Hair Expo Awards

Victorian hairdresser Joey Scandizzo has been named the 2018 Australian Hairdresser of the Year at the Hair Expo Awards in Melbourne. This is the second time that he has won the coveted award, after taking home the title in 2012.

A celebrity stylist who has tamed the manes of big names like Ruby Rose, Paris Hilton, The Veronicas, and Carrie Bickmore at his eponymous salon in Melbourne’s South Yarra, Joey is also the co-creative director of haircare brand Eleven Australia.

“For me, this is a dream come true and I’ve been working on this for years and years. I’ve put the hard yards in; I’ve got a fantastic team. We’ve had a great night, the guys have won plenty of awards and everyone has worked hard for them. To take this baby home is awesome,” exclaimed Scandizzo.

The 2018 Hair Expo New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year award went to Danny Pato of D&M Hair Design in Auckland. He has taken the title for three consecutive years: 2016-2018.

“[It feels] amazing, amazing,” said Pato. “This collection is about a global woman... and about being proud.”

The pinnacle celebration of Hair Expo Australia’s three-day event, the coveted Hair Expo Awards have been elevating the hair industry for more than 30 years by recognizing and celebrating excellence in creative vision, advanced technical skill, and business acumen – the complete picture of exceptional hairdressing.

More than 850 hair professionals gathered to hear 20 winners announced at the glitzy Hair Expo Awards gala, hosted by actor and singer Natalie Bassingthwaighte and held at The Plenary in the Melbourne Convention Centre.

There were an impressive 111 finalists across 18 creative and business categories in 2018, chosen by a judging panel of 10 international and 10 local judges. The panel represents some of the most acclaimed hairdressing industry veterans from Australasia and across the globe. Two additional awards were also presented by Hair Expo – the Hall of Fame Award and the inaugural Editor’s Choice Award.

Vincent and Anton de Lorenzo were inducted into the Hair Expo Hall of Fame in 2018 in recognition of their inspiring contribution to the Australian hairdressing industry. The award was accepted by Anton’s son Anthony de Lorenzo at the awards gala.

Hermiz Daniel from Joey Scandizzo Salon was selected as the Editor’s Choice Award winner, a new category in 2018. Kim Howells, Fashion Director for Hunger magazine in the UK, chose Hermiz’s creative collection for its high quality and execution, noting: “the casting, photography, poses, styling, and makeup complement his ideas perfectly. It feels like the team worked seamlessly, a true example of not only one person’s vision but a creatively successful collaboration. It feels very modern, brave, and very editorial.” Hermiz was also named as the Hair Expo Victorian Hairdresser of the Year for the second time, after winning the title for the first time in 2017.

Hair Expo appointed business coach Julie Piantadosi as Head Judge and Awards Ambassador to guide entrants through the awards entry process and assist the panel with judging in2018. Julie also enlisted three business experts from outside of the hairdressing industry to assist with judging written submissions.

“Well, it’s finally here! Hair Expo 2018 Awards night and what a buzz it is! So much passion and talent; you can feel the excitement all-round! The last few months have been super busy working with our amazing judges and it’s so great to be here tonight to finally watch it all unfold. Very special congratulations to all the winners across and huge congratulations to our 2018 Australian Hairdresser of the Year, Joey Scandizzo. I can say without a doubt being the Ambassador and Head Judge of these prestigious awards has been the highlight of my year,” said Piantadosi.

Cory Watson, Event Director for Hair Expo Australia, commented: “Joey has been selected by the Hair Expo Awards judging panel for his outstanding professional achievements and his incredible creative ability, which is evident in his outstanding submission. We wish to congratulate all our winners and finalists tonight! The Hair Expo Awards are the longest-standing and most prestigious awards in Australian hairdressing. The awards grow from strength to strength each year, and the caliber of work only serves to take our industry to new heights. What a fantastic way to cap off three days of Hair Expo - we’re thrilled to celebrate with the industry in Melbourne.”

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.