The 2025 International Hairdressing Awards have crowned German hairstylist, entrepreneur, and speaker Christoph Filser as International Hair Influencer of the Year.
The IHAs have recognized Christoph Filser for his outstanding contribution to the global hairdressing industry through his creativity, authenticity, and visionary leadership. The winner was revealed live during an emotional announcement from the Wella Studio in Munich, where IHA founder Mikel Luzea and global ambassador Sergi Bancells surprised Filser with the news. The moment, broadcast live on Instagram, captured a true highlight of the IHA World Tour:
At just 38 years old, Filser has become one of the most dynamic voices in the industry—not only in Germany, where he runs multiple salons under the name Bei Freunden, but across the digital landscape. His rise to international influence began with a series of light-hearted, humorous videos that quickly went viral, amassing millions of views. But Filser’s impact runs much deeper than laughs.
“Being a hairdresser is about more than just cutting hair,” Filser explains. “It’s about creating an experience, about emotion, and about making people feel good from the inside out.” This belief fuels everything he does—from running salons to mentoring young professionals, speaking at international events, and producing content on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
Through his YouTube channel an his personal Instagram, he blends hairstyling, humor, and business insights to shed light on both the creative and economic sides of the profession. Traveling throughout Germany, he visits salons, interviews entrepreneurs, and tackles real-world industry challenges—always with authenticity and a touch of wit. Beyond content creation, Filser is a committed educator and business coach. His mission: to show that success in the hairdressing industry doesn’t require sacrificing creativity or authenticity.
“As hairdressers, we need to think more like entrepreneurs,” Filser says. “It’s not just about staying passionate, but about making that passion economically viable in a changing world.”
The International Hairdressing Awards recognized Filser for his unique ability to inspire a new generation of professionals through education, innovation, and digital storytelling. He will officially receive the Purple Lady trophy on June 21st at the IHA Awards Ceremony during HairCon in Manchester, where the international hair community will gather to celebrate excellence and creativity.
With his win, Christoph Filser joins an elite list of influencers reshaping the global beauty industry—not just through style, but through substance.