Hairhouse announced as AHFA 2026 Artistic Team Finalist

Six national award-winning Hairhouse stylists teamed up on one collaborative look that’s now a finalist at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards.

Astin

Trichologist in Training, Hairhouse

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Hairhouse is known for delivering beautiful results in Salons across the country. But behind every basin is a Stylist with serious creative talent.

Now, these team strengths have been recognised with Hairhouse announced as Finalists in the Artistic Team category at the Australian Hair Fashion Awards 2026!

“We’re super proud of our commercial success, but we’re equally proud of the artistry that lives within our salons,” says Astin McKenna, Hairhouse Salon Artistic and Education Manager. “This was about showing the industry what we can do.”

By Astin, Salon Artistic & Education Manager



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Entering AHFA for the first time was a bold – but intentional - move for Hairhouse. Inspired by creative challenges, the team of six Hairhouse Stylists - all national winners from internal Hairhouse Awards – set out to create looks reflecting their own signature style and technical strengths.

The true magic? The collaboration.

Amy Kerwin and Lynka Kohn from Ipswich, QLD, Aimee Parr-Duka from Marion, S.A, Renee Mates of Cairns, Central QLD, Savannah Bignell from Rockhampton QLD and Crystal Fittock from Robina QLD came together to create an elegant and elevated entry that challenged perceptions of cut and colour placements.



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One Vision. Six Stylists:

The looks were crafted using Matrix professional colour and styling, chosen for performance and vibrancy, and finished using Halo Styling Tools to achieve precision and polish on camera.

As with any true creatives, every detail mattered — from texture to tone, shape to silhouette. Renowned fashion photographer David Mannah then brought the collection to life behind the lens translating the Hairhouse hair artistry into elevated imagery.

“From the moment I saw the concept, I knew this team was pushing beyond expectation,” David shared. “There was a real sense of creative unity. Every Stylist brought something distinct, but the result felt powerful and cohesive.”



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Win/Win:

“This finalist placement signals a new chapter, reinforcing our salons as commercially strong, and creatively ambitious,” explains Alex Merlino, Hairhouse Creative Director. “It celebrates the depth of talent within our network and the culture of education, collaboration and professional power we continue to build.

“Win or not, to be recognised on one of the biggest creative stages in Australian hairdressing is a moment we are incredibly proud of,” adds Astin. “But more than that, this collection represents something bigger for us. A true evolution and representation of the professionals who power everything we do.”

Discover more AHFA magic at Hairhouse