Hair Shows in Australia

Australia's hair show calendar is short, strong and full of energy. Stylists, colourists, barbers and salon owners come together for a few big moments each year, mixing education and shopping with some of the most celebrated awards in the region.

The biggest weekend is in late June at ICC Sydney, when the Hair Festival brings education, competitions and a trade floor, and the AHIA Creative Awards celebrate the country's most creative hair work. Earlier, the Australian Hair Fashion Awards take place in Sydney in May. Barbers and stylists with a love of fades head to Broadbeach in April for Expo4Barbers Gold Coast and the ANZ Modern Barber Awards. Beauty Expo Australia in Sydney each August adds more hair brands and education, while the business side of hairdressing is honoured at the ANZ Hair Industry Awards in Brisbane each October. Young stylists can compete in the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Adelaide in June.

Every hair show in Australia is listed below with dates, venues and who can attend.

Getting there

Sydney is the centre of the hair calendar. ICC Sydney at Darling Harbour is within walking distance of Town Hall station, and light rail stops are close by. Sydney Airport is linked to the city by train. For the Gold Coast, Expo4Barbers is at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, which has its own G:link light rail stop.

Where to stay

For the June weekend at ICC Sydney, hotels in Darling Harbour and Haymarket are the most convenient, and staying central makes the evening awards easy. On the Gold Coast, Broadbeach puts you right next to the venue.

Tips for hair professionals

• Plan for both the Hair Festival and the AHIA Creative Awards, as they share a venue and a weekend.
• Book classes and competition places early.
• Bring proof that you work in the industry for trade only events.
• Pack for winter in June and August, as Sydney evenings can be cool.