Schwarzkopf Professional have named the winners of their highly anticipated 2024 Colour Crafter Competition, announcing the Colour Crafter winner and the Apprentice Crafter winner, which celebrate the talent of the hairdressing industry across all experience levels. The entries spoke to the power of hair colour, creativity, skill and transformation.

An esteemed judging panel comprised of industry leaders and experts included such luminaries as Schwarzkopf Professional National Ambassador Dee Parker-Attwood, Schwarzkopf Professional Creative Ambassador Jason Fassbender, Schwarzkopf Professional New Zealand National Colour Ambassador Jennifer Morgan and Schwarzkopf Professional Guest Artists Kristie Kesic and Stuart Bane.

Krystle Tokunai of Tokunai Hair, QLD, was awarded as the overall Colour Crafter winner, for “beautiful execution, clever colouring, creativity, and a well-rounded concept, including great haircut, styling, and model selection,” according to Dee. The entry was lauded for its creativity, technical precision and its bold use of colour, in colour placement, blending and visual storytelling, as well as a flawless execution and artistic approach.

A range of location-based finalists were chosen before Krystle was announced as the final winner. Krystle was a QLD finalist, joined by Gemma Koster of Safari Room, Lauren Morris of Zed Hair & Beauty and Olivia Nosworthy and Paige Cameron of Cobelle Creative. NSW finalists comprised Jeffrey Yeoh of N33 Hair Studio, Lambert Romain Kawada and Ellie Jang of Kawada Hair Studio and Ning Yeoh of ÉCLAT. From Victoria, Dani Blakeley and Shaun Lawson of Yoshiko Hair, Emma Boyle of Steph Meyer & Co and Marie Longo of Clarke and Co Hair were finalists, and South Australia had Annalyse Champion and Olivia Barbaro of La’Tease Hair as finalists. New Zealand’s representatives were Amy Wood of Amy’s Hair Design LTD, Jackie Whata and Leeanne Elliott of House of Elliott, Lily Orben of Aboki Hair and Maggie Zhou or Kess Hair and Beauty.

Martha Flower of Wieselmann Salon, VIC, was named as the Apprentice Crafter winner, winning for the entry’s creativity, fresh perspective and technical skill.

“Martha’s apprentice entry was a standout. The colour jumped out at me and the fact that an apprentice created such an instant impact with colour for me was my winner,” Kristie explained, further commending the entry’s detail, bold styling choices and innovative approach to styling. Martha’s entry showcased the promise and professionalism, as well as natural talent and confidence, essential to her status as a sure rising star.

Grace Forster and Kiki Verdel of Tokunai Hair, Paige Gibson of Blade Runner Hair at the Charles and Ruby Hughes of Wieselmann Salon were apprentice finalists.

“Congratulations to our winners and all participants! This competition highlights the incredible creativity and passion within the hairdressing community,” said Gina Thomas, Head of Education at Schwarzkopf Professional. “We are committed to supporting and inspiring professionals to elevate their craft, and Colour Crafter is a testament to that dedication.”

The competition was inspired by the global Essential Looks 1.2024 collection, tasking entrants with utilising the brand’s Igora Royal, Vibrance, Zero Amm and BLONDME in colour and Osis+ and Session Label for style to create looks in line with this editorial aesthetic.

Entries consisted of a before and after shot of the model’s head and shoulders, as well as a full-length total look image, in portrait and on a plain background, using a real model. The entries were submitted online, with phone photographs both accepted and encouraged. Cut, colour, style, finishing skills, fashion and beauty were all essential components for creating the total look. Colour comprised 70 per cent of the judging criteria, while style covered 20 per cent, the cut counted towards five per cent and the total look accounted for five per cent as well.

As the National Colour Crafter winner, Krystle won a full one-day mentoring session with Schwarzkopf Professional ambassadors and leading hairdressers Dee, Jason and Jennifer, as well as editorial coverage, a complimentary invitation to brand seminars found in the 2025 Education Brochure over 12 months throughout 2025 to the value of $1,000 and a CREATIVE COLLECTIVE Invitation to the SKP Styling Team. The covetable total prize is valued at $12,000.

As the National Apprentice Crafter winner, Martha will receive a one day mentoring session with Schwarzkopf Professional ambassadors Jennifer and Kristie, editorial coverage and a complimentary invitation to brand seminars found in the 2025 Education Brochure over 12 months throughout 2025 to the value of $500, for a total prize value of $3,500, with all flights and accommodation covered for both winners.

Congratulations to these talented winners!

For more information visit www.schwarzkopf-professional.com.au

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