Hair Expo draws ever closer and you still have time to throw your hat, collection and talent into the ring. If you’re on the fence about taking the plunge, there are a few people who know firsthand that it’s totally worth it – those that have been victorious in the past, and they’re here to show you why this is an unmissable career opportunity, writes Shannon Gaitz.

“Winning a Hair Expo Award is incredibly rewarding, exhilarating and humbling. It gives you recognition for all your hard work and the awards are a great platform to propel yourself in the industry and get your name out there. And, from a business perspective, the clients and staff really love it and the recognition creates a real buzz in the salon,” says Dee Parker Attwood of Wieselmann Salon, winner of the 2019 Australian Hairdresser of the Year accolade.

“My advice is preparation, planning and practice,” Dee says. “There is no other way. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or get yourself a mentor. They don’t tell you what hair or concept to do. I guess they help with filtering your ideas. What I originally started with, to what I ended up with, were two different things. It’s all part of the process.”

When it comes to practical advice for future entrants, the winners are brimming with good tips.

“Read the question carefully, use it as a guideline and start working on it now,” says D&M’s Danny Pato, 2019 New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year.

“Allocate time, believe in yourself, and believe in your business because you can do it,” adds Sharlene Lee of Circles of Subiaco salon, winner of 2019 Salon Business of the Year.

Hair Expo Australia will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre over 6-8 June 2020, with the Hair Expo Awards being held on the evening of 8 June 2020. Entries for the Hair Expo Awards close Wednesday 1 April 2020 with finalists announced on 17 April.

“The Hair Expo Awards remain the pinnacle celebration of our industry’s finest professionals,” says Hair Expo Awards Head Judge and Ambassador, Julie Piantadosi.

“Year after year we see the importance of the Hair Expo Awards within our industry and how they elevate the careers of our finalists and winners, helping them reach their full potential and being celebrated throughout the world as leaders in our profession. We encourage all hair professionals looking to challenge themselves and boost their careers to enter the awards this year, and I can’t wait to see what incredible talent and skill is presented to myself and our new judging panel this June.”

For more information visit hairexpo.com.au.

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