A Night to Remember
The 2026 Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFA) was a landmark night for the Haircare Group family. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the awards recognized the sheer creative force, dedication, and hard work of two of our very own.
evo’s Nicole Kae and Moroccanoil’s Richi Grisillo were acknowledged for their artistry, influence, and vision for professional styling, education and hairdressing, proving when world-class talent meets industry-leading brands, the results are award-winning.
Nicole Kae: Winner NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year & Educator of the Year
evo’s Creative Director Nicole Kae achieved what few in the industry have done before, a double header in two of the night’s most prestigious categories. This rare feat recognises her as both a master of the craft and a master of teaching it. Taking out NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year, Nicole proved her creative dominance with her particular brand of effortless edge. Simultaneously, being named Educator of the Year highlights her tireless commitment to the growth of the next generation through the evo education program.
As evo’s Creative Director, Nicole is a key part of evo’s visual identity. Conceptualising trend-led collections that define the brand globally. Within the Haircare Group family, Nicole translates these concepts into actionable skills for stylists at every level, making her one of the leading forces behind the next generation of hair professionals in Australia and beyond.
"Education is about empowering stylists to find their own voice. To be recognised for both my personal artistry and my work with the evo family is an incredible honor."
Richi Grisillo Winner: Editorial Runway Stylist of the Year
When fashion meets professional hair, Richi Grisillo is in a league of his own. Taking out the prestigious title of Editorial Runway Stylist of the Year, Richi’s work was celebrated for its high-fashion energy and storytelling, the kind of work that moves seamlessly from the salon floor to runway.
"I can appreciate the technical finesse of being a great hairdresser in-salon but also understand when and how to deconstruct hair into something effortless. Every year I exercise the creative muscle of my brain through the AHFAs, ultimately finding a balance between it all."
As a Global Ambassador for Moroccanoil, Richi is a leading voice for the brand on the world stage. Within the Haircare Group community, he acts as a bridge for Moroccanoil salons and partners, helping hair professionals deconstruct complex editorial looks using the extensive Moroccanoil collection and the products available.
Congratulations to Nicole and Richi on these incredible achievements. We are proud to have you leading the way for our community.
