News
- International Visionary Award 2025 NOW OPEN
The International Visionary Award 2025 is NOW OPEN for Entries! This year the finals will take place virtually, on a live streamed event! Enter our three categories: CUT AND COLOUR MENS AVANT GARDE All entries are a direct donation to our Charity : The Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation – Fighting Leukaemia (Registered Charity:1147189)
- Alternative Hair Show 2025 Announcement
- New AH Magazine!
We are delighted to share our newest AH Magazine! Click here to read!
- Big Announcement coming soon – 22/04/2025!
Stay tuned for a BIG Announcement on Tuesday 22nd April.
- Tony Rizzo MBE receives congratulatory letter from the Italian Ambassador in London!
Alternative Hair Show Founder Tony Rizzo MBE receives congratulatory letter from Italian Ambassador, Tony is grateful and honoured to have received this letter.
English translation:
It is with great pleasure that I learned in the New Year Honours List that His Majesty the King has conferred upon you the honour of Member of the Order of the British Empire and I wish to extend to you my sincere good wishes and warm congratulations. As Ambassador of Italy in London, it is always a source of satisfaction and pride for me to learn of news of this kind that concerns one of our fellow country men. On this occasion, more than ever because you and your family, following the tragedy that struck you, have been able to transform your pain into such a meritorious work, creating a foundation that offers great assistance to children suffering from leukaemia and to the world of research to fight leukaemia. I renew my best wishes to you, which I ask you to also extend to your family.
From Inigo Lambertini, Italian Ambassador - Alternative Hair Show Founder, Tony Rizzo awarded MBE
New Year Honours List 2024 MBE
Antonio John Rizzo, Founder of The Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation. For charitable services to Leukaemia Research and to Children suffering with Leukaemia.
Antonio (Tony) Rizzo a hairdresser from London has raised in excess of £15 million for Leukaemia Research and blood cancer charities in the UK and overseas.In 1983 after the death of his first-born son Valentino, Tony made a pledge to do whatever he could to save children from Leukaemia. Tony with the support of his wife Maggie; called on their many friends and colleagues in hairdressing worldwide to take part in an entirely new and audacious charity fund raising event, The Alternative Hair Show. Tony organised the show to present the artistic talents of many hairdressing teams who always participate at their own cost.The Alternative Hair Show, staged at London’s Camden Palace in October 1983 was a huge success, raising an enormous £7,500 which was immediately donated to Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, the UK’s leading blood cancer research charity now Blood Cancer UK.The Alternative Hair Show was born!Thanks to medical research supported by the Alternative Hair Show and others, 90% of children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia will survive for at least five years after their diagnosis, compared with just 10% in 1960.At each event as well as money being made from ticket sales, Tony decided to do an additional appeal during the evening. The money raised from this appeal goes towards treating families who have a child suffering with leukaemia to a ‘respite’ day out.Day trips have been organised to London Zoo, Legoland and he has even taken families away to Disneyland Paris for the weekend. What an amazing experience for these children and their families to spend some quality time together away from the hospitals and treatment clinics they are used to. Each child and parent who attends also received a ‘goodie bag’ full of gifts which have been kindly donated from people and companies in the hairdressing industry. When a child or parent is ill, normal things like holidays don’t happen and the whole family suffers. Alternative Hair Show gives these families a chance to have fun, but also to share their experiences with other people in the same circumstances.The Show has grown into one of the most exciting and sought-after events in the international hairdressing calendar. The Alternative Hair Show gathers hair creatives from across the world to raise money for Leukaemia research. Hosted at venues worldwide; starting at London’s Camden Palace it then moved to The Hippodrome and as the show’s popularity increased there was a demand for a larger venue which took the show to London’s Royal Albert Hall the Show has been staged in USA, Italy, Russia, Vienna, Seoul, Tokyo, Ukraine, Taiwan among others. The annual spectacle showcases work from some of the most creative hairdressers in the world.The Alternative Hair Show is known for its unique creativity that has inspired generations for over 42 years.The Alternative Hair Show is deeply thankful to all Artists and Sponsors who have supported the show over the years.From over 200 International Artistic Teams, Visionaries and Patrons from all over the world. The show has allowed exposure to unknown Artists and Hairdressing Legends.OUR FIGHT CONTINUES! - Alternative Hair Show Charity Grants 2024
This year the Alternative Hair Show raised an incredible £116,000 for Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation (Registered Charity:1147189).
Over the last 42 years the Alternative Hair Show is proud to have raised over £15 million, this would not be possible without our Artists, Patrons, International Visionary Award Entrants and our long standing supporters and Sponsors – Alfaparf Milano Professional, Wella.
Of course, there are many other supporters and we thank you all for your continued support.
The Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation, Fighting Leukaemia (Registered Charity: 1147189) is delighted to announce the following new grants:
A grant of £45,000 to fund the project ‘characterising the initiation and progression of childhood B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in Down’s Syndrome’ led by Professor Tariq Enver at UCL.
Blood Cancer UKThis project will research the need for less toxic treatments and will build on previous studies.The impact of this project will be seen in longer-term clinical projects.
World Child Cancer
A grant of £10,000 to fund the project ‘lifesaving support for children with leukaemia in Bangladesh and Myanmar. This project will aid children with leukaemia to access lifesaving treatment and families who have financial barriers to accessing treatments for their children.Families will be able to access lifesaving leukaemia treatement for their families and significantly contribute to increasing chances of survival for the children.
Chernobyl Relief Foundation UK and Ukraine
The Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation (Registered charity: 1147189) has granted £500 for urgent medical supplies.During 30 years Chernobyl Relief Foundation had been helping thousands of sick children with the continuous life threatening health consequences as the results of the Chernobyl catastrophe, mostly connected to destroyed immune systems, including cancer.
- Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Alternative Hair Show!
Thank you for your continued support from 2024, and we hope we can continue to count on your support in 2025! - R.I.P Trevor Sorbie MBE
We are sad to announce the passing of our Worldwide Honorary Patron, Trevor Sorbie MBE.
We send our condolences to Carole Sorbie, his dear wife and all of his family and the hair community.
We have lost an Artist, Icon and Legend of our industry.
He will be greatly missed.
Rest in Peace
Tony Rizzo – Founder and Director
Anthony Mascolo – President - Your support is making a huge difference – Mia’s Story & Blood Cancer UK
At the 2024 Alternative Hair Show an astounding £116,000 was raised for the Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation, Fighting Leukaemia (Registered Charity: 1147189) and Blood Cancer UK. In this year’s Charity Appeal we heard Mia’s Story. Mia was only 7 months old in 2017 when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Mia’s Mum, Anjna, says that “Mia is now seven and doing great. This is all down to the ongoing blood cancer research.” You can watch the full video HERE to find out more about the incredible research made possible all thanks to your generous donations and support.To make a donation to our charity click HERE
Mia and her Mum Anjna.
- 2024 International Visionary Award Content Now Live
The 2024 International Visionary Award is now available to watch online. You can rewatch this year’s stunning competition HERE. The International Visionary Award photo galleries are also available to view HERE across Cut & Colour, Mens and Avant Garde. To see more of the latest follow us on Instagram @alternativehairshow and @visionaryaward
- AHS 2024 Featured Artist Videos and Photos Now Live
You can now watch all of this year’s Featured Artist performances on our website.The Alternative Hair Show has never been anything less than extraordinary, this year was no exception as 14 Headline Artists from across the world took to the stage to present their latest work.
To watch the AHS Featured Artist videos click HERE To view the AHS 2024 Photo Gallery click HERE
2024 Show Teams:
- Dmitry Vinokurov, Russia
- HC Salon, Italy
- Jaeyoung Lee, South Korea
- Tindaro Orifici, Germany
- Gogen, Italy
- Vidal Sassoon, UK
- Ken Zhou, China
- Paul Stafford, Ireland
- Marc Antoni, UK
- Saco, UK
- Kohsuke Visual Network, Japan
- Anne Veck, UK
- Rudy Mostarda, Italy
- Sanrizz, UK
- 2024 Visionaries Presentation Now Live Online
Throughout the 2024 Alternative Hair Show we saw the incredible creative films of the 11 Visionaries Artists: Ahkim Anthony Tan – Australia, Alla Tcaciuc – Moldova, Anakin Chan – USA, Daniel Gallego – Spain, Pino Troncone – Italy, Sara Piera Cano – Spain, Shogo Ideguchi – Japan, Tom Yek Teng Siong – Malaysia, Ulderico Nasti – Italy, Viktoriia Vradii – Ukraine, Yildis Charbachi – Sweden. This year’s Films are now Live on our website to view. Click HERE to watch.
- Alternative Hair Show Evolution Full Video Now Live
You can now rewatch this year’s 42nd Alternative Hair Show on our website. Click HERE to watch now!
- 2024 International Visionary Award
The 2024 International Visionary Award was truly spectacular this year as the competition celebrated its 20th Anniversary. 38 finalists took to the stage across Cut & Colour, Mens and Avant Garde.
A huge congratulations to the 2024 Winners and Runners Up, as well as all Finalists for such an amazing achievement!
Cut & Colour:
Winner – Matteo Susini, Italy
Joint Runners Up – Petra Blatnik Macek, Slovenia and Josh & Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy, UK
Top: Cut & Colour Winner Matteo Susini, Italy. Bottom Left: Cut & Colour Runners Up Josh & Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy. Bottom Right: Cut & Colour Runner Up Petra Blatnik Macek, Slovenia
Mens:
Winner – Josh Lamonaca, UK
Runner Up – Luigi Guardascione, Italy
Top: Mens Winner Josh Lamonaca, UK. Bottom: Mens Runner Up Luigi Guardascione, Italy.
Avant Garde:
Winner – Tan Wei Jun, Malaysia
Runner Up – Yu Zhuwen, China
2024 Cut & Colour Finalists:
Top: Avant Garde Winner Tan Wei Jun, Malaysia. Bottom: Avant Garde Runner Up Yu Zhuwen, China.
2024 Mens Finalists:
2024 Avant Garde Finalists:
To view the full International Visionary Award Gallery and all other 2024 Alternative Hair Show content click HERE
- A truly unforgettable evening at the 42nd Alternative Hair Show Evolution
On Sunday 13th October the Global Hair Event of the Year was back better than ever at the legendary Roundhouse in Camden Town London. The 42nd show welcomed hundreds of hairdressers from across the globe to share their latest creative work under the theme ‘Evolution’. A fitting title for how far the Alternative Hair Show has progressed and evolved over the years from the very first show in 1983.
Long-time AHS supporter Linda Evans was back to present the show, alongside AHS Founder & Director Tony Rizzo and AHS President Anthony Mascolo. Following tradition, each AHS Artist was presented with an award and acknowledged for their incredible dedication to this annual charity event at their own expense.
Left to Right : Tony Rizzo – AHS Founder & Director, Linda Evans – Presenter, Anthony Mascolo – AHS President
All Featured Artists on stage after receiving their AHS Award
This year AHS President Anthony Mascolo received the Legend Award in recognition of his outstanding work over the years as President of the Alternative Hair Show. Throughout the show Anthony also shared some creative films inspired by his earlier work that have been reinvented through the power of AI.
AHS President Anthony Mascolo receiving his Legend Award
The show officially kicked off with the International Visionary Award which this year celebrated its 20th Anniversary. 38 finalists took to the stage across Cut & Colour, Mens and Avant Garde.
The Winners & Runners Up were:
Cut & Colour:
Winner – Matteo Susini, Italy
Joint Runners Up – Petra Blatnik Macek, Slovenia and Josh & Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy, UK
Left: Cut & Colour Winner Matteo Susini, Italy. Middle: Cut & Colour Runner Up Josh & Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy, UK. Right: Cut & Colour Runner Up Petra Blatnik Macek, Slovenia.
Mens:
Winner – Josh Lamonaca, UK
Runner Up – Luigi Guardascione, Italy
Left: Mens Winner Josh Lamonaca, UK. Right: Mens Runner Up Luigi Guardascione, Italy.
Avant Garde:
Winner – Tan Wei Jun, Malaysia
Runner Up – Yu Zhuwen, China
Left: Avant Garde Winner Tan Wei Jun, Malaysia. Right: Avant Garde Runner Up Yu Zhuwen, China.
Throughout the show we saw the incredible creative films of the 11 Visionaries Artists: Ahkim Anthony Tan – Australia, Alla Tcaciuc – Moldova, Anakin Chan – USA, Daniel Gallego – Spain, Pino Troncone – Italy, Sara Piera Cano – Spain, Shogo Ideguchi – Japan, Tom Yek Teng Siong – Malaysia, Ulderico Nasti – Italy, Viktoriia Vradii – Ukraine, Yildis Charbachi – Sweden.
During the show there was a touching message from Worldwide Honorary Patron of the Alternative Hair Show and hairdressing legend, Trevor Sorbie MBE. “I think this show is important… it’s about letting your creative mind just go and being let loose. It can be whatever you want it to be and it’s for a really good cause, to try and find a cure for leukaemia…” Trevor is a true inspiration to everyone at the Alternative Hair Show and across the hairdressing community, he was greatly missed at this year’s Show.
On the night the Alternative Hair Show paid tribute to Vidal Sassoon who for several years was Worldwide Honorary Patron of the show. In celebration of 70 years of Vidal Sassoon, Mark Hayes, International Creative Director of Vidal Sassoon said “Vidal was always so generous and polite, when he passed we lost a visionary and creative genius… Rarely do we meet someone who had the profound impact that Vidal had.”
The Alternative Hair Show has never been anything less than extraordinary, this year was no exception as 14 Headline Artists from across the world took to the stage to present their latest work.
Show Teams (in order of photos below):
- Sanrizz, UK
- Vidal Sassoon, UK
- Paul Stafford, Ireland
- Marc Antoni, UK
- Saco, UK
- Rudy Mostarda, Italy
- Jaeyoung Lee, South Korea
- Ken Zhou, China
- HC Salon, Italy
- Anne Veck, UK
- Gogen, Italy
- Kohsuke Visual Network, Japan
- Tindaro Orifici, Germany
- Dmitry Vinokurov, Russia
Besides providing one of the very best creative platforms worldwide, it cannot be forgotten that the main purpose of the Alternative Hair Show is to raise money for Fighting Leukaemia. Tony Rizzo and Anthony Mascolo closed the show with all artists on stage, presenting a cheque to announce that this year’s show raised an astounding £116,000 for the Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation, Fighting Leukaemia (Registered Charity: 1147189) and Blood Cancer UK.
Thank you to Headline Sponsor Alfaparf Milano Professional, Gold Sponsor Wella, and Charity Sponsors Infringe, Semi di Lino, Eugene Perma, Linda Hair, Onacis, Alternative Hair Products, and Amos Professional. All Photo Credits: Alex Barron-Hough - Alternative Hair Show 2024 LIVESTREAM
This year we are streaming the 42nd Alternative Hair Show LIVE across the globe!
On Sunday 13th October 2024 you will be able to watch the Show LIVE online via the Alternative Hair Show website. Join the Livestream HERE
- Wiel & Ell Essers with the 2024 Alternative Hair Show Awards
Honorary Patrons, Wiel and Ell Essers with the 2024 Alternative Hair Show Awards. The Alternative Hair Show proudly recognises the inimitable creativity of Wiel and Ell who have participated in several shows and have designed and produced the Alternative Hair Show Awards since 2007.
Make sure to book your tickets for this year’s Alternative Hair Show HERE - 2024 International Visionary Award AVANT GARDE Live Finalists
A huge congratulations to this year’s International Visionary Award Live Finalists!
View all 2024 International Visionary Award Live Finalists HERE - 2024 International Visionary Award MENS Live Finalists
A huge congratulations to this year’s International Visionary Award Live Finalists!
View all 2024 International Visionary Award Live Finalists HERE
