Which Irish Salon Won Big At The IHF Hairdressing Championships?

Competition is highlight of the annual Gala Event in Kilkenny

by AMANDA | INFORM

Left: Amanda Ryan. Right: Emma Kileen

Mayo’s Allure Hair & Beauty are celebrating a clean sweep of the biggest trophies at the Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) Hairdressing Championships, held at the Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny.

Amanda Ryan was crowned Irish Hairdresser of the Year, while her colleague, Emma Killeen, received IHF Irish Trainee Hairdresser of the Year. Amanda went on to win first place in four additional categories, with Emma also scoring two first places in other categories.  

It was also an exceptional result for Dublin’s Patrick Browne, who took first, second and third places for Barber Technique – Specialist.

“This year’s awards showcased an extraordinary standard of creativity and skill,” said IHF president, Mark O’Keeffe. “It highlights the remarkable level of talent we continue to nurture in Ireland, with our industry standing proudly on the world stage.”

And the winners are

IHF Irish Hairdresser of the Year
Sponsored by L’Oreal Professionnel

Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

IHF Irish Trainee Hairdresser of the Year
Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional

Emma Kileen, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

Newcomer of the Year – Trainee
Sponsored by Image Skillnet

1st Casey Cahill, House of Colour, Dublin
2nd Molly Carroll, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
3rd (Joint) Kaci McEntagart, House of Colour, Dublin
3rd (Joint) Aimee Flynn, Roassanos, Donegal

Creative Colour – Trainee
Sponsored by Alfaparf Milano Professional

1st. Danielle O Sullivan, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
2nd Leah Swift, House of Colour, Dublin
3rd Leah Avloniti, House of Colour, Dublin

Trend Upstyle – Trainee

1st. Emma Kileen, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Laurna McGrath, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
3rd (Joint) Mykhailo Dmytriiev, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayp
3rd (Joint) Molly Carroll, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Fantasy – Trainee

1st Laurna McGrath, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
2nd Emma Killeen, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
3rd Zoe Taylor, Hair Creations, Dublin

Creative Colour – Senior
Sponsored by Wella Professionals

1st Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
3rd John Baker, Zeba Hairdressing, Dublin

Hair Up – Senior
Sponsored by ghd

1st Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
3rd Aoife O’Toole, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Fantasy – Senior

1st Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Aoife O’Toole, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
3rd Emily Dunne, Cyril Morgan, Limerick

Barber Technique – Specialist
Sponsored by Remi

1st Patrick Browne, Patrick Browne, Dublin
2nd Patrick Browne, Patrick Browne, Dublin
3rd Patrick Browne, Patrick Browne, Dublin

Textured – Specialist

1st Emma Killeen, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
3rd Danielle O’Sullivan, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Salon Social – Specialist

1st Niamh Lynch, Our Salon By Derek & Fearghal, Meath
2nd Darren Luby, Kida Hair & Co. Cork
2nd (Joint) Andy Nolan Arantes, Cyril Morgan, Limerick
3rd Molly Houlihan, Kida Hair & Co., Cork

Extensions – Specialist
Sponsored by Hairtalk

1st Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
2nd Danielle O’Sullivan, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
3rd Kerri Donnelly, Our Salon By Derek & Fearghal, Meath
3rd (Joint) Monique Carrick, Brown Sugar, Dublin

Quif Centre Stage Competition Reveals Winner

Colour brand unveils name at event in Manchester

by AMANDA | INFORM

Amelia Wilmot is the winner of the 2025 Quif Centre Stage competition.

Held at Fallowfield Social Club in Manchester, the event brought together five finalists and their models, alongside 10 hair show models presented by Quif ambassadors Brooke Evansand Georgia Bell.

Winner Amelia, based in Blackpool, is a member of Hair Socials Professional and a current Fellowship ClubStar member. Her innovative approach and stage presence set her apart on the night, impressing judges and grabbing her the title. Judges included Creative HEAD’s editorial director, Amanda Nottage.

“It represents the chance to show my creativity and passion for hair,” said Amelia of her win. “My look was all about movement. Fire is uncontrollable and wild and that’s exactly how I want to push myself in my career. Keep pushing the boundaries, never standing still and embracing the challenge of creating something new. It was a look that gave me a chance to create, and story tell with creative colour.” 

The evening also featured a lively panel discussion with Brooke Evans, Joseph Ferraro, and NHBF chief executive, Caroline Larrissey, who debated some of the most concerningissues currently affecting the hairdressing industry.

Now in its fourth year, Quif Centre Stage is a celebration of emerging hairdressing talent, offering stylists the chance to showcase their skills in a live setting while connecting with leading industry professionals. The event was supported by the Alan Howard Education Team and co-working space Host Manchester, which provided the prep area and backstage facilities for the finalists.

Photography by Adam Cinelioglu, Kroma @kroma.prd

Irish Government Unveils Business Hub

Grants, Funding And Expert Advice All Under One Virtual Roof

by AMANDA | INFORM

The government has launched the National Enterprise Hub, a new one-stop shop designed to make life easier for business owners and entrepreneurs across Ireland. Whether you’re running a busy salon, starting a new venture or simply looking to grow, the Hub can connect you directly with grants, funding, loans and expert advice.

It’s completely free to use, with a dedicated team ready to guide you through the support available for your sector. Even if you’ve never accessed government help before, this is your chance to see what’s out there. Visit neh.gov.ie for details.