Kristina Russell from Sable in Darlinghurst has been named the 2010 Colour Technician of the Year, as part of the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Hairdressing Awards. One of the ultimate recognitions for any Australian hairdresser, Kristina took this year’s title at a spectacular gala ceremony in Darling Harbour, hosted by Daniel Macpherson.

Beating three other finalists to clinch the award, Kristina said; “I believe that winning this award will give me many opportunities and a platform to help me become a world renowned colour expert. ”

Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, the annual Hairdressing Awards at Hair Expo are the most respected, established and longest runningawards in the Australian hair industry. Exclusively sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional, they set the industry standard and are the pinnacle of hairdressing excellence.

Colour Technician of the Year is one of the most coveted of the awards. This category rewards the technical excellence and outstanding management of the salon’s colour department. It reflects the necessity for colour technicians and rewards specialists in colour.

Julia Erben, Hair Expo Event Director, commented; “The Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards are the highest accolade in our industry – recognised internationally as the benchmark for Australian and New Zealand hairdressing. This year, the competition was tougher than ever before, with all categories except Australian Hairdresser of the Year open to New Zealand entrants.”

Winners announced in all 13 categories for the 25th annual Hairdressing Awards included previous Hair Expo winner Shane Henning from Noddy’s on King for Australian Hairdresser of the Year and Wild Life Hair for Salon Team of the Year. Paul Serville from Servilles Academy, Auckland was inducted into the Hair Expo Hall of Fame for his contribution to the industry over his forty-plus years in hairdressing. Details of each winner and their salon are listed below.

The awards gala was preceded by a spectacular show from Schwarzkopf Professional and wraps up the 36th year of Hair Expo Australia; the premier hairdressing event in the Southern Hemisphere. Over 10,000 visitors flocked to Darling Harbour to see more than 10,000 square metres of world-class exhibitors, education and shows from international and local hairdressing stars and the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.