News
- THE FINALISTS HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN ANNOUNCED!
We are honoured and delighted to share that Rudy Mostarda – Global Creative Director at Alfaparf Milano, Global Vice President of Alternative Hair, and Owner of Extrema Hair Community – Royal Education Hair Academy – will be a guest artist, introducing the International Visionary Awards 2025, taking place at Vision Hair 2025 in Milan.
Creatively, Rudy is a well-known name in the world of hairdressing, with a career that has taken him to leading hair events across the globe. He and his team are also a regular presence backstage at Milan Fashion Week and on international magazine shoots. - THE FINALISTS HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN ANNOUNCED!
Huge congratulations to the finalists of the 2025 Visonary Awards! Thank you to everyone that has applied, it was a huge challenge for Anthony Mascolo choosing the final stylists for the show and we look forward to celebrating an unforgettable evening and showcasing the incredible creativity and talent on stage.
INTERNATIONAL VISIONARY AWARD FINALISTS LINK
If you would like to attend please see ticket and further event information below: Event Details Date: Sunday, 26th October 2025 Venue: Palazzo Del Ghiaccio, Via Giovanni Battista Piranesi 14, Milan , Italy. Tickets: https://www.cometaevents.it/event-details/visionhair Venue Website: http://palazzodelghiaccio.it/en/ Map to Venue: Google Maps – Palazzo Del Ghiacci Travel Information Closest Airports: Milan Linate Airport (LIN): Approx. 15 minutes by taxi Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Approx. 50 minutes by taxi or train Milan Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport (BGY): Approx. 1 hour by taxi or bus. Also check out this Estetica article on the upcoming show: https:// www.esteticamagazine.com/2025/08/20/introducing-the-finalists-of-the- international-visionary-award-2025/ - International Visionary Award 2025 in association with Vision Hair
Two Events. One Day of Inspiration:
Vision Hair & The 21st International Visionary Award Finale
Vision Hair Experience an exclusive day of creativity with Vision Hair presenting a series of inspiring masterclasses and technical demonstrations. Get up close and personal with leading artists as they share the creative processes behind their signature work, along with insider marketing strategies to help elevate your own business. This is an unmissable opportunity for professionals to learn, connect, and innovate in an intimate setting.
The 21st International Visionary Award Finale Celebrating global excellence in hair artistry with the 21st International Visionary Award Live Finale, one of the most anticipated events on the international hair calendar. Finalists from around the world will compete in three exciting categories:
· Cut & Colour
· Men’s
· Avant Garde
The finale will also feature renowned international guests and promises to showcase the very best in creativity and technical skill, all in aid of Fighting Leukaemia (Registered Charity: 1147189).
Join us for a day of education, artistry, and inspiration, as two iconic events unite for an unforgettable experience. - International Visionary Award 2025 Announcement
ANNOUNCEMENT International Visionary Award 2025 finals will take place LIVE IN MILAN, ITALY on Sunday 26th October at Palazzo Del Ghiaccio in association with Hair Vision , all in aid of Fighting Leukaemia – Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation (Registered Charity:1147189) The deadline for International Visionary Award has now been extended until 4th August 2025, so enter before then for a chance to appear as a finalist live in the fashion capital of the world MILAN
- International Visionary Award Deadline extention
Big News! The deadline for the International Visionary Awards has been extended to August 4th, 2025!
You’ve got more time to polish your masterpiece, perfect your pitch, and show us your boldest, brightest ideas. Don’t miss your chance!
Submit your entry by or before 4th August 2025!
- Tony Rizzo Awarded MBE at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle, 11 June 2025 – Tony Rizzo, founder of the Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation, was awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his exceptional contribution to leukaemia research and support for children with blood cancers. The honour was presented by HRH Prince William at Windsor Castle, marking a proud moment for Tony and his family, who have spent over four decades championing the cause through the globally renowned Alternative Hair Show. “I am deeply grateful and truly humbled,” said Tony. “From the tragic loss of our son to Leukaemia to raising awareness and funds for this worthy cause, it’s been an extraordinary journey. Every step has been driven by the goal of finding a cure—and we’re not done yet.” Since its inception, the Alternative Hair Show has raised over £15 million, thanks to the dedication of artists, sponsors, and supporters across the hair industry. Support the cause: https://alternativehair.org/ahs-donation/ Media Contact Alternative Hair Show Head Office brooke@alternativehair.org | info@alternativehair.org
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- Paint for Life – Creative Artworks by Alternative Hair Show Legends
Paint for Life is a powerful global art initiative, bringing together artists from around the world all in aid of Fighting Leukaemia.Honorary Patrons Wiel and Ell Essers who design and produce the unique Alternative Hair Awards, have decided to donate these Spectacular paintings that have been produced by the talented artists of the Alternative hair Show.These paintings will now be on sale to benefit the Alternative Hair Show which is celebrating its 42nd Anniversary! - 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.
