Meet 2025 Curate Winner Kobi Lee

With an uncompromising vision and fearless approach to creativity, Kobi Lee is rapidly establishing herself as one of the industry’s most compelling emerging talents. Winner of the 2025 CURATE Urban Australia Cut & Colour category, this Melbourne-based stylist brings a refreshing blend of technical precision and artistic exploration that sets her apart in today’s competitive landscape.

Currently working at The Factory 3013, Melbourne’s renowned creative hub, Kobi joined the team in April 2024 after honing her skills at both Flipped Hair and the iconic Biba Salon. This diverse foundation gave her exposure to technical excellence and creative freedom, two elements that continue to fuel her distinctive approach to hairdressing.

For Kobi, her craft extends far beyond traditional cuts and colour. She views hairdressing as a powerful medium for identity, transformation, and community connection. Her artistic vision has already gained impressive recognition, with publications in both Lucy’s Magazine and C41 Magazine, remarkable achievements for someone still in the early stages of her career.

Always committed to growth and evolution, Kobi has sought education from industry luminaries including Sheridan Rose Shaw, Jules Tognini, Nicole Kae and Bel Mills, building an impressive foundation of knowledge and technique.

Already recognized as Finalist for AHIA Creative Apprentice of the Year 2023, Kobi embodies a new generation of stylists who are actively redefining what the future of hair can look like. Here we discover more about this rising star’s journey and philosophy.

What does winning the CURATE Urban Australia Cut & Colour category mean to you?

Honestly, it’s still pretty surreal! It feels amazing to have my work recognised like this.

I think winning gives me the confidence to keep experimenting and trying new things without second-guessing myself so much. It’s also opened up opportunities I never thought would happen this early on. But what I love most is that hopefully it shows other young stylists that you don’t have to follow the traditional path to succeed. We can all bring something different to the table.

How do your varied interests influence your approach to hairdressing?

I’m literally obsessed with everything! I’ll be randomly watching videos about various fabric manipulation techniques and suddenly see something that sparks an idea for a haircut. Psychology fascinates me because it helps me understand how people view themselves what they’re trying to express. I think when you’re curious about the world, it all feeds back into your work somehow. Each client becomes this amazing opportunity to create something that’s uniquely them.

What advice would you give to other emerging stylists?

Don’t try to be someone you’re not! The best stylists I know are the ones who embrace their weird quirks and unique perspectives. Find mentors who get excited about your ideas, even the crazy ones. And honestly, inspiration is everywhere. Art, music, nature, random conversations with strangers. The more you refrain from being boxed in, the more interesting your work becomes.

What’s next for you?

I’m excited to keep learning and trying new things! There are so many techniques I want to dive deeper into, and I’d love to do more editorial work, enter more competitions and maybe do some collaborations with other artists. I’m also really passionate about helping other young stylists find their voice in this industry. I want to be part of making hairdressing feel more inclusive and creative for everyone coming up behind me.