Session presented by Lauren McCowan & Jules Tognini

Lauren McCowan is a globally recognised Creative Director, hair consultant, and award-winning stylist with over 17 years of experience shaping the international hair industry. With a rare ability to bridge editorial artistry and brand innovation, Lauren has led creative direction, formulation, education, and content for some of the industry’s most iconic brands—including Cloud Nine, evo, Olaplex, Moroccanoil, K18, and DYSON.
A powerful voice in global hair education, Lauren has spent over a decade designing and delivering transformative learning experiences for professionals across the U.S., U.K., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. She has written and developed education frameworks and content that are now considered foundational in modern salon culture for multiple brands. Her live workshops, mentoring programs, and large-scale stage presentations have empowered thousands of stylists to elevate their craft, confidence, and creative thinking—bridging technical mastery with human connection. Lauren’s current work continues this legacy through The Manuscript and her consulting for brands seeking to deliver truly progressive and inclusive education platforms.
A seasoned session stylist, Lauren has directed hair for Australia and New York Fashion Weeks—working with brands such as TOME, Bibhu Mohapatra, Albus Lumen, AJE, and CMEO Collective. Her editorial work has been featured in Vogue (AU, US, UK, Russia), Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Rolling Stone, Interview, Russh, 10 Magazine, ELLE and NYLON among others. Her digital trend reporting and expert commentary have appeared across Refinery29, Body & Soul, Popsugar, and MamaMia as well as digital versions of multiple international magazines.
Lauren has styled global artists including Kimbra, Gotye, Matt Corby, Gin Wigmore, Jesse Rutherford, Neil Patrick Harris, and Penn Badgley, and is trusted by top-tier influencer clients such as Nadia Fairfax, Simone Holtznagel, and Georgina Burke.
Her accolades include multiple finalist nominations for AHFA and Hair Expo Session Stylist of the Year, Educator of the Year, and NSW Hairdresser of the Year, and she was a finalist for the AHFA Australian Hairdresser of the Year 2024.
From developing breakthrough products and education platforms to consulting for disruptive brands like P.O.D. by ECOHEADS, DunGud, and O&M, Lauren brings a future-forward, deeply strategic lens to her work. She is known for her ability to connect hairdressers and consumers through meaningful experiences—driving relevance, innovation, and creativity across both professional and editorial spheres.
Instagram: @laurenmccowan
TikTok: @laurenamccowan

Jules Tognini is not your average hairdresser—and that’s exactly the point. As the founder of Lil Off the Top, co-owner of the iconic Togninis salon in Brisbane, as well as Director of good times at evo- Jules has built a career (and a cult following) by flipping the hair industry on its head with creative cuts, candid education, and a total disregard for boring hair.
Known for his mix of irreverence and razor-sharp skill, Jules blends instinct and artistry to create shapes that move, connect, and challenge the status quo. Whether he’s chopping hair backstage at fashion week, crafting campaigns with evo, or dropping one-liners mid-education session, Jules always brings the perfect combo of chaos and craft.
A multiple winner of Australian Men’s Hairdresser of the Year, Educator of the Year, mentor to many of the industry’s most exciting young talents, Jules lives for real talk, raw energy, and education that hits different. Through Lil Off the Top, he’s created a movement that’s less about perfection and more about presence, purpose, and having a bloody good time while you’re at it.
From the salon floor at Togninis, to stages across the globe, to your Instagram feed—Jules Tognini is here to shake things up, make you think, and maybe teach you a thing or two (but only if you ask nicely).
Instagram: @liloffthetop
Education platform: www.liloffthetop.com