Australia's top five Style Counsellors

The international judging panel for the 2005 Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFA) agree finalists in the AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year are officially this country's leading style counsellors, hairdressing maestros whose photographic collections capture what's hot in current hair fashion trends.

In line with the British Hairdressing Awards, this year the Australian Hair Fashion Awards recognises five hairdressers in the category of AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year:

Robert Bava from Toni&Guy (Adelaide)

Lee Cohen from Reds Salon and Spa (Cairns)

Oscar Cullinan from Oscar Oscar Salons (South East Queensland) and Synergy by Oscar (Darlinghurst)

Mick Luppino from Luppino's Hair, Skin and Body (Fairfield West)

Brad Ngata from Brad Ngata Hair Directions (Surry Hills)

The winner of this prestigious accolade will be announced at a gala awards ceremony at Sydney Town Hall on Monday 28 February, 2005.

Judged in London by a panel of UK's leading hairdressers, the AHFA recognise hairdressers whose photographic collection reflects the latest trends in hair fashion.

According to 2004 British Hairdresser of the Year and UK judge Mark Hayes from the legendary Vidal Sassoon's Academy, "Australian hairdressers are leading the way in forecasting hair fashion trends. They are the most creative and imaginative hairdressers I've seen and aren't afraid to push the boundaries of hair creativity."

This year the quality of entries surpassed everyone's expectations, causing judges to question the long held view that British Hairdressers set hair fashion trends.

"British hairdressing has always been thought of as the best in the world. After judging the Australian Hair Fashion Awards, I have to ask if British hairdressers are still number one" says UK judge Sean Dawson.

Judges recognise hair and fashion is intertwined, they make a point not to judge the hairstyles in isolation. Model, make-up, clothes, accessories, lighting etc are all taken into consideration.



The five finalists for 2005 Australian Hairdresser of the Year include:



Owner of the first Toni&Guy salon in Adelaide, Robert Bava who tames the manes of the cast for McLeod's Daughters as well as the biggest afro in the biz, Guy Sebastian. Robert is the first South Australian hairdresser to make the cut as a finalist in the AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year.







Lee Cohen from Reds Salon and Spa in Cairns got into hairdressing to "pick-up women". So far Lee has collected a beautiful bride as well as the title of Queensland Hairdresser of the Year in 2002 and 2004. He is also the current AHFA 2004 Australian Hairdresser of the Year.







Flamboyant rock star stylist, Oscar Cullinan from Oscar Oscar Salons in South East Queensland and Synergy by Oscar in Sydney is an Irish rogue whose ability to combine creative talent with business acumen has lead him to become one of Australia's most successful hairdressers.







Mick Luppino from Luppino's Hair, Skin and Body credits his creative flair and technical expertise to his first job as a spray painter and panel beater. 20 years ago he decided hairdressing was a better lifestyle choice. Previous winner of AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year, Mick is vying to regain the title.







One of Australia's most talented session stylists on the international catwalk circuit, Brad Ngata from Brad Ngata Hair Directions in Surry Hills works with fashion designers at Mercedes Australian Fashion Week, London and Paris Fashion Week. Brad leads a hugely talented team with finalists in AHFA Apprentice of the Year and Artistic Team.


Winners will be announced at the 2005 Australian Hair Fashion Awards on Monday 28 February at a gala ceremony held at Sydney Town Hall.

The Australian Hair Fashion Awards are sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional and presented by AHJ and the Fellowship for Australian Hairdressers.

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