Joey Scandizzo takes out Hairdresser of the Year

Joey Scandizzo took out Australia’s highest hairdressing honour at last night’s Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo Awards 2012. Having been nominated for the award for the last six years, Scandizzo was clearly thrilled to finally be named the winner.

"I can't believe it finally happened - this is awesome!" Scandizzo says. "I definitely wanted to win, but after so many years as a near miss, I stopped myself thinking it might be tonight. It's been an amazing year, where so many of my professional dreams have come true. But this is best. It makes all the hard work - and the years of waiting - worth it. Thanks so much to my wife, Jane, who is always there supporting me and to my team, I honestly couldn't have done it without you guys."

Mana Dave from Blaze was awarded the New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year Award, while the coveted Salon Team of the Year Award went to Mieka Hairdressing.

The evening also saw Paul Divitaris of Biba inducted into the 2012 Hall of Fame. During his acceptance speech, Divitaris dedicated the accolade to an ongoing inspiration in his life, the late Vidal Sassoon.

Up-and-coming talent included New Creative Force winner Alexandra Kontos from Nischler, and Apprentice of the Year Kristy Furniss.

Everyone agreed comedian Kitty Flanagan was the best host yet, having won everyone over with her quick wit and ability to press on with the program. Throughout the proceedings, guests enjoyed entrees of duck, pork belly and tomato tarte, while main course was an alternative drop of salmon and chicken dishes.

A full wrap up of the 2012 Schwarzkopf Professional Hair Expo will be published next week.

The full list of Award winners are:

Australian Hairdresser of the Year – Joey Scandizzo, Joey Scandizzo Salon

New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year – Mana Dave, Blaze

Hall of Fame – Paul Divitaris, Biba

Colour Technician of the Year – Matt Clements, The Assembly Hair

Salon Team of the Year – Mieka Hairdressing

New Creative Force – Alexandra Kontos, Nischler

Apprentice/Student of the Year – Kristy Furniss, Fruition Hair

People’s Choice Award – Tracey Hughes, Mieka Hairdressing

Salon Design – Head Studio

Session Stylist of the Year – Daren Borthwick, The Artist Group

Photographic Collection of the Year – Frank Apostolopoulos

Business Performance of the Year – Servilles

Excellence in Salon Marketing – Servilles

Education Organisation of the Year – Servilles Academy

Educator of the Year – Tracey Hughes Education

Open International Cutting Competition – Lauren Mundey, Judy Dowd Hairdressing

Apprentice Cutting Competition – Stephen Grech, Stevie English Hair