Realise your Potential Panel

Mary Alamine is an award-winning hairdresser, educator and entrepreneur, and the Creative Director and Co-Founder of Royals Hair — a multi-location salon group and education academy in Sydney. With over 20 years in the industry, Mary has built a reputation for combining creative excellence with strong business leadership.

She is a 2x NSW/ACT Hairdresser of the Year (AHFA& AHIA, 2016) and a multiple-time finalist for Australian Hairdresser of the Year, recognised nationally for both her technical expertise and contribution to the professional hair industry. Mary has led hair direction for designers at Australian and New York Fashion Week, collaborating with global creative teams while mentoring stylists both backstage and in the salon environment. She has educated hundreds of hairdressers through workshops, academy programs and advanced in-salon training. Her education focuses on consultation, colour placement and real salon performance — helping stylists build profitable, sustainable careers beyond social media.

Under her direction, Royals Hair has grown into a recognised brand known for its elevated client experience and strong culture of development, training over 50 stylists and future industry talent through the Royals Academy. Today, Mary continues to lead teams, speak on industry panels and mentor salon professionals, with a focus on leadership, consistency and long-term growth within modern hairdressing businesses.

Helen Owens is the Founder and Creative Director of Tigerlamb, a multi-award-winning salon group based in Brisbane, Australia. With more than four decades in the hair industry, Helen has built a reputation for blending creative excellence with sharp commercial leadership.

Throughout her career, Helen has led award-winning teams, received industry recognition for both business performance and culture, and has been honoured with humanitarian acknowledgment for her contribution to community and industry development.

Her experience extends internationally, having worked in Europe during her early career — an influence that continues to shape her refined, fashion-forward approach to hairdressing and education.

Helen is a respected mentor, speaker and advocate for the professionalisation of hairdressing. She works closely with national industry bodies to champion sustainable business models, leadership development and long-term career pathways for emerging stylists.

Known for her direct insight and future-focused thinking, Helen brings a powerful perspective on creativity, culture and commercial success in modern salon businesses.

‘Hall of Fame’ Hairstylist | Global General Manager, EXO-GROW by Dermapenworld
Radiating infectious energy and resilience, Tracey Hughes is a natural at unlocking potential and inspiring greatness. With a presence that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and reached more than half a million hairstylists, Tracey’s impact is undeniable. Whether as a Keynote Speaker, MC, Educator, Hair Director, or Brand Leader, Tracey brings prestige to every event.
From her humble beginnings in hairdressing to a standout career in business, she is now a Global General Manager. Tracey connects deeply with audiences, driving powerful transformations and creating unforgettable experiences that inspire change and growth.
Awarded 8× Educator of the Year, 10× Salon of the Year, 2× Colourist of the Year, 2× Hairdresser of the Year, Tracey’s commitment to the hairdressing industry was recognized when she was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Australian Hair Industry Awards in 2018.

Paul Dare is a globally recognised hair industry expert, celebrated for his mastery behind the chair and his influence across professional education and salon culture. As an Australian Ambassador for EXO-GROW by DermapenWorld, Paul brings unparalleled credibility, deep technical knowledge and a passion for science-driven transformation in hair health and aesthetics.

Paul’s journey spans decades as a master haircutter, stylist and educator, with a track record of excellence acknowledged by multiple industry accolades. He is widely respected for his contributions to the craft of haircutting and his role in shaping the next generation of creative professionals. He is also the creator of the Dare Chisel, an innovative haircutting tool designed to expand creative possibility and sculptural freedom, delivering a signature texture unique to the tool. He is the founder of Cut Like a Master, his structured professional education platform built around his proprietary 5T System, created to move hairdressers beyond memorising haircuts and into true technical mastery.

Paul’s work is defined by precision, innovation and a commitment to elevating standards — qualities that align seamlessly with the cutting-edge regenerative science at the heart of EXO-GROW. The science-led approach to hair care — blending advanced biotech with salon-grade performance — reflects Paul’s own ethos: results that are both transformative and rooted in real expertise.

In his ambassadorial role, Paul champions EXO-GROW not only for its innovative formulation but for its potential to change how professionals and consumers approach hair health. His voice bridges professional salon excellence with accessible, effective solutions for anyone seeking healthier, fuller hair.