Nadine Dilong Hair Festival 2024, organised by BHA Media (publisher of SPA+CLINIC, Professional Beauty, ProCollective, and INSTYLE), took place at Sydney’s ICC over June 30 and July 1. With an all-new date and location, the event saw astronomical growth, with over 6,000 attendees visiting the event – a 30 per cent growth from 2023.
“The turnout and feedback has been sensational,” shared Festival Director Renita Collins. “It’s been fantastic to watch Hair Festival grow every year. We knew changing not just the venue but dates was going to be a risk, one that was well worth it. This year truly showcased the diversity and the very best of the exceptional hair industry.”
“The hairdressing community defines camaraderie, creativity and innovation and Hair Festival 2024 brought all of that together through product, demonstrations and innovation highlighted throughout the show floor, education sessions and competitions with enthusiasm and energy that only the hair industry knows how to bring. The vibe was electric and it was thrilling to be a part of. Stay tuned for 2025 dates, to be announced soon,” she added.
The Festival Hub, which was free to enter, was the event epicentre, as attendees visited over 90 brands for the latest in business, technology, care and colour products, hair extensions, tools, salon furniture, straightening services, men’s hair and philanthropy amidst the Barber Hub, Business Hub and show floor. THE STAGE., presented thanks to Artègo and Pivot Point, hosted bite-sized education, as well as the Hair Festival competitions, throughout the weekend.
Free attendee bags with products greeted guests, thanks to NAK Hair, Pure and Juuce and Hair Aid, while Paul Mitchell sponsored the lanyards.
The education rooms were a testament to this industry’s penchant for growth. 20 sessions across business, colour, style, hair extensions, barbering and beyond saw busy rooms ready to learn, ask questions and be inspired. From bold creative looks thanks to local and international talents, to key business insights, social media tips, pricing know-how and even life lessons, it was an inspirational experience, both on and off the stage.
The REALtalk Business Forum kicked off some of that inspiration on Sunday morning, with panels and keynote speakers across innovation, sustainability, social media, holistic salons and staff and salon management, with vulnerable and transparent conversations.
The live Hair Festival Competitions saw a stellar turnout, with an all-new timeslot of Monday morning and a new location of THE STAGE. Sponsored by O&M, new categories, cash prizes and a new awards structure, that decided the Hair Festival Champion, amidst style, barber and emerging talent, elevated the platform. A large crowd watched hairdressers compete, show off their looks and then win, bringing the live competition scene fully back to life at the Festival Hub.
“We are investing in the next generation, it’s about being clean and kind in everything that we do,” said Gary Prigge from O&M. “Sponsoring the live competitions with new hairdressers and new energy was really important and there was a great success in what we saw unfold, with beautiful work, new faces and new names. It was really nice to have it on the floor, so it created a vibe and hype and attracted attention.”
Wonderland was held at The Establishment bar where attendees entered the chromosphere of metallic delights through a glowing, multi-coloured archway that provided the ideal Instagram backdrop. Celebrating 10 years of Rogue Beauty with a giant cake, attendees danced the night away with a live band, canapes, a taco and bao station, a spin pod, photo opportunities and flowing drinks.
“Teaming up with Wonderland was an ideal match for us as we mark our tenth anniversary at Rogue Beauty in Australia,” shared Rogue Beauty Managing Director and Co-Founder Chris Hammond. “There couldn’t have been a better occasion to express our gratitude to the Australian hairdressing industry than at one of the year’s most prestigious events. We look forward to our ongoing collaboration with Hair Festival and Wonderland for many years ahead.”
Sustainability was, as always, central to the event, with partnerships with Sustainable Salons and Waste Free Systems that included sustainability pledges, conscious recycling and waste management, sustainability sessions at REALtalk and presence in the Festival Hub.
Dates for Hair Festival 2025 will be announced shortly.
For more information visit www.hairfestival.com.au
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