Shane Henning of Sydney’s Noddys on King salon was tonight named the 2010 Hair Expo Australian Hairdresser of the Year, as part of the Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards.

In a unique industry achievement, Henning beat five other top Australian hairdressers, to take out the award for a record-breaking fifth time. Having previously won the title in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003, he is widely regarded as a driving force in the Australian hairdressing industry and in 2008 was inducted into the Hair Expo Hall of Fame.

‘Australian Hairdresser of the Year’ is the most coveted award at Hair Expo – the Oscars of the hairdressing industry – and is judged by a panel of independent industry experts. The decision takes into consideration all aspects of the entrant’s hairdressing career, from their photographic collection to prior recognition and involvement in the industry.

Henning received his trophy at a spectacular gala ceremony in Darling Harbour, hosted by Daniel MacPherson, where he also took the award for Best Photographic Collection this year. This category is judged purely on the creativity and artistic talent portrayed in the entrant’s photographic collection, against every submission received during the judging period.

Of his win, Henning said: “Well – five times, what a unique achievement. It’s something I never expected, I really thought it would be one of the young guys up here tonight. I feel honoured to take the award again tonight, but think it might be time to end on a high!”

Celebrating their 25th anniversary this year, the annual Hairdressing Awards at Hair Expo are the most respected, established and longest running awards in the Australian hair industry. They set the industry standard and are the pinnacle of hairdressing excellence and from 2009 they have been exclusively sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional.

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 across all categories for the 25th annual Hairdressing Awards included Ali Holmes for New Creative Force, Sarah Laidlaw for Session Hair Stylist and NZ’s Servilles Academy for Educuation Organisation of the Year. Paul Serville of the Servilles Academy was also 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.