Three Days of Hair, Hustle & Champagne: My Hair Festival 2025 Recap

Hair Festival always hits different – the buzz, the people, the late nights, and the scissors (so many scissors!). This year was no exception. From team dinners on Darling Harbour to selling out scissors with Excellent Edges, pulling off the NAFTA show, and celebrating Emma’s big Hot Shots win – it was a weekend I won’t forget anytime soon.

Saturday – Arrival & Team Dinner

We landed in Sydney on Saturday afternoon and decided to keep things relaxed before the big few days ahead. After checking in, we wandered down Darling Harbour for a team dinner. The views were beautiful, the cocktails were flowing (but not too many!), and we called it an early night knowing Sunday would be full on.

Sunday – On the Stand with Excellent Edges

I was up bright and early to head straight over to the Excellent Edges stand for a morning briefing, while the rest of the team had a slow start with sleep-ins and breakfast – so jealous.

What was supposed to be a steady day turned into a whirlwind – the stand was packed and I somehow became a full-blown salesperson! I sold so many scissors, and the best part? Meeting all the apprentices buying their very first pair. It felt so special being part of that milestone moment in their careers.

I’d actually planned to squeeze in some interviews, but the day flew by before I even realised – guess that will have to wait for another time.

By the afternoon, I was absolutely exhausted from non-stop conversations. Luckily, Stacey had booked us a beautiful Mexican restaurant for dinner. We Ubered there, enjoyed amazing food and cocktails, and had sooo many laughs – you know when you’re so tired you’re basically delusional? We kept it chill again, knowing the NAFTA show and AHIA awards were coming up the next night.

Monday – NAFTA Show & Awards Night

Monday morning was a slower start. I went out for breaky with Jarred Stedman, Emma, and Gina – though they bloody forgot my avacado and bacon! I ended up back at the stand, scoffing down banana bread before diving into NAFTA show prep. I was able to quickly sneak away and get my hands on some Glowwa products too, thanks Errol 😊

Doing a show at Hair Festival comes with its challenges – you don’t have much control over the setup, so it was a little stressful at times. But honestly, Pete and the NAFTA team are incredible, and together we pulled off something we were really proud of.

Once the show wrapped, I spent a bit more time at the stand before heading back with Emma to get glammed up for the AHIA Awards Night. This was extra special because Emma was a finalist in three categories – and then she won Hot Shots! Such an incredible achievement and a moment we’ll never forget. We popped open some champagnes to celebrate (maybe a few too many). And if you spotted me at PBH after… no you didn’t 😉.

Tuesday – Heading Home

After three huge days, it was time to pack up and head home. Hair Festival was everything we hoped it would be – busy, inspiring, a little exhausting – but full of connection, celebration, and moments that reminded me exactly why I love this industry.

Until next year 🫶🏻 – can’t wait to do it all over again.