Fresh from her win at the 2025 Australian Hair Industry Awards (Creative), we catch up with New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year Sara Allsop to talk inspiration, career highlights and advice for the next generation.

Congratulations on your big win! How did it feel to take out such a prestigious award?

This recognition belongs to the incredible teams I work with and the many talented individuals I’ve had the privilege of mentoring along the way. This title is a celebration of our whole community – and I’m deeply proud to be part of it.

Can you tell us about the entry submission process?

To qualify for this award, you need to have taken on roles like mentoring, ambassador positions, education, Hair Director roles and have had media and international exposure. I’ve been fortunate to tick all those boxes this past year – and throughout my career. From mentoring emerging stylists, directing hair for shows, teaching, working overseas and being featured in the media, I’ve stayed deeply involved in all areas of our craft.

The submission is a chance to reflect on that journey and put forward not just your portfolio of images, but your contribution to the industry as a whole.

What inspired your award-winning AHIA collection?

The inspiration started with Frida Kahlo’s painting The Flower of Life. I was drawn to the intensity of red in the artwork. That red became a key element in the collection, symbolising both beauty and pain – much like the meaning behind the painting itself, which speaks to the cycles of life, growth and inner strength. Beyond the painting, Frida herself became a huge part of the story. She was unapologetically herself – bold, vulnerable and beautiful in her complexity.

How does this collection differ from your previous work?

In my previous collections, my focus has always been on creating beautiful imagery that tells a story – stories that might not always be obvious to others, but are personal and meaningful to me.
This collection still holds that intention, but it feels more emotionally connected and was captured beautifully by my photographer, Jock.

Where do you source your creative inspiration from?

Growing up, I loved watching old black-and-white movies and spent a lot of time reading.
Music has also been a massive influence. I listen to every genre, and being a kid in the ’70s and ’80s was such a rich time for creativity. I was a teen punk and goth, so that whole world of self-expression, rebellion and style really shaped the way I see individuality.

It might be a bit cliché, but inspiration for me comes from everywhere – films, books, fashion, music, art and interesting people.

Who have been your biggest mentors or influences?

I wouldn’t say there’s just one person – it’s really been a combination of experiences throughout my journey. If I had to name my biggest mentors, it would be the people who trained me back in the ’80s.
The foundations they gave me still show up in my work today. I feel incredibly lucky to have been trained by such passionate and highly skilled professionals – my success is very much a reflection of what they passed on to me.

Looking back, what have been some of your other standout ‘pinch-me’ moments?

There have honestly been so many moments where I’ve stopped and thought, Wow, is this really happening?

One standout was assisting Luigi Murenu in Paris for a week on a huge shoot – every top model in the world was flown in to be photographed. It was surreal to be part of something on that scale.

Another unforgettable moment was having my work recognised as the best among over 800 hairdressers globally.

Then, there are the more personal moments, like teaching hairdressing to Vietnamese teens with UNICEF – seeing their excitement and passion was incredibly moving. And of course, being backstage at Haute Couture shows like Dior and Dolce & Gabbana…Those are moments I dreamed of early in my career.

How have you seen the New Zealand hair industry evolve?

The internet has completely changed the game. When I started, we only saw trends months later in Vogue – now everything is instant. It’s opened amazing opportunities for New Zealand hairdressers to connect globally and showcase our work on a bigger stage.

But I’ve also seen a shift in training. Foundation skills aren’t being taught as thoroughly, and some core techniques are being lost. That’s something I’m passionate about – passing on as much knowledge as I can to the next generation before my career ends.

What do you think our industry needs more (or less) of?

More quality training – urgently. It’s absolutely critical for the survival and growth of hairdressing, not just in New Zealand but globally. Without it, we risk losing the depth and artistry that make this industry so special.

What product or tool do you rely on most in your kit?

That’s easy. My two all-time favourite products are L’Oréal Paris Elnett Hairspray and TIGI Bed Head’s Queen For A Day Thickening Spray. My favourite tool is any size Mason Pearson brush – they are fabulous on the hair.

What advice would you give to aspiring hairdressers?

Say yes to every opportunity, whether it’s paid or not. Ask to assist hairdressers you admire on shoots, shows or any project – you’ll learn so much just by being around great talent.

Enter competitions – they’re not just about winning, but about building your platform and pushing yourself creatively.

Travel the world if you can – different cultures and experiences will inspire your work in ways you never imagined.

And most importantly, give anything a go at least once. Who cares if it turns out to be a disaster? At least you’ll learn from it – and you’ll be better prepared next time.

View Sara’s winning AHIA collection here.