Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC)

With apprentice completion rates under 50% and the growing need for skilled professionals, the Australian hairdressing industry is facing a critical shortage. In this insightful ABC Radio interview, AHC member Mamawest and AHC's Jenny Burns shed light on the pressing need for 4,500 new hairdressers annually and why the government must invest in promoting the profession. Sheridan Rose Shaw’s innovative approach to staff retention is one example of how salon owners are navigating the challenge. "We have pivoted in things like working four-day work weeks, where we trade Tuesday to Friday. Everyone gets their Saturday off, which is just absolutely unheard of in the hairdressing industry." Are these strategies enough? Or do we need more of a systematic change?

Imagine this: the hair swept off the salon floor isn’t just waste, it’s a tool for environmental change. In this podcast, 'Garbologist' Bel Chellingworth reveals how Aussie salons are leading an eco-revolution. Hair clippings become an oil spill clean-up tool, foil gets a second life, and salon waste turns into community resources. Want to hear more about how these inspiring transformations happen? Hit the link below to listen to the full podcast or follow AHC member Sustainable Salons to see their practices in action or to join the movement! Listen here: https://lnkd.in/gNk5AMHZ

Every chapter in the AHC’s journey has its heroes, and today we honour two who have played pivotal roles. Anthony Gray and Clint Piper, with a combined 22 years of service on the AHC Board, have reached the end of their tenure. Their dedication has helped shape the industry and secure a bright future for the AHC community. Though we’d love to keep them with us forever, they have reached the end of their allowed time on the AHC Board, so it’s time to say farewell. Anthony’s journey began during a Brisbane roadshow, where the AHC’s vision for connection inspired him to get involved. Over the years, he has led national advocacy in education and training, helped build accreditation programs, and brought the education community together on a national scale. His dedication to collaboration and growth has left a lasting legacy. Though stepping down from the board, Anthony’s expertise will continue to guide the AHC through his work on the Education and Training Committee. Clint’s leadership as Chair also helped solidify the foundation of the AHC. With a focus on strong governance, financial stability, and long-term strategy, Clint ensured the AHC is well-equipped to support its members and face future challenges. His thoughtful vision and collaborative spirit have created a lasting impact. While his board tenure ends, Clint’s passion for the industry will also continue through his role on the Education and Training Committee. Thanks to Anthony and Clint, the AHC is set to thrive with fresh ideas and perspectives, built on the solid foundation they helped create. Their leadership has been a gift to our industry, and we are deeply grateful for their time, energy, and unwavering belief in our community.

🌟 Pioneering Retail with the Launch of Salon Express & Barbershop Express at Ellenbrook Central, WA! 🌟 We’re excited to unveil our latest innovation—a professional haircare vending machine, the first of its kind in Australia! This ground breaking unassisted retail concept is the center piece of our new site, redefining convenience and accessibility in the professional haircare space. Now, customers can access prescriptive, professional haircare products 24/7, ensuring their hair needs are met anytime, day or night. This bold step forward represents our commitment to innovation and making professional haircare more accessible than ever. Bringing this vision to life has been a true team effort, and I’m incredibly grateful to have worked with such talented and passionate individuals. A special thank you to: PENNY KINSELLA, Nancy Fraser, Ross Ritoli and West Coast Shopfitting, Anthony Nasso This project represents a new era of retail, blending cutting-edge technology, design, and customer-focused solutions. We can’t wait to welcome you to Ellenbrook Central—come and experience the future of professional haircare for yourself! #SalonExpress #BarbershopExpress #PioneeringRetail #Ellenbrook #NewOpening #AustraliaFirst #UnassistedRetail #HaircareVendingMachine #RetailInnovation #ProfessionalHaircare #DesignExcellence #Teamwork

✨ Trevor Sorbie MBE ✨ 13 March 1949 - 8 November 2024 It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to a true legend of the hairdressing world, Trevor Sorbie MBE. For decades, Trevor was not just a master of his craft, but a visionary who transformed the industry and inspired countless stylists around the globe. His talent, creativity, and passion for hairdressing were matched only by his generosity of spirit and dedication to his art. 💯 Trevor’s influence reached far beyond the salon chair. His iconic cuts and innovative styles set the trends that defined generations, while his commitment to education and mentoring made him a beloved figure in the hairdressing community. His legacy is not only in the styles he created but in the lives he touched - guiding and shaping the careers of many who went on to become leaders in the industry themselves. Trevor's kindness, humility, and unwavering support for others made him a cherished friend and mentor to all who had the privilege of working alongside him. He was a true ambassador for creativity, constantly pushing the boundaries of what hairdressing could be, and always with a warm smile and a helping hand. 🩷 Though he is no longer with us, Trevor’s legacy will live on through the profound impact he had on hairdressing around the world and every person whose life he changed. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family, friends, and the global hairdressing community who have lost a giant. Rest in peace, Trevor, and thank you. 💔✂️

Big congratulations to AHC member Richi Grisillo at Academie Salon for winning Australian Hairdresser of the Year at the 2024 Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFA). Beautiful work and a beautiful human too 👏 👏 👏

Congratulations to all of the incredible winners at the AHIA Business awards. So much talent in one room and what a fantastic vibe! 💯 Well done to the Mocha Group team for putting on such a great event, it was wonderful to see so many friendly faces 🤗

Its tomorrow!!! Calling all Careers counsellors, employment services providers and anyone interested in hairdressing and barbering jobs! Don't miss this webinar that provides a wonderful overview of the jobs available and how to get them! Devbeloped in partnership with the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) there are lots of amazing, knowledgeable and passionate guests! -Melissa Kalan CEO, The Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) Hairdressing Council -Justin Pace , Owner and Creative Director, Co and Pace Salon -Helen Owens, Director, Tigerlamb Salons -Jenni Tarrant OAM, Creative Director, Bond Hair Religion -Hannah Gerritsen , Senior Stylist, Belinda's Hair Creations -Richard Kavanagh, Freelance Stylist and Co-founder and CEO of piiq https://lnkd.in/g4Z8A3Se I look forward to seeing your there! #exploringcareers #careers #workforceaustralia #elo #DEWR #jobs #employment #hairdressing #barber #hairdresser #apprenticeship #employmentservices

Spread the word and help us continue to shape the future of Australian hairdressing! 👍 The webinar for jobseekers and those that help people find jobs or careers is this week, so if you know anyone who is interested in finding out more about all of the wonderful career pathways in hairdressing and barbering, make sure you get them to register and watch. 💪 ✅ Exploring Careers webinar - Styling Success: Careers in Hairdressing and Barbering ✅ Thursday 17 October from 12pm-1pm AEDT (Sydney time) ✅ https://lnkd.in/gaQkMEAD What the webinar covers: ✂ explore the demand for hairdressers and barbers, job stability, and growth opportunities within the industry ✂ hear from industry experts as they discuss creativity and personal fulfillment as a hairdresser ✂ find out how to become a hairdresser or barber and where to look for apprenticeship opportunities ✂ learn great hints and tips on what employers are looking for and what you need to do to put your best foot forward This webinar is suitable for both jobseekers and others that help people find jobs or careers. Please forward this to your clients, teams and networks. 🙏 Register now and attend for FREE: https://lnkd.in/gaQkMEAD