View the 2026 AHIA (Creative) Editorial Hairstylist of the Year Collection
Anthony Nader, founder of the renowned Sydney-based salon RAW Anthony Nader, has once again been recognised as one of the industry’s leading creative talents, taking out Editorial Hairstylist of the Year at the 2026 ANZ Hair Industry Awards (Creative).
Presented at the Grand Ballroom, ICC Sydney, the awards capped off two successful days of Hair Festival, presented by Styleicons and INSTYLE. Nader’s win marks his second consecutive Editorial Hairstylist of the Year title, further cementing his reputation as one of Australia’s most respected editorial hairstylists.
The Editorial Hairstylist of the Year award recognises excellence in fashion and editorial hairdressing across magazines, advertising campaigns, runway and commercial productions, celebrating creativity, technical expertise and visual storytelling.
Across a career spanning almost four decades, Nader’s work has appeared in countless fashion publications and campaigns, while his client list includes Kendall Jenner, Nicole Kidman and Miranda Kerr. His latest accolade adds to an already distinguished career that includes NSW Hairdresser of the Year and Australian Hairdresser of the Year.
Speaking with Styleicons, Nader said this latest win feels especially significant. “Editorial is my absolute passion and always has been. I actually feel more connected to this category than any other award I’ve won.”
Despite his success, Nader says he rarely stops to reflect on recognition. “I’m just plugging away at what I do. Between looking after my salon clients and training my team, before I know it it’s Saturday afternoon.”
Winning the category in 2025, however, left a lasting impression. “I was totally gobsmacked. As soon as I got back to my seat, I knew I had to enter again the following year. I didn’t want to believe I was a fluke. To win it two years in a row… my heart is so full.”
Staying creatively relevant
For Nader, longevity in editorial comes down to constant evolution without losing your own signature.
“You need to evolve and stay current, but at the same time have your signature all over your work. Fashion changes, products evolve, creative directors move, and new hairstylists are constantly pushing boundaries. If you want to grow, you have to keep looking beyond the surface.”
His advice for creating memorable editorial hair is equally straightforward. “Be you… and only you. Don’t try to be anyone else. Clients book you because they want your perspective. Staying true to yourself is your brand.”
Advice for the next generation
Asked what he’d tell hairstylists wanting to break into editorial, Nader’s advice hasn’t changed throughout his career. “Be patient. Be open to your insecurities and grow from them. Stay humble and respectful. And test, test and test again. I’m still testing 38 and a half years on because it’s how I continue to learn.”
Nader’s back-to-back Editorial Hairstylist of the Year wins reinforce his enduring influence on Australian editorial hairdressing and his ongoing commitment to creative excellence.