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South Australia’s Jason Fassbender has been crowned as Australia’s best hairdresser at leading industry awards

Announcement posted by Hair Expo Australia 13 Jun 2017

For the first time in 32 years, a South Australian stylist takes the top trophy in Australia’s leading hairdressing awards

Tuesday 13 June 2017, Sydney: Jason Fassbender has been named the 2017 Australian Hairdresser of the Year at the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards Gala in Sydney, the first time a South Australian hairdresser has taken out the title in the 32-year history of the awards.

A Creative Director at Parlour Hair Unley salon in Adelaide, Jason’s winning photographic collection was strongly inspired by fashion and individuality.

“Winning the Australian Hairdresser of the Year award feels totally unbelievable, I didn't even think I would be a finalist, let alone win it,” said Jason. “Hopefully it will open up a lot of opportunities for me and I'm really looking forward to promoting the industry and helping to highlight the work that we do”.

The 2017 Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year award went once again to Danny Pato of D&M Hair Design in Ponsonby, Auckland, who also took out the title in 2016.

“I've been a hairdresser for over 20 years – this is my second year winning this award and I'm just so grateful to be doing what I love and to be recognised by iconic people in the industry”, said Danny.

The pinnacle celebration of Hair Expo Australia, the coveted Hair Expo Awards have been elevating the hair industry for more than 30 years by recognising and celebrating excellence in creative vision, advanced technical skill, and business acumen – the complete picture of what exceptional hairdressing is.

The competition for the 2017 awards was tough, with a huge 40 per cent increase in entries from 2016. In May, 107 finalists were announced across 18 creative and business categories, chosen by a judging panel of 12 international and 12 local judges, representing some of the most celebrated names in hair and media from Australasia and across the globe.

More than 1000 hair professionals gathered to hear 20 winners announced at the lavish awards gala, hosted by The Bachelor’s Osher Günsberg and held this year in the Grand Ballroom of the ICC Sydney. As well crowning the winners of the 18 existing categories judged prior to the event, the additional categories of People’s Choice and the Hall of Fame Award are also presented on the night.

A full list of winners is available from page 2

“Jason has been chosen for his achievements both in creative vision and leadership in the industry, making him a comprehensive ambassador for this multifaceted profession”, said Julia Erben, Event Director for Hair Expo Australia. “The heritage of the Hair Expo Awards is to entice participants to be the best they can be, and our winners tonight are a true testimony to this demanding challenge. During their extraordinary careers, they have not only demonstrated all-inspiring creative vision but have also encouraged and educated countless peers, securing the future of our industry”, added Julia.

“Big congratulations to all the finalists and winners! Your talent and passion for the craft of hairdressing is truly inspiring and so important for the industry we all love. As the Hair Expo Award Sponsor, Schwarzkopf Professional is very proud to partner with you by providing the platform you deserve. Congratulations also to our ambassadors and the Schwarzkopf Professional Technical Team – what a great Essential Looks show!” said David Hahn, General Manager of Schwarzkopf Professional ANZ.

Hair Expo Australia takes place annually over the Queen’s Birthday weekend and brings together thousands of hair industry professionals for three days of trend showcases, world-class education and Australasia’s largest hair show performances, leading it to be known as ‘The Festival of Hair’.

ENDS

2017 SCHWARZKOPF PROFESSIONAL HAIR EXPO AWARDS WINNERS

AUSTRALIAN HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Jason Fassbender – Parlour Hair Unley, Malvern SA

NEW ZEALAND HAIRDRESSER OF THE YEAR

Danny Pato – D&M Hair Design, Ponsonby, NZ

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE

Jane Trewin, TAFE NSW

COLOUR TECHNICIAN OF THE YEAR

Adrian Rotolo – Ibiza Hair, Albert Park VIC

MEN’S HAIRDRESSER / BARBER OF THE YEAR

Uros Mikic – Kinky Curly Straight, Stepney SA

NEW CREATIVE FORCE

Cherie Falco - Kinky Curly Straight, Stepney SA

APPRENTICE / STUDENT OF THE YEAR

Sharne Rizzo – Joey Scandizzo Salon, South Yarra VIC

SALON TEAM OF THE YEAR

é Salon, Wahroonga NSW

SESSION STYLIST OF THE YEAR

Sarah Laidlaw - Union Management, Randwick NSW

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

Natasha King - Fred and Gingers, Invercargill NZ

BEST SALON DESIGN

Salon Kiin, Penrith NSW

EDUCATION BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Sharon Blain Education

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

Caterina Di Biase

INDUSTRY BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

Eco Heads

SALON BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Luke Reynolds Hairdressing

STATE CATEGORIES

NSW-ACT Hairdresser of the Year

Scott Sloan - Sloans, Lane Cove NSW

SA-TAS Hairdresser of the Year

Cherie Falco - Kinky Curly Straight, Stepney SA

VIC Hairdresser of the Year

Hermiz Daniel - Joey Scandizzo Salon, South Yarra VIC

WA-NT Hairdresser of the Year

Pauline McCabe - Rock Paper Scissors Hair Studio, Freemantle WA

QLD Hairdresser of the Year

William Webb - Ella & Jade, Calamvale QLD

Many thanks to all members of the 2017 Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards judging panel

Local judges (Australia and NZ)

·         Sharon Blain (Aus)

·         Cameron Pine (Aus, Instyle magazine)

·         Matt Clements (Aus)

·         Frank Apostolopoulos (Aus)

·         Sara Allsop (NZ)

·         Justin Pace (Aus)

·         Dennis Langford (Aus)

·         Ruth Browne (Aus)

·         Brad Ngata (Aus)

·         Paul Serville (NZ)

·         Billie Iveson (Aus, RUSSH magazine)

·         Caterina Di Biase (Aus)

International Judges

·         Tabatha Coffey (USA)

·         Edward Darley (UK)

·         Mark Hayes (UK)

·         Peter Gray (USA)

·         Gerard Scarpaci (USA)

·         Jayne Lewis-Orr (Hairdresser’s Journal, UK)

·         Jorge Cancer (Spain)

·         Guy Tang (USA)

·         Indira Schauwecker (UK)

·         Angelo Seminara (UK)

·         Andreas Stavrou (UK)

·         Eugene Souleiman (UK)

·         Darren Ambrose (UK)