It was a proverbial candy store and hairdressers were the kids at this year’s Hair Festival, when the Festival Hub took over Sydney’s ICC on June 30 and July 1, 2024. Over 90 stands of exhibitors wowed more than 6,000 attendees in every discipline of hair and salon creativity, business, products and beyond and, best of all, the Festival Hub registration and entry was entirely free.

The maze of stands covered hair care and styling, hair extensions, hair tools, salon furniture, hair colour, straightening systems, philanthropy, sustainability and more. At the men’s focused Barber Hub, powered by Sonders Academy and BLAK Haircare, barber brands highlighted men’s innovations and education, while the Business Hub provided keen insights across technology, software, payment options, staff support and education.

The floor delighted attendees with inspiring on-stand education from prolific educators, where looks from the educations rooms were showcased and sessions expanded on throughout the venue. Within the stands, patrons could talk to experts, take advantage of unmissable Hair Festival product deals, spin brand wheels or try their hand at claw machines for free products and learn from stand demonstrations.

The Hub was the connection point to put your feet up and pick up the latest issue of INSTYLE, while a Spin Pod near the entrance added an element of floor fun, next to snacks and drinks to energise both dynamic days. Guests also received free attendee bags thanks to NAK Hair and ORI Lab, Pure and Juuce and Hair Aid, while Paul Mitchell sponsored the lanyards.

“Hair Festival has been one of the better events in recent years, it’s been fantastic, we’ve had over 3000 people come through the Moroccanoil stand,” shared Steven Kruger of the Haircare Group during the event. “People love to spin a wheel!”

“The event has been excellent, even just our positioning has been great, we’ve been close to THE STAGE. so we’re able to really interact with people, as they go past to watch all the fantastic presentations,” added Seaneen McCrarren of Stellar Hair. “It’s great for everybody to catch up in the industry. Putting ourselves in front of people, standing with them, engaging with them has been great for the brand, everyone’s been very welcoming. It’s been an amazing two days, we’ve sold out of some of our products and we’re into pre-ordering so it’s been sensational.”

The all-new THE STAGE. gave educators and exhibitors the chance to centralise their education, teaching the Festival Hub audience about their brand, technologies, looks and skills under the spotlight. Between education and brand awareness, and the Hair Festival Competitions on Monday morning, THE STAGE. provided a central space to be inspired and learn through the weekend, connecting the education opportunities from the Education Sessions and Festival Hub stands with another versatile education offering.

“Presenting on THE STAGE. was awesome,” said Jo Burgess of Shortcuts. “It was busy, people were around and interested in learning all sorts of different things, so it was great. We’ve had some amazing, positive conversations at the stand as well over the weekend, and lots of follow ups, so it’s been good.”

Don’t miss next year’s Festival Hub and all the products, activities and exciting opportunities on offer.

For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au

Read Full Post