CATEGORIES
Recognising outstanding business performance, leadership, education and innovation across the professional hair industry.
PRODUCT CATEGORIES
Celebrating product innovation and excellence across the professional hair industry, recognising the brands shaping and supporting the future of hair.
INTRODUCING
New Regional Titles
The former State Hairdresser of the Year categories have evolved into two regional titles, recognising creative excellence across Australia while elevating these awards within the new Premium Category Group.
Designed to better reflect today's industry, the new regional titles continue to celebrate exceptional creative talent while elevating these awards within AHFA's new Premium Category Group.
EASTERN AUSTRALIAN
HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
NSW
VIC
QLD
TAS
ACT
WESTERN / CENTRAL
AUSTRALIAN
HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR
WA
SA
NT
Designed Around Today's Hairdresser
A more accessible entry experience without compromising the prestige, creativity and integrity that define AHFA.
Making AHFA More Accessible
Four categories can now be entered entirely using smartphone photography or video, making it easier than ever to showcase your creativity without the need for professional production.
Less Production. Same Prestige.
Several professional collection categories have been reduced from six images to four, helping lower production costs while maintaining the creative and technical standards AHFA is renowned for.
Open to Every Hairdresser
Whether you're salon-employed, a salon owner, an independent stylist, chair renter, suite operator or freelancer, AHFA continues to recognise exceptional talent across every corner of the professional industry.
Live Gallery Judging Returns
One of AHFA's most respected judging traditions returns for 2027.
Entries requiring professional photographic collections will once again be assessed side-by-side during a dedicated Live Gallery Judging Day, allowing Australia's leading hairdressers to evaluate work in its intended format while reinforcing the integrity and prestige of the judging process.
PRINTED COLLECTIONS
Professional collections are reviewed at full scale, allowing judges to appreciate every creative and technical detail.
INDUSTRY EXPERTS
Australia's most respected hairdressers come together to independently assess every collection.
JUDGING INTEGRITY
Judging work side-by-side ensures consistency, transparency and the highest standard of evaluation.
Ready to Make Your Mark?
The 2027 program marks one of the most significant evolutions in AHFA history. With new categories, a refined awards structure, more accessible entry pathways and the return of Live Gallery Judging, there's never been a better time to showcase your work.
Whether you're entering for the first time or returning to compete at Australia's highest level, AHFA 2027 is ready for the industry's next chapter.