Discover The Winners At The IHF Hairdressing Championships

Oct 9, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM

Discover The Winners At The IHF Hairdressing Championships

A hat trick of wins sees one stylist entering the Hall of Fame

by AMANDA | INFORM

Laurna McGrath, Vanilla Hair Design, and Martha Galvin, Allure Hair & Beauty

Martha Galvin, owner and stylist at Allure Hair & Beauty in County Mayo, is the IHF Hairdresser of the Year for the third consecutive year.

Her hat trick of wins earns her a place in the IHF Hall of Fame – and she also scooped trophies in four other categories, including the Creative Colour trophy.

“What Martha has accomplished is nothing short of extraordinary. To win and enter the Hall of Fame is a huge honour, and it reflects her unwavering commitment to excellence,” said IHF president, Lisa Eccles. “Martha’s passion, creativity and hard work over the years have earned her this well-deserved recognition, and she continues to set the bar for others in the industry.”

It was a good night also for Vanilla Hair Design in Carlow, as Laurna McGrath won IHF Irish Trainee Hairdresser of the Year, and Samantha Byrne scooped both Hair Up and Fantasy titles. Menspire’s Patrick Browne was also celebrating, as he took home first and second place in the Barber Technique category.

2025 IHF STAR Team

The 2025 IHF STAR Team was also revealed, welcoming Emma Killeen (Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo), Jade Hennessy (Albert’s Hair Design, Wexford), Ellie Purdy (Brown Sugar, Dublin), Danielle O’Sullivan (Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow) and Caitlin Smith (Hair Creations, Dublin).

Three IHF Icon Award recipients were also celebrated – Cats Hair Salon’s Ian Brady, Reds Hair Salon’s Carolann McGuirk and an honorary award for the IHF’s first president, the late Robert Byrne.

Hosted at Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny, the event showcases exceptional work from leading stylists across the country, judged by a panel of national and international experts.

Hair by Martha Galvin

IHF president Lisa Eccles and IHF Icon Award recipient Ian Brady, Cats Hair Salon

And the winners are…

IHF Irish Hairdresser of the Year (sponsored by Wella Professionals)

Martha Galvin, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

IHF Irish Trainee Hairdresser of the Year (sponsored by ALFAPARF Milano Professional)

Laurna McGrath, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Newcomer of the Year – Trainee (sponsored by Davines)

1st Rhiannon Black, Brown Sugar, Dublin

2nd Laurna McGrath, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

3rd Rebecca Donegan, Olivia’s Hair Studio, Wicklow

Creative Colour – Trainee (sponsored by Image Skillnet)

1st Tiegan Neary, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

2nd Sara Gilhooly, Our Salon by Derek & Fergal, Meath

2nd (Joint) Danielle O’Sullivan, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

3rd Ella Clarke, House of Colour, Dublin

Trend Upstyle – Trainee

1st Tiegan Neary, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

2nd Laurna McGrath, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

2nd (Joint) Leah Caroll Byrne, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

3rd Mia Massey, Ashleigh Kelly Hairdressing, Dublin

Fantasy – Trainee (sponsored by EasyDry)

1st Danielle O’Sullivan, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

2nd Emma Killeen, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

3rd Laurna McGrath, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Creative Colour – Senior (sponsored by L’Oréal Professionnel Paris)

1st Martha Galvin, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

2nd Nadine Brady, La Mode, Dublin

3rd Anthony McNally, Ross Adams, Dublin

Hair Up – Senior (sponsored by Phorest)

1st Samantha Byrne, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

2nd Martha Galvin, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

3rd Amanda Ryan, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

Fantasy – Senior (sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional)

1st Samantha Byrne, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

2nd Samantha Byrne, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

3rd Lisa McGuiness, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

Barber Technique – Specialist (sponsored by Remi)

1st Patrick Browne, Menspire, Dublin

2nd Patrick Browne, Menspire, Dublin

3rd Sandra Keegan, The Academy Barber, Kildare

Textured – Specialist (sponsored by The Tattooed Accountant)

1st Saoirse McDermott, The Hair Space, Galway

2nd Samantha Byrne, Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

3rd Patrick Browne, Menspire, Dublin

Salon Social – Specialist (sponsored by LanaiPro)

1st Caitlin McCarthy, Salon Anu, Dublin

2nd Mark Sherwood, Zeba Hairdressing, Dublin

3rd Aishling Moriarty, Rustiq, Kilkenny

Extensions – Specialist (sponsored by Hairtalk)

1st Emily Whelan, MD Hair, Carlow

2nd Kelly Murray, Cut Social, Dublin

3rd Martha Galvin, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

3rd (Joint) Martha Galvin, Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

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Why Antoinette Beenders Is Embracing AI

Oct 3, 2024 | CREATIVE PROJECTS, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

Why Antoinette Beenders Is Embracing AI

Aveda’s creative director is integrating artificial intelligence into her photographic collections. Controversial? She argues embracing change is essential

by MADDI | CREATIVE PROJECTS

Astral II, Aveda, Antionette Beenders, Ed Maximus

Astral 2.0, a futuristic collection inspired by iconic stylist Antionette Beender’s work with Dutch designer Iris van Herpen, fuses real hair with AI-generated clothes – a move that’s causing ripples across the industry. “Hairdressers here are very nervous about AI,” says Antoinette. “A lot of my friends in the UK hairdressing community don’t really understand it, but I think once they do, they’ll be all over it – like with Instagram or Uber.”

Antoinette is using AI as a tool to elevate her craft, blending traditional hair techniques with digital innovation. “AI is the future, right?” she remarks. Working together with multidisciplinary artist Ed Maximus, they have been experimenting with AI to create mind-bending visuals that bring hair to life in new ways.

Antionette Beenders, Ed Maximus

The Aveda creative director approaches hair the way fashion houses approach couture. “I see it like ready-to-wear and couture. Ready-to-wear is the everyday hair clients want, and couture is the inspirational, artistic side that might not be worn every day,” she explains. “The hair and face are real, but we’re pushing it further with AI.”

Despite her love for tech, Antoinette is steadfast in her belief that hairdressing will remain an art form grounded in human touch. “Hairdressers are scared of AI because they fear their trade will vanish. But I don’t think that’ll happen – computers cutting hair isn’t on the horizon yet.” Her message to the industry is clear: embrace technology as a tool, but never lose sight of the fundamentals. As she puts it, “Focus on connection and technique, and let product companies focus on providing high-performance tools.”

As the conversation draws to a close, Antoinette hints at the future: more AI, more collaborations, and certainly more pushing boundaries. But she’s also adamant about one thing: Aveda will always remain rooted in natural, high-performance products, standing as a beacon for sustainability in an ever-changing industry.

Hair concept @antoinettebeenders supported by @allenruizstyle @ianmichaelblack

Artist @edmaximus @walterobal

Production @codeproductions

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Top Trends Spotted at London Fashion Week S/S25

IHF Joins Forces With SME Alliance To Demand Major Reforms – Is The Government Listening?

Sep 20, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM, INFORM HEADER

IHF Joins Forces With SME Alliance To Demand Major Reforms – Is The Government Listening?

IHF joins with SME Alliance in a nationwide campaign to push the Irish government for change

by MADDI | INDUSTRY NEWS

Pictured at Leinster House for the launch of the SME Alliance campaign were (from left): Vincent Jennings, Chief Executive Officer, Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association; Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive, ISME: Lisa Eccles, President, Irish Hairdressers Federation; Adam Hallissey, Public Affairs Manager, Restaurant Association of Ireland; Carole Hingerton, Founder and Owner, Lettershop; Jackie Conboy, Co-Founder, Music & Entertainment Association of Ireland; Suzanne Bannon, Director, John Bannon Ltd; and Keelan Bourke, Head of Commercial, Retail Excellence.

With salons across Ireland facing sky-high costs and endless regulations, IHF president Lisa Eccles is calling for serious action to save the industry from collapse. “We are the backbone of local communities, providing vital services and jobs, yet many of us are struggling to keep our doors open,” Eccles said. “The government must act in this budget to ease the burden on small businesses like ours before it’s too late.”

The IHF is calling for a National Minimum Wage reform. They argue that the current system is outdated and unfair, especially when 48 per cent of the workforce is employed in higher-paying public or multinational jobs. They want future wage increases capped at inflation rates and public sector pay excluded from calculations.

Next, they’re advocating for tax reform, pushing for a permanent 9 per cent VAT rate on personal services and a rollback of the current 23 per cent VAT rate to its historic 21 per cent. Additionally, the IHF supports applying the 8.8 per cent Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) rate to the full National Minimum Wage, currently €495.30 per week – a recommendation the SME Alliance understands the government has already accepted for Budget 2025.

They’re also proposing an Industrial Relations reform. With SMEs making up 68 per cent of the workforce, they’re demanding pro-rata representation of key decision-making bodies, such as the Low Pay Commission.

Next week, the IHF will meet with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to discuss how statutory sick pay change has affected salons.

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Who Took Home A Trophy At SalonSpy’s Eighth Annual Customer Service Awards?

Sep 18, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM

Who Took Home A Trophy At SalonSpy’s Eighth Annual Customer Service Awards?

The prestigious awards recognise the top salons offering high-quality experiences.

by MADDI | INFORM

Michelle, William Guy Hairdressing Westbourne

SalonSpy, the UK’s leading review platform for salons, just announced its 2024 Customer Service Award winners, marking the eight year of this prestigious recognition. Based solely on verified customer reviews, the awards celebrate the best in customer service across 504 UK salons and stylists. It’s all about who’s nailing customer service – and there’s no guessing involved. These awards are based solely on verified customer reviews, so it’s the real deal.

Jacqui Bates, Francesco Hair Newcastle

The list of winners is packed with big names like HOB Salons, Francesco Hair, and Daniel Granger – all serving up consistently high-quality experiences. And with 97 per cent of clients checking reviews before booking their next cut or colour, this is one accolade that really matters.

SalonSpy’s CEO, Adam Thomas, expressed his pride in recognising businesses that uphold exceptional standards, stating: “These awards are about celebrating excellence based on the opinions that matter: customers.”

With a data-driven process that considers review count, consistency, and recency, the awards highlight the cream of the crop in UK salons.

Celebrating incredible customer service, the SalonSpy Awards continue to shine a light on salons dedicated to providing outstanding experiences, without the need for submissions, nominations, or social media presence – just pure customer satisfaction.

The Salonspy Awards 2024 winners are:

HOB Salons (Brent Cross, Amersham, Bushey, Camden, Cockfoster, Epping, Gerrards Cross, Loughton, Mill Hill, Northwood, Radlett, Rickmansworth, Ruislip, Temple Fortune, West Hampstead, Whetstone)

Harrington Hairdressing (Amersham, Beaconsfield, Maidenhead, Marlow, Southampton, Wendover, Winchester, Wokingham)

Joseph Ferraro Hair (Harrogate)

Francesco Hair (Newcastle)

Taylor Taylor (Portobello, Shoreditch and Soho Liberty)

Daniel Granger (Northampton)

Julian Holland Hair (Hessle)

The Hair Lounge (Hadleigh)

William Guy (Westbourne)

Congratulations to the 2024 winners!

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Top Trends Spotted at London Fashion Week S/S25

Sep 18, 2024 | EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE, TECHNIQUES, TECHNIQUES HEADER

Top Trends seen at London Fashion Week S/S 2025

Stylists are going back to their roots this season for LFW hair inspiration

by Maddi | TECHNIQUES

CHET LO

THE LEAD Anna Cofone for Authentic Beauty Concept

THE LOOK Inspired by Chet Lo’s mother’s passionate work ethic, this look fused intricate patterned veils with sleek, textured hair. Blow-dried with Amplify Mousse for heat protection, the hair was parted down the middle, while Glow Spray Serum added radiant shine. Waving irons and knots created a non-uniform movement, completing the polished, statement style.

MITHRIDATE

THE LEAD Johanna Cree Brown for Indola

THE LOOK Inspired by Demon Zhang’s collection, rooted in the landscapes of Yuhan, hair was prepped with Indola Volume and Blow-Dry Spray, which was applied to the roots and parting for sleekness and grip. Hair was then parted in the centre and styled into a Dutch braid, tamed by the Smoothing Cream to ensure a flawless finish, while Flexible Hairspray locked in the look for a polished yet powerful effect.

HARRIS REED

THE LEAD Ali Pirzadeh for Dyson

THE LOOK Art Deco meets old Hollywood glamour in this sculpted look, created by the 2024 Most Wanted Session Stylist using Dyson’s Supersonic r Professional hair dryer and Corrale straightener. Hair was sectioned and blow-dried upwards into a high ponytail, with tonging waves shaped by the Corrale and set using the Supersonic’s cold shot for a flawless, long-lasting finish.

BORA AKSU

THE LEAD Syd Hayes for BaByliss PRO

THE LOOK The classic ‘60s beehive gets a fresh, modern twist in this look inspired by Aksu’s mother. Using the STILISTA for sleek shine and locked-in volume, Syd pressed the hair straight, backcombed the roots, and added an XXL styling doughnut for bold shape. The result: a playful, redefined retro style.

EDELINE LEE

THE LEAD Philipp Haug for Schwarzkopf Professional

THE LOOK To contrast Edeline’s soft, flowing garments, Philip added strength with a centre part using Session Label The Mousse, while the ends cascaded in different directions using a horizontal tonging technique. The wet-to-dry effect, created with light gel at the roots and oiled ends, ensured the hair remained sleek and refined, allowing the garments to take centre stage. Finished with Fibre Clinx oil for a polished touch, the look exuded understated elegance and control.

ERDEM

THE LEAD Adam Garland for Authentic Beauty Concept

THE LOOK Inspired by the controversial 1928 novel The Well of Loneliness, Erdem’s collection masterfully balances masculinity and femininity. Adam crafted a sharp side part using Amplify Mousse and Working Hairspray to achieve a bold, masculine silhouette. He then softened the look with a delicate braid down the back, adding a feminine finish.

VIN + OMI

THE LEAD Gina Conway for Philip Martins

THE LOOK Gina crafted this gravity-defying hairstyle using Philip Martin’s all-natural range, blending a natural finish with a sculptural design. Sections of hair were fastened and pinched to form bold, spherical baubles, creating a whimsical effect. This avant-garde look also reflects Vin + Omi’s dedication to sustainability, aligning with Philip Martin’s eco-conscious ethos.

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