Mana Dave from Blaze in Auckland was named the 2010 New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year, as part of the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Hairdressing Awards. The ultimate recognition for any New Zealand hairdresser, Mana took this year’s title at a spectacular gala ceremony in Darling Harbour in Sydney, Australia hosted by Daniel Macpherson.

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

New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year is one of the most coveted of the awards and is judged by a panel of independent industry experts. The decision takes into account all aspects of the entrant’s hairdressing career, from their photographic collection to prior recognition and involvement in the industry.

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.