Website and Banner Images 2000px x 1000px Banners Untitled-design---2021-03-29T121954

About AHC

The Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) is the national voice connecting hairdressing and barber professionals, educators, and suppliers. It exists to ensure a sustainable, positive future for our industry. Since 2010 the AHC has set ethical business standards for salon and registered training organisation (RTO) members and represents the professional hair industry nationally.

AHC members are accredited salons, sole operators, product companies, RTOs and associated industry suppliers and businesses that share a united vision to promote and protect the industry. We’re YOUR voice, representing our industry’s presence to government and consumers and together we elevate industry standards, reputation and image to create a better future.

Become a Member

The AHC Board

The affairs of the Australian Hairdressing Council are controlled, managed by, or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which comprises a combination of the following representatives: salon owner/hairdresser, manufacturer/supplier, public/private RTO, media and service provider. The AHC Board also has a Corporate Governance Lawyer and Chartered Accountant. The AHC Board of Directors and the AHC are bound by our Constitution, which governs a set of fundamental principles or established precedents that the AHC is run by.

Board - headshots Copy of Untitled

Clint Piper

Chair + Finance + Corporate Governance

Clint is a hairdresser by trade and has held two General Manager positions with major hair and beauty brands in Australia. He has a background in sales and training and is passionate about helping businesses become more successful.

Board - headshots copy-of-untitled-3

Sandy Chong

Chief Executive Officer

Hairdresser, salon owner and passionate industry advocate, as AHC CEO and COSBOA board member, Sandy spends her days working with government, industry bodies, media and small business owners to create a better future for hairdressing.

Board - headshots copy-of-untitled-4

Anthony Gray

Finance + Education & Training

Anthony is the Managing Director of MIG Training, which specialises in helping hairdressing salons and barbershops to educate their people and create great teams. MIG has graduated 3000+ hairdressers and barbers over the past 29 years.

Board - headshots copy-of-untitled-5

Paul Frasca

Sustainability Practices

Paul is a hairdresser and the co-founder of Sustainable Salons Australia/NZ, a salon recycling program launched in 2015 that began in the hairdressing industry and now creates waste solutions for 1000+ barber shops, beauty salons, dermal clinics and pet-grooming salons.

Board - headshots copy-of-untitled-6

Nawal Silfani

Corporate Governance

Nawal is an experienced lawyer and corporate governance specialist, having held senior executive, leadership and advisory roles with ASX listed companies and other entities across a range of industries and jurisdictions. She has been responsible for leading various corporate services functions, including legal, corporate governance, compliance, strategy and risk management. 

AHC website - Board headshots

Gavin Hinton

Business Development

Gavin began his hair and beauty journey in product sales and gained a deep understanding of what makes a salon business tick. After a successful career in software and distribution, now Gavin is a partner with Freedom Suites.

Anna Penn headshot IMG_3300

Anna Penn

Education & Training

Anna has spent 26 years in education and training, starting out as an educator and progressing through to a Business Manager of diverse programs. She continues to collaborate with all stakeholders to uphold industry standards and is also a hairdresser by trade.

Untitled design - 2023-05-25T105414.678

Luca De Lorenzo

Finance

Luca is a chartered accountant with extensive experience across small business, corporate and non for profit institutions. He is committed to growing the Australian hairdressing industry.    

Liz Maher headshot BW

Liz Maher

Liz is a highly engaged industry member in education and training. Her commitment and skills has propelled Taylorweir to become Western Australia’s leading hairdressing and Barbering RTO.


grey
grey

FAQs

Who can join the AHC?
What does the AHC do for the industry?
Who runs the AHC?
How much is AHC membership?
What will I get out of my membership?
Why join RTO Select?
Get in Touch

Frequently asked questions

Who can join the AHC?

The Australian Hairdressing Council has several types of memberships available for passionate hair, beauty and barber industry advocates:

Salons with staff

Salon Select Membership

If you have up to four salons and you employ staff, Salon Select membership is for you. Salons that join the AHC are known as ‘Salon Select’. Membership starts at Red status, then via an accreditation process your business can become Silver or Gold Salon Select, depending on which standards your salon business meets. Green Salon Select status is also available for salons with high eco-friendly practices in place. Accreditation from an industry association says that you are a reputable and quality salon. AHC Salon Select membership is the perfect vehicle to promote that you are a sound and compliant business to your local community.

Allied industry businesses

Associate Membership

The AHC has a wide spectrum of businesses that enjoy the benefits of being as Associate Member by connecting with thousands of salons around Australia to promote their product or service. These range from salon supplies (furniture, products, tools, food and beverage, uniforms, software companies and many more) through to allied services (marketing, photography, business coaches, educators, PR and creative agencies to name a few). For a moderate annual fee, the AHC Associate Membership could open a whole new world for your business!

Franchises / Multi-Salon Groups

Franchise Membership

Franchises and groups of five or more salons come under this level of membership. The AHC has developed a unique 5-Star Gold Salon Select Program specifically for this market segment and identifies as having operational systems and professional standards in place across their organisations. As such, these salons progress to a fast track for Gold Salon Select assessment.

Registered Training Organisations

RTO Membership

This is for Registered Training Organisations, both private and public. Connect with salon employers, other RTOs, educators, government and industry players who influence future directions in the Training Package reviews, assessment strategies and education. Take advantage of direct access to the latest industry news, resources and invaluable connections.

Teachers

Teacher Membership. If you are a teacher at a private college or TAFE, you are also welcome at the AHC. For a very moderate annual fee, you can keep abreast of the latest developments in the world of Education and Training and have your say with key industry players on vital plans for the future of your students. Network with likeminded associates and have access to valuable resources and news.

Solo Operators

Single Operator Membership. If you are a freelancer, solo operator, hairdresser with a compliant home business or perhaps in a rent-a-chair arrangement, you are not alone! We welcome you to join our community of salons, suppliers, educators and creatives all working together to ensure that the Australian hairdressing industry remains a worldwide leader in our craft.

Employees and Apprentices

Pathway Connect Membership - COMING SOON!

This exciting new program helps salon owners and employees work together towards one goal… success, happiness, confidence and financial security. For a moderate membership price, gain access to a wide range of useful tips, education, guides, videos, podcasts, interview and a whole heap more to support you in your career and your life. Be inspired and educated creatively, personally, holistically and practically to be the best you can be and take your career to new heights.

What does the AHC do for the industry?

Representing Small Business

Small businesses require strong representation at all levels of Government, as well as to other organisations whose policies and actions affect their industry.

The AHC is the voice of our industry with holistic representation covering education, industrial relations and employment and all small business matters. Our hairdressing industry needs credible representation at all levels of Government, the media, as well as to other organisations whose policies and actions affect our industry. Our cause is to protect and support all stakeholders for the betterment of the industry.

The AHC is also a proud member and contributor to COSBOA, Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia.

A Voice to Government

The AHC advocacy and lobbying is active and present at a Government level. Our industry can be dismissed by bureaucrats and public servants and our role is to ensure we are not overlooked.

We are active in the lobbying and consultancy space including the following:

  • Keeping hairdressing on the Skills Migration List,
  • Feedback on Vocation and Education and Training Reform ( VET )
  • IR Reform, including simplifying the Hair & Beauty Award
  • Apprenticeships, Incentives and Employment
  • Federal and State Government engagement on the recovery of small businesses on the effect of the 2020 drought, bushfires, floods and the pandemic.
  • Creating a Case for Change consulting with RTOs and Industry for a new Training Package for Hairdressing and Barbering.
The Issues that Matter

The AHC supports businesses who invest in the future of our industry training our future stylists and barbers, via apprenticeships or self-funded courses. Our programs, resources and employment advice help business owners who are too busy working in their business to source the information they need to access to successfully run their salons. Pathway Connect is our AHC program designed to support employees to be happy and successful in their hairdressing career.

The difference with the Australian Hairdressing Council is an industry person will respond to a query. Our facilitators and office are all hairdressers, have been business owners, educators and have an understanding of what it’s like to stand in your shoes.

With the challenges in finding staff the AHC developed a recruitment platform, Headhunter Recruitment Australia, an industry specific platform to engage future employees with salons advertising for receptionists, managers, coordinators, apprentices and qualified stylists.

The hairdressing industry landscape has changed over the last 10 years. The way many do business has changed with the increase of sole operators, rent a chair operators, freelance stylists, contractors, studio and suite locations and home business operators.

The AHC as an Association adapts to this changing landscape by understanding the needs for these business models. With 95% of our industry being female, flexible work arrangements have become a necessity for many. The AHC acts as a connection to these businesses to encourage inclusivity so that no business or individual feels isolated, but supported.

A Sustainable Future

The future of the Australian hairdressing industry is reliant on hairdressing being seen as a career of choice. We aim to educate and inform careers advisors, parents and individuals on the countless opportunities in a career of hairdressing or barbering.

The skills in our industry are reliant on employing and training apprentices and up skilling our industry as well as sponsored migrants bringing in unique skills, Change is permanent in hairdressing and barbering. The most successful stylists never stop learning and never stop educating.

Who runs the AHC?

The Australian Hairdressing Council is a not-for-profit industry association. The affairs of the Council are controlled, managed by, or under the direction of the Board of Directors, which can consist of up to seven directors. 

The Board represents a combination of the following representatives: salon owner/hairdresser, manufacturer/supplier, public/private RTO, media and service provider. A Board Member can serve a continuous tenure of six years. The AHC Board also consists of a Corporate Governance Lawyer and Chartered Accountant. 

The AHC Board of Directors and the AHC are bound by our Constitution, which governs a set of fundamental principles or established precedents that the AHC is run by.

How much is AHC membership?

Your best business investment

Just as there are several AHC membership types, there are also various membership prices, depending on what type of business yours is. All memberships are for a minimum of 12 months. Salon Select membership is less than $20 a week; pay for one year and receive a 10% discount. Associate Membership starts at $295 a year. For more information on pricing go to our Memberships page (hyperlink).



Secure payments

Payleadr handles all AHC membership payments. Payleadr is an Australian owned and operated company that has been established by a team of passionate payments and software industry experts possessing more than 30 years combined payment experience. Payleadr is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and holds an Australian Financials Services License (501914) enabling them to issue non-cash payments products. It sounds cliché, but we’re serious about security. Very serious. And so is Payleadr. All data is handled in accordance with their privacy policy and all traffic on the Payleadr site and platform is encrypted via SSL, meaning they encrypt and decrypt date sent over the internet.

Flexible payment options

Memberships can be paid by direct debit from an Australian bank account, Visa or MasterCard debit card or a Visa or MasterCard credit card. The Payleadr platform offers the ability to pay for your AHC membership in annual, six-monthly, quarterly, monthly, four weekly, fortnightly or weekly instalments. Annual payments receive a 10% discount on the annual AHC membership fee (Salon Select membership only). PayPal is not available on the Payleadr platform.

Membership is tax deductible

Make sure your accountant has your payment receipt so you can claim it back at tax time.

What will I get out of my membership?

The benefits are endless!

The sense of community. The support. The knowledge that you get accurate, up-to-date information, every time. The guidance from our specialised Workplace Advisory Team. The sharing of advice and knowledge from experienced, likeminded salon owners within our organisation. The countless resources at your fingertips to help you with everything in business. The friendships. The confidence knowing that you are not alone and others are experiencing or have gone through exactly what you are.

What's in it for you?

The AHC understands that all business owners need to be informed and supported with industry changes or employee advice. Salon owners join the AHC as ‘Salon Select’ members and gain access to the following, plus so much more:

  • Specialised Workplace Advisory Team advising on all employment and Award queries
  • Over 400 resources covering crucial operational information including pay tables and IR changes
  • Employee management ideas and templates
  • Policies and Procedures covering your salon culture
  • Valuable support, opportunity, insight and inspiration in many areas as you forge ahead in your business
  • A support network of industry peers at your fingertips via a 24/7 online forum
  • Consumer recognition that your salon is amongst the very best in Australia
  • Accreditation as a GOLD or SILVER Salon Select salon
  • Access to seminars, speakers, business insight and creative education opportunities at discounted AHC membership prices
  • Peace of mind that you are part of a community of likeminded business owners that will support and help you throughout your business journey.

Why join RTO Select?

As an RTO Select member, you will gain access to the following: 

  • Recognition that your RTO is amongst the very best in Australia

  • Accreditation as an RTO Select member for promotion to industry and consumers as a quality provider of education

  • Valuable support, opportunity, insight and inspiration from our industry

  • Timely information on industry events and regulations

  • Access to seminars, speakers, business insight and creative education opportunities at AHC membership prices

  • Visibility of and communication, engagement and consultation with Industry with awareness of salon interests regarding Education and Training

  • Be well informed with correct and timely industry information

  • Liaise nationally with Industry via our private forums

  • Opportunities for professional development via AHC seminars keeping abreast of change for record of currency and continuous improvement

  • Ability to participate in a broad forum with owners, hairdressers and other teachers in a support network of peers

  • Access to resources for educational delivery and teacher interest area

Get in Touch

Foundation Members

Foundation Member Logos american_crew_logo

AMERICAN CREW

American Crew is more than just another product supplier. It's a landmark in the history of men's grooming created to establish trust and care for men.

Foundation Member Logos Aveda

AVEDA

Aveda believes it’s what’s inside that counts. That’s why we work tirelessly to bring you the best natural products possible.

Foundation Member Logos de_lorenzo

DE LORENZO

The De Lorenzo brand has been providing professional salons with the best quality, natural based haircare products since 1930, built from two brothers with a dream.

Foundation Member Logos eleven_australia

ELEVEN AUSTRALIA

A lifestyle brand for the young and young at heart, ELEVEN Australia is the fresh approach to hair and body care suitable for everyone.

Foundation Member Logos fudge-logo

FUDGE

We are here to give free-thinkers unnaturally good-looking hair. Fudge celebrates the people who want to turn heads, make a statement and defy expectations.

Untitled design - 2023-04-20T095954.655

ghd

From industry leaders to session artists and salon stylists, the most discerning professionals understand that working with the best tools gets the best results. ghd isn't just a brand but a community, with products being sold in over 50,000 salons worldwide.

Foundation Member Logos goldwell_logo

GOLDWELL

The latest innovations in combination with the best educated stylists, Goldwell offers salon exclusive products and innovative services that guarantee stunning hair and outstanding looks.

Foundation Member Logos great_lengths_logo

GREAT LENGTHS

The foundation of the Great Lengths mission is to source, treat and supply 100% human hair extensions of the highest quality in an ethical manner.

Foundation Member Logos indola_logo

INDOLA

At Indola, we’re inspired by real life and real people, focusing on all the relevant things you need as hairdresser and nothing more.

Foundation Member Logos joico_logo

JOICO

Our salon innovations are designed to return hair to its strongest, shiniest, healthiest state with each and every use. The ‘joi’ of healthy hair is our promise and our commitment.

Foundation Member Logos kerastase_paris_logo

KÉRASTASE

Since 1964, we have been combining our deep knowledge of hairdressers and their clients to imagine a world of professional hair care products that would exceed expectations.

280255926_5275260005888191_2406552630049826565_n

KEUNE

Keune is a Dutch brand and has been making products since 1922. The Keune brand aims to develop the highest quality products and actively works to work with suppliers who share a sustainable approach.

All products are proudly Cruelty Free.
Foundation Member Logos kevin_murphy_logo

KEVIN.MURPHY

Born from the same philosophy as skincare, KEVIN.MURPHY products provide the tools to recreate high-fashion runway looks in the salon or at-home, while always remaining kind to the environment.

Foundation Member Logos kms_california_logo

KMS

We use the powerful language of style to collaborate with our community and collect ideas from the most inspiring places in the world: runways, urban fashion districts and the streets.

Foundation Member Logos la_biosthetique_paris_logo

LA BIOSTHETIQUE

La Biosthetique was born from the passion to create hair and beauty products from natural pure ingredients which work in harmony with our own bio-chemistry.

Foundation Member Logos loreal_professional_paris_logo

L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL

L’Oréal Professionnel is committed to helping hairdressers improve their working conditions and education by developing high quality, environmentally friendly products.

Foundation Member Logos matrix_logo

MATRIX

Matrix is committed to serving each and every community salon and empowering stylists to create positive change for their clients and the world around them.

Foundation Member Logos nioxin_logo

NIOXIN

Nioxin is all about a holistic approach to hair loss, with hair and scalp treatments to help keep your scalp and strands youthful and healthy-looking.

Foundation Member Logos ozdare

OZDARE

Our mission: to bring the finest hair products to Australia so salons could realise their potential, from premium, fashion-connected products to simple solutions to haircare, including ELEVEN Australia, KEVIN.MURPHY and Ecoheads.

Foundation Member Logos Pureology

PUREOLOGY

Pureology was born from a powerful idea: professional colour care without compromise. We create customised, high performance formulas while caring for our planet.

Foundation Member Logos redken_logo

REDKEN

Redken is a unique mix of fashion, innovation and inspiration creating the buzz, setting the pace and establishing what's new, what's hot and what's next in hair.

Foundation Member Logos revlon_professional_logo

Revlon Professional

The journey between the brand, the hairdresser and the client to find one’s own voice. To stand up for what you know, not what you’re told.

Foundation Member Logos schwarzkopf_logo

SCHWARZKOPF

Schwarzkopf is a brand that represents quality, expertise and innovation and has been for more than 120 years, thriving off satisfaction and trust with customers.

Foundation Member Logos sebastian_logo

SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL

Sebastian was born from a vision of beauty without boundaries. We think outside the lines of our craft and follow new possibilities for self expression.

Foundation Member Logos Shortcuts-Logo

SHORTCUTS

One of the world’s leading software providers for the hair and beauty industry, found in more than 14,000 salons and 45 countries worldwide.

Foundation Member Logos wella_logo

WELLA PROFESSIONALS

For more than 130 years, Wella has been delivering innovations and services that enable hairdressers’ creativity and is one of the world’s leading professional haircare brands.

videos-with-industry-thought-leaders-and-experts-to-help-elevate-your-salon-business-watch-on-ahc-facebook-or-youtube-1

Get educated every Tuesday on the AHC Facebook page

Videos with industry thought leaders and experts to help elevate your salon business. Watch on AHC Facebook or YouTube

Find out more

History of the AHC

The Australian Hairdressing Council sets the standards for salons and represents the professional hairdressing industry nationally. Its members are accredited salons, product companies, registered training organisations (RTOs) and associated industry members that have united to ensure that operational standards are high, career interest and recruitment improves and the Government recognises and responds to unique industry issues.


The AHC began in 2010 with a small group of passionate salon owners and industry advocates who believed in establishing one body to represent hairdressing and barbering to the government and consumer and also act has a united front to instigate change for the improvement and sustainability of the industry. Today the AHC is the trusted leading industry organisation and has helped thousands of salon owners become better business leaders and operators. It is the only industry association that looks out for everyone, whether you’re a solo operator, single salon owner, part of a larger group or franchise or a member of the barbering community. It works as a united front for better business and a better industry.


What do our members enjoy the most about their AHC membership? The sense of community. The support. The knowledge that you get accurate, up-to-date information, every time. The guidance from our specialised Workplace Advisory Team. The sharing of advice and knowledge from experienced, likeminded salon owners with our organisation. The countless resources at their fingertips to help them with everything in business. The friendships. The confidence knowing that they are not alone and others are experiencing or have gone through exactly what they are.


The AHC and its hardworking team consistently reinforce its four pillars – Raising Industry Standards, Connecting Our Industry, Voice to Government and Supporting Business – so that for every initiative, event and promotion it undertakes, it meets some, if not all, of these pillars in order to be true to the philosophy and mission of the Australian Hairdressing Council.

grey
grey

Latest News

The AHC is your trusted source for the latest news and developments from the Government, industry key players, education and training and national events.    

Breaking News & Industry Updates

Launching Curate Awards - the new competition that puts the spotlight on apprentices

Launching Curate Awards - the new competition that puts the spotlight on apprentices

Industry News, Blog

Introducing a new and unique competition initiative to spotlight our most exciting industry talent - apprentices - say hello to CURATE Awards. Brisbane hairdressing icon and reigning AHIA Creative Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2023 Justin Pace has created a unique competition platform to discover and celebrate Australia’s freshest urban and regional Apprentice talent through the delivery of exciting hair vision and creativity.

My Business Lease - Should I stay or should I go?

My Business Lease - Should I stay or should I go?

Business News, Blog

At some stage in the business lifecycle, every business, large or small, needs to evaluate whether they “STAY” in their current business premises and negotiate a renewal or “GO” and negotiate a new lease in a new location. This process can be complicated and is not something most business owners look forward to doing. So, where do you start?

2023 Australian Hair Fashion Awards Announce Winners

2023 Australian Hair Fashion Awards Announce Winners

Industry News, Business News, Blog

The 2023 Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFAs) took to Sydney’s The Star to celebrate the editorial prowess of our talented hairdressing community, in an evening where hair art, fashion and entertainment collided, honouring 25 winners across business, regional, creative and product categories.

Get Ready to Shine: Love Your Hairdresser Week returns to celebrate hair heroes from 13-19 November

Get Ready to Shine: Love Your Hairdresser Week returns to celebrate hair heroes from 13-19 November

Industry News, Consumer News, Business News, Blog

Love Your Hairdresser Week, the annual celebration of all hair professionals, is back for its fourth year from November 13 to 19, 2023. It’s a special time for individuals and businesses alike to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the beauty industry, our hairdressers and barbers, who do more than just transform hair – they nurture self-esteem, inspire confidence, and strengthen community bonds.

Launching Curate Awards - the new competition that puts the spotlight on apprentices

Launching Curate Awards - the new competition that puts the spotlight on apprentices

Industry News, Blog
My Business Lease - Should I stay or should I go?

My Business Lease - Should I stay or should I go?

Business News, Blog
2023 Australian Hair Fashion Awards Announce Winners

2023 Australian Hair Fashion Awards Announce Winners

Industry News, Business News, Blog
Get Ready to Shine: Love Your Hairdresser Week returns to celebrate hair heroes from 13-19 November

Get Ready to Shine: Love Your Hairdresser Week returns to celebrate hair heroes from 13-19 November

Industry News, Consumer News, Business News, Blog
Socials

Stay connected