THREE GENERATIONS STRONG - MEET AHIA 2025 CREATIVE EMERGING STYLIST OF THE YEAR - HOLLY EVANS

When Holly Evans first stepped into her mums (Lorna Evans) salon after lockdowns, she never imagined that week of helping out would change the course of her life.

A third-generation hairdresser who once swore she’d never follow the family trade; Holly discovered a spark that quickly ignited into passion. Four years on, that passion has transformed into a career marked by bold artistry, fearless experimentation, and now, national recognition as an AHIA Creative 2025 winner.

A Whirlwind Beginning

Holly’s journey into hairdressing has been anything but ordinary. Within just a few years, she has already worked on photoshoots with names like Bernadette Beswick and Stevie English, assisted industry icons including Kristina Russell and Natalie Anne, and even prepped backstage at Hair Festival for Danger Jones.

Most recently, she joined her dream salon, Respekt Your Hair, under the mentorship of Julia Stevens, someone Holly credits as a guiding force in her confidence to compete and push her creativity. “Julia has been one of my greatest supporters,” Holly says, “she made me feel ready to step into competitions, which has been a dream of mine from the start.”

Beyond the salon, Holly’s commitment extends to giving back. Inspired by volunteering at Sage’s Cottage for their Glamable Day, she joined HairAid, opening another chapter of impact through her craft.

The Collection: Punk Meets Feminine Power

For her winning AHIA Creative collection, Holly turned to punk rebellion as her muse, but with a twist... fusing its raw, edgy attitude with traditionally feminine colour palettes. Her vision challenged the notion that softness or vibrancy undermines strength, particularly for women and LGBTQ+ voices in professional and political spaces.

The result? A collection that radiates bold confidence while celebrating unapologetic femininity.

Technical Brilliance

Each of Holly’s four looks pushed the boundaries of technique and artistry: • Look 1: A short, chipped-in cut styled into spiky defiance, finished with safety pins for a rebellious edge.

• Look 2: A solid base with an exaggerated curtain fringe, looped extensions secured with carabiners, bands, and thread—a true hybrid of craft and punk hardware.

• Look 3: Wispy, layered softness balanced with padding and intricate braids, merging delicacy with structure.

• Look 4: A sleek, blunt bob enhanced with subtle extensions and face-framing layers, balancing minimalism with intensity.

Styling, Fashion & Attitude

To complete the vision, Holly paired her hair artistry with Birdskin fashion pieces, delivering a “girly grunge” aesthetic, colourful but laced with attitude. Makeup was designed around vivid eye palettes and dramatic eyeliner, while photography stripped back distractions with plain backgrounds to let the colours, shapes, and attitude shine.

Every element was curated to evoke what Holly describes as “aggressive, attitude-driven vibes that feel confident and bold.”

Looking Ahead

Winning at the 2025 AHIA Creative Awards is only the beginning for Holly Evans. With her fearless approach to hairdressing, deep respect for her mentors, and a heart committed to both artistry and community, she’s a rising force destined to shape the next chapter of Australian hair.

“I love this industry, and I can’t wait to see what it holds for me next,” she says.

One thing is certain: Holly Evans has only just begun making her mark, and the future of hair looks a whole lot bolder with her in it.

@hair_by_hollyevans