The Leukaemia Foundation’s iconic World’s Greatest Shave campaign returns in 2026, encouraging participants around the country to shave, cut or colour their hair in solidarity to raise critical funds and awareness for the 170,0001 Australians facing blood cancer.
Back behind the salon chair, with his Remington clippers at the ready, is none other than internationally acclaimed barber and hairdresser, Frank Ciccone, who’s set to reprise his role as the World’s Greatest Shave’s official Hair Ambassador for the second year in a row.
In 2025, Mr Ciccone – who co-founded award-winning Melbourne salon Hair by Ciccone – generously visited schools across Australia to head up large-scale shave events, bringing countless hair transformations to life and helping whole communities get involved along the way.
When asked whether he would again volunteer his razor-sharp skills to the cause this February and March, he said his decision to return as Hair Ambassador was a no-brainer: “The experience has been both amazing and eye-opening,” he said.
With 30 years of industry experience under his belt – including working with a star-studded list of clientele, from beloved bands like INXS to sporting legends like Tim Cahill – Mr Ciccone has sadly also felt the devastating impact of blood cancer in his community.
“I’ve had friends and clients who have sadly passed away from blood cancer and, in particular, leukaemia,” he said.
“So, to put my hand up and help out in this way to raise awareness and funds for families affected by this disease– that’s what it’s all about.
“Getting to work closely with the Leukaemia Foundation and talking to more families impacted by this disease has made me realise just how big the issue of blood cancer in Australia is.
On the other hand, seeing the way that schools and communities come together to show their support for the cause has been incredible. Comradery and community spirit are what the World’s Greatest Shave is all about.
After a busy start to this year, tending to the haircuts and styles of several Australian Open tennis players, Mr Ciccone said his goal coming into the 2026 World’s Greatest Shave campaign was to help raise awareness in any way that he could.
“My aim is to get more exposure in my community and help create awareness about blood cancer and the World’s Greatest Shave, whilst encouraging people to sign up to shave, cut, or colour this year, or donate to someone who is,” he said.
“I also encourage my fellow hairdressers around Australia to sign up themselves or lend their support to a World’s Greatest Shave event in their local community. Those who are interested can contact the Leukaemia Foundation’s media team for more information.”
Blood cancer continues to be a serious health issue in Australia and remains on course to become the nation’s most prevalent cancer by 20352, unless we act now.
Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti said the organisation was calling on Australians like Mr Ciccone to throw their support behind this year’s World’s Greatest Shave.
“Every day, 55 Australians will hear the devastating words ‘you have blood cancer‘3,” Mr Tanti said.
“A further 17 people will lose their life to blood cancer every day in this country4. That’s 17 mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, siblings and grandparents. Seventeen families that lose a loved one.
“By signing up to this year’s World’s Greatest Shave, you can choose to shave, cut or colour your hair in support of Australians impacted by blood cancer, with every dollar you raise helping to provide much-needed support and services to patients and their loved ones.”
Funds raised by generous supporters will also make significant strides towards more targeted treatment options for Australians facing a blood cancer diagnosis, and fund game-changing research and advocacy in the hope of one day finding a cure.
Around 20,000 Australians sign up for the World’s Greatest Shave every year, with more than two million participants having sacrificed their hair, or donated to someone who has, over the past 28 years.
Sign up to shave, cut or colour your hair in support of Australians facing blood cancer, or donate directly to the World’s Greatest Shave, at worldsgreatestshave.com or call 1800 500 088.
To request a media interview with Frank, or to capture him in action at a World’s Greatest Shave event, please contact the Leukaemia Foundation’s media team at [email protected].
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