Updo artist, educator and industry icon, Sharon Blain has been sharing her expertise since first joining the professional beauty world more than five decades ago. Famed for her long hair expertise, bridal, red carpet, editorial and avant-garde dressing, Blain has been published worldwide and has an award list that fills a page (see below) and includes four time Educator of the Year and seven time finalist Hairdresser of the Year, all from the Hair Expo Australia. Thousands of hairdressers have been trained by Blain through her workshops, seminars and acclaimed boot camps. Blain has pioneered unique techniques and has revolutionized the way professionals learn.

Born and raised: In a small New South Wales country town called Bathurst.

Favorite item of clothing: My black Burberry padded jacket and my gold platform brogues – soooo comfy.

If I hadn’t become a salon professional I would have: become a florist or a milliner.

Most people would be surprised that I: love to dig in the garden.

My Guilty pleasure: Salted caramel  ice cream

For inspiration: I love to sit on the beach and watch the waves. It frees my mind, allowing me to dream and to sketch new ideas.

My best vacation: Antarctica-absolute perfection.

Best piece of advice I ever received: You alone are responsible for your own destiny. Failure is not an option.

The talent I would most like to have is: being able to draw and sketch the perfect body shape.

For fun I: love to hang out with my grandchildren and family. They make me laugh and help me chill out.

The coolest collection I ever created: I loved my collection called Renaissance. Inspired by the movie Elizabeth. I spent 6 months researching, designing and working on the looks. I think this collection epitomises my style and creativity.

Every beauty professional should: Continue to attend education classes regularly while ever they practice their craft. We owe it to our clients to be the best we can be and to lift industry standards by offering the highest professional services and advice.

I am most proud of: My ability to reinvent my styling and consistency remain current after 54 years in the industry. The growth of my education company and traveling the world teaching long hair skills to the next generation.

I relax by: pottering in my garden, reading and doing a spot of cooking and I should add having a G and T.

The one tool or product I use most often: Goldwell’s StyleSign, Diamond Gloss. I can’t live without it.

My goal as an educator: Is to leave a legacy to the industry by sharing the techniques and skills I’ve perfected over many decades. My dream is to raise the industry standards of beauty professionals, assist them to gain confidence, motivation and develop pride of workmanship.

Awards

4x Educator of the Year, Hair Expo Australia

3x Education Business of the Year, Hair Expo Australia 

2x Business Performance of the year, Boot Camp, Hair Expo Australia

7x Finalist Hairdresser of the Year, Hair Expo Australia 

2015 AIPP Awards Finalist for Infinity Collection -

Winner 2018 Hair Expo Education Business of the Year Winner

2017 Hair Expo Education Business of the Year Finalist

2017 Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFA’s) Avant-Garde Hairdresser of the Year Finalist

2017 Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFA’s) Video of the Year Winner

2016 Australian Hair Fashion Awards (AHFA’s) Excellence in Education Finalist

2016 Hair Expo Educator of the Year Finalist 2016 Hair Expo Education Business of the Year, Sharon Blain Education Finalist

2016 Hair Expo Industry Business Performance of the Year, Boot Camp Finalist

2015 AIPP Awards, Infinity Collection Winner 2015 Education Business of the Year, Sharon Blain Education Winner

2015 Industry Business Performance of the Year, Boot Camp Finalist

2015 Mirror Awards, International Category, Futurism Collection Winner

2014 Hair Expo Business Performance of the Year, Boot Camp Winner

2013, 2011, 2010, 2009 Hair Expo Educator of the Year Winner

2009, 2008 Goldwell ColorZoom Challenge Winner

2008 Hair Expo Photographic Collection of the Year Winner

2006 Global Salon Business Award, Barcelona Winner

531 State and National Competitions Awards Finalist

2012, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003,1996 Hair Expo Hairdresser of the Year Finalist

2013, 2012, 2007, 2006 Hair Expo Educator of the Year Finalist

2009, 2008, 2004 Hair Expo Best Photographic Collection of the Year Finalist

2011 Hair Expo Business Performance of the Year Finalist

2010 Hair Expo Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist

2008, 2006, 2005 Hair Expo Salon Marketing

1995 Hair Expo Hall of Fame