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Who Took Home The 2024 Ireland L’Oréal Colour Trophy?

Who Took Home The 2024 Ireland L’Oréal Colour Trophy?

Who Took Home The 2024 Ireland L’Oréal Colour Trophy?

Salon owners, stylists and creative colourists gathered in Dublin to compete for the top spot. Here’s who scooped first place on the night…

LCT DUBLIN 2024<br />

New Hair Order, Mark Byrne and Lisa May

The L’Oréal Colour Trophy Ireland Grand Final hit the stage at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre and crowned New Hair Order as the 2024 winner – owner and colourist Mark Byrne and stylist Lisa May lifted the trophy for their multi-tonal take on a copper crop. 

There was an electric atmosphere in the room as salon owners, stylists and creative colourists gathered to compete for the big prize. Zeba Hairdressing’s Mark Sherwood and Augusto Miranda took second place, with Graham Santeliz Molloy and James Coleman of Brown Sugar claiming the final spot in the top three. 

LCT DUBLIN 2024

Mark Sherwood and Augusto Miranda, Zeba Hairdressing

LCT DUBLIN 2024

Graham Santeliz Molloy and James Coleman, Brown Sugar

Jake Murphy, creative colourist and apprentice at Zeba Hairdressing took home the STAR Award for his subtle striped look. Judges tasked to make the difficult decision on the night were Darren Ambrose, Andrew Mulvenna, Alan Edwards, Nathan Walker and Marcello Moccia.

Also on the night, Lauren McNeela of Stripe Colour Studio was named L’Oréal Colour Trophy Moving Image winner. The final winners to be revealed were Alex Doherty, Brandon Marchant, Elsie MacDonald, Francesca Bay, Isla McKelvie who scooped the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Future Talent Award. They will go on to have a mentorship day at the L’Oréal International Academy. 

Two dynamic hair shows thrilled the Dublin crowd. The first, created by Jason Hall Hairdressing’s Jason Hall and Strictly Xtended’s Abigail Butler, was an energetic combination of pop culture references. Mash Up saw striking silhouettes and elaborate fashion pieces, designed by Colin Horgan, that elevated the energy over the top of a mash-up mixtape playlist of trending tunes. Jason and Abigail were supported by young Irish talents, Peter Mark College’s Daryl Behan, Georgia Haverty, Kelly Byrne and Rebecca Robinson, Peter Mark’s Sadhbh Clifford, Hillary’s Sian Lloyd and Yolanda Dunne from Wildflower.

LCT DUBLIN 2024 MASHUP
LCT DUBLIN 2024 MASHUP

Mash Up by Jason Hall and Abigail Butler

LCT DUBLIN 2024 MASHUP

Adam Reed and the ARKIVE by Adam Reed team then displayed true craftmanship with their show fRAmEwoRk. The show put a theatrical, cabaret spin on things, narrated through a VT featuring Adam and the team – Andrew Plester, Janet Barone, John Spanton, Luke Logan, Pia Wyatt and Samantha Bickle. The truly mesmerising performance was choreographed by Gareth Walker and featured statement headpieces with bold fashion styling and design by Adam Reed. 

LCT DUBLIN 2024 ARKIVE framework
LCT DUBLIN 2024 ARKIVE framework

fRAmEwoRk by ARKIVE by Adam Reed

LCT DUBLIN 2024 ARKIVE framework

Hairdressers, finalists and winners alike wrapped up their evening with the help of a live DJ, as the drinks continued to flow, and canapes were served, celebrating in style and danced out the night in true LCT Dublin fashion. 

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Clean Beauty? It’s More Than Just Products

Clean Beauty? It’s More Than Just Products

Clean Beauty? It's More Than Just Products

Promotion – Bonacure Clean from Schwarzkopf Professional

As the conversation around clean beauty gathers pace, Schwarzkopf Professional knows that the movement means so much more than the formulas of shampoos and conditioners…

Schwarzkopf Professional BC Clean model
Schwarzkopf Professional BC Clean

You’ve probably had plenty of clients in your chair asking you about what exactly is in the products you’re using, asking about formulas and ingredients. Clean beauty is not a passing trend; this is a way of life for an increasing number of consumers… but to be really clean? It’s going to take more than a shampoo!

With a passionate dedication to sustainability, Schwarzkopf Professional is keen to empower the industry to think differently about clean hair care. This is not just about using the right products – it’s a philosophy that goes beyond labels. The brand’s approach to clean beauty revolves around simplicity, sustainability, and transparency, showcasing that clean, free-from hair care doesn’t require compromising on performance. In fact, its next generation formulas – powered by vegan keratin and skincare-inspired ingredients your clients will know and love – can empower both your finished results AND your retail business. This is 360-degree thinking, building your business in line with consumer beauty trends to help you thrill more clients, today and in the future.

Why clean beauty matters…

What does clean beauty mean? It’s about choosing products that are free from harmful chemicals and made with a commitment to sustainability. And just look at the newest salons and the entrepreneurs behind them, as well as the freshest crop of independent stylists, because the clean beauty movement is reshaping the hairdressing industry. They are driving demand for products that deliver excellent results without the need for harsh additives. It’s not only their clients that care; so too do these new of stylists and salon owners.

Clean beauty delivers

The Bonacure Clean Performance range from Schwarzkopf Professional showcases its commitment to clean beauty;
that a clean approach to hair care leads to better hair health and a more sustainable future. Here’s why it matters:
Less build-up… and better texture: These formulas avoid heavy silicones and waxes, reducing product build-up and
enhancing hair’s natural texture and volume. Result!

Reduced risk of allergies: Post-Covid, lots of consumers are more sensitive to ingredients. The elimination of sulphates, artificial colorants, and other harsh chemicals makes clean beauty ideal for those with sensitive scalps or prone to allergies. Long-lasting hair health: Clean hair care promotes healthier hair long term, with fewer additives that can lead to dependency. Sustainability and environmental responsibility: By choosing clean beauty, you’re making a choice that benefits both your clients’ hair AND the planet. Surely that’s a convincing argument?

Myth-busting clean beauty

Yes, lots of people are talking clean beauty… but not everyone is getting it right. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions so you can consult with confidence. Being ‘clean’ doesn’t necessarily mean vegan, natural, or green – although these categories often overlap. Here’s what sets them apart:

Clean: Focuses on simplicity, avoiding unnecessary chemicals like sulphates and mineral oils.
Vegan: Excludes animal-derived ingredients but may still contain synthetic chemicals.
Natural: Uses plant, animal, or mineral-based ingredients, but isn’t necessarily eco-friendly.
Green: Emphasises environmental sustainability throughout a product’s lifecycle.

At its core, clean beauty is about using simple, essential ingredients that are kind to your hair and the environment… and Schwarzkopf Professional is inviting hair pros and clients to embrace the clean beauty movement! With its Bonacure Clean Performance range, Schwarzkopf Professional is totally committed to delivering high-performing hair care that solve your clients’ problems… while also being clean. Gorgeous looking, healthy hair and a cleaner conscience – it’s a futureproofing formula for your business!

Join the clean beauty movement with Schwarzkopf Professional as your planet-friendly partner! Discover everything about the brand, the products and the power of its skincare-inspired ingredients at schwarzkopfpro.com/bonacure 

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Coke-Themed Hair Colour? It’s The Real Thing

Coke-Themed Hair Colour? It’s The Real Thing

Coke-Themed Hair Colour? It’s The Real Thing

Sophia Hilton and Coca-Cola start a fizzy pop partnership called the Flavour Parlour.

Sophia Hilton

Sophia Hilton

Not Another Salon is fizzing up its colour services by partnering up with Coca-Cola on the Flavour Parlour. The pop-fuelled pop-up – on between 6 to 8 June – uses iconic Coca-Cola flavours as inspiration for colour transformations. And yes, Dua Lipa’s beloved Cherry Coke is on the menu…

Not Another Salon

But it’s the new Coca-Cola Lemon, alongside an improved recipe for Cherry, that’s fuelling tie-up. Salon owner Sophia Hilton has a VIP space downstairs in the salon that’s exclusively themed with eye catching seating to themed mirrors with witty quotes, as well as that all important selfie station.

 

What’s on the menu?

Cherry Coca Cola hair colour

Coke Cherry – a rich and luxurious looking red ranging from a deep dark shade that reflects black and blood red, to shiny crimson with touches of magenta. “We’re obsessed with Dua Lipa’s cherry red hair revival,” says Sophia, “but we can’t resist a throwback of Cheryl circa 2010 with this exact tone, or Rihanna also in 2010 with her bright cherry.

Coke Lemon hair colour

Coke Lemon – the ultimate bright summer yellow vibes, from pop art bold to lemonade subtle.

Coke Zero Sugar hair colour

Coke Zero Sugar – a rich brunette with warm sweet undertones of red and gold.

Vanilla Coke hair colour

Coke Vanilla – a blend of buttery and icy, delivering a delicate combination of warm and cool.

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Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

Is It Time To Keep Quiet?

More than half of stylists and clients favour of silent services – and they could earn you more money.

Danielle Garner
Samantha Cusick
Silent hair services are nothing new – in fact, they’ve been back in the news recently but fresh research suggests it might be time for more salons and stylists to turn down the chatter. More than half (56 per cent) of hair stylists – and 53 per cent of clients – would prefer “silent” services, according to a survey of 2,000 consumers and 100 freelance and salon hair stylists across the UK by Ripe Hair & Beauty Insurance.

Silent slots could also positively impact the bottom line. Offering silent services as an option could create a 25 per cent revenue boost to the industry, as clients said they would book more return visits if a quiet appointment could be guaranteed. Clients said they would book more frequently if silent options were available.

The findings showed that on average, return visits could increase by around 1.7 times per customer, per year. So Ripe did some maths: the typical client visits a salon 6.7 times a year, spending £55.40 per appointment and £371.18 annually, according to its own data. Silent services could increase this to 8.4 visits a year with a total annual spend of £465.36 – an uplift of 25 per cent.

More than half (56 per cent) of hair stylists – and 53 per cent of clients – would prefer “silent” services, according to a survey of 2,000 consumers and 100 freelance and salon hair stylists across the UK by Ripe Hair & Beauty Insurance. Silent slots could also positively impact the bottom line.

Offering silent services as an option could create a 25 per cent revenue boost to the industry, as clients said they would book more return visits if a quiet appointment could be guaranteed. Clients said they would book more frequently if silent options were available.

 

The findings showed that on average, return visits could increase by around 1.7 times per customer, per year. So Ripe did some maths: the typical client visits a salon 6.7 times a year, spending £55.40 per appointment and £371.18 annually, according to its own data. Silent services could increase this to 8.4 visits a year with a total annual spend of £465.36 – an uplift of 25 per cent. Consumer feedback in the survey included comments about “chat for the sake of it” and the desire to “switch off from the stress of the day”. “I wish there was an agreement you can make at the start of the appointment that the other person doesn’t want to talk,” said one client. Salons and stylists with neurodiverse clients have also discussed how noisy spaces can be overwhelming for many with social anxiety. Samantha Cusick, founder of Samantha Cusick London and Stā Studios, has introduced a silent appointment option on her salons’ online booking.

“We’re always seeking ways to empower our clients and create their perfect salon experience. ‘Silent appointments’ is a thoughtful initiative designed to honour our clients’ need for self-care and personal space, understanding that a salon visit is not just about physical transformation but also mental rejuvenation.”

She first checked with her salon audience on social media, with more than three-quarters (78 per cent) voting for the option. Clients can request a silent appointment when booking, which means stylists “negate any small talk, allowing for a serene and introspective experience with no awkwardness. This approach respects individual preferences creating an environment of mutual understanding and care,” she added. But how is that communicated in a busy salon without that awkwardness? “We have a discreet method, and it’s quite simple: we place a small vase on the workstation. This subtle signal helps the rest of the team to adjust their approach accordingly.”

Samantha says that client feedback has been “overwhelmingly positive”, with many appreciating the option to unwind or focus on ‘working from home’. “They particularly like that they can book the service online so again no need to feel awkward,” she explained. Should we shut up more for silent appointments? Let us know at @creativeheadmag.com

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Smaller, Lighter And With No Heat Damage – This Is The Hair Dryer You Need

Smaller, Lighter And With No Heat Damage – This Is The Hair Dryer You Need

Smaller, Lighter And With No Heat Damage – This Is The Hair Dryer You Need

Promotion – Dyson

Dyson knows how to innovate. Meet the pro-exclusive Supersonic r Professional hair dryer.

When Dyson unveiled the Supersonic Professional hair dryer nearly a decade ago, it was a game-changer. Lighter, quieter, like nothing else on the market, the Supersonic empowered stylists to create beautiful hair with a focus on maintaining its health and shine, always. But innovators never stand still…

Revealed at New York Fashion Week, there’s a new tool just for the pros that has everyone talking once again. It’s smaller and lighter, and is packed with new technology to avoid heat damage to hair. This is the Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer. Its genesis has the stylist at its heart. Seven years of ongoing surveys and interviews with nearly 700 stylists has fuelled Dyson’s designs. Having identified the challenges hair pros were facing, engineers were keen to design a tool that would respond to “real world demands” while still delivering on stellar styling experience and stunning results.

model using Dyson r

Its research found that a stylist will typically see between four and 16 clients each day, spending on average 30 to 60 minutes styling per client, adapting the angle of their arm and hand up to 30 times during one styling session. That all adds up; just look at the prevalence of strain-related injuries among stylists. So Dyson labs have been busy creating something that will look unique, perform brilliantly, empower you to style beautiful hair, all without the arm ache! This is what you need to know…

Dyson r

New ergonomic design

The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer has been designed ergonomically in an ‘r’ curve and, at 325g, weighs less than a can of hairspray. The shape allows stylists to reach where it’s normally difficult, for better control when styling hair, and better comfort. It’s 30 per cent smaller, 20 per cent lighter, and more manoeuvrable to deliver fast drying, alongside smoother, frizz free and shinier results on hair!

New heaters = even heat

The new curved heater ensures the dryer heats the airflow more evenly, with no hotspots. For stylists, this means you can rely on more even temperatures (including when using the attachments), a higher temperature for faster drying and styling, with no heat damage. The dryer checks the temperature constantly using Dyson’s intelligent heat control – seen in its other hair tools, too – measuring air temperature more than 20 times a second.

Attachments with sensors… and a memory! There’s a range of attachments that have integrated RFID sensors, which communicate with the dryer, automatically adjusting the motor and the heater to deliver what the Dyson engineers have set as the ‘optimal’ airflow and temperature. For example, the diffuser is set to low flow and low temperature to reduce frizz and enhance curls without disrupting the curl pattern. By contrast, the rough dry mode uses maximum power heat and flow to minimise drying time. But stylists can tweak these settings to best suit each client in their chair, depending on the hair type and style of each client… and the dryer will remember that setting the next time the attachment is added! Not only that, the 3D mesh filter at the bottom of the dryer, designed to capture salon pollutants, now lasts up to two times longer in-between cleans.

Larry King working
Larry King

The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer will not only give professionals the ability to execute amazing work, but also at high speed and the highest quality

Larry King, Dyson global styling ambassador

Smaller, lighter, faster, no heat damage – and exclusively for professionals. The Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer is tomorrow’s tool, today. Elevated styling, stunning results, beautifully healthy-looking hair… r you ready to see what you can do?

To secure your own Dyson Supersonic r Professional hair dryer, visit dyson.co.uk/commercial/hair-care

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Clients Requesting Glass Hair? These Are The Products You Need To Know

Clients Requesting Glass Hair? These Are The Products You Need To Know

CLIENTS SEARCHING FOR HIGH-SHINE HAIR? THESE ARE THE PRODUCTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

We’ve got the lowdown on the latest launches to add to your arsenal for achieving the glass hair finish.

Shiny, healthy-looking hair has been on clients’ wish lists and a key factor of salon services for many years, but the latest evolution of glossy hair takes it one step further. ‘Glass hair’ elevates glossy hair to promote glass-like shine, triggering the development of new generation of haircare and styling ranges which work that bit harder to maximise a glossy finish. 

If you’re looking to create glass hair for your clients, we’ve rounded up the hero products that you need to get your hands on. 

Kerastase Chroma Gloss

At the backwash 

Kérastase was ahead of the game with the launch of the Chroma Absolu Soin Acide Chroma Gloss, but it is as strong a contender now as it was a few years back. The high-shine treatment maximises its lightweight formula, creating a smooth and sleek surface for intense softness and shine. It can be incorporated into your backwash service after shampooing by applying directly to wet hair on the lengths only, avoiding the scalp, massaging for eight seconds and rinsing out.

In the chair 

Styling products are another ideal way to give your clients that glass-like finish and complete the service on a shiny high. From L’Oréal Professionnel Paris Metal Detox Oil is a multi-tasking hair hero. Not only is it perfect for any hair type and texture, but it also unlocks two-times more shine and reduces hair breakage by 97 per cent. The L’Oréal Professionnel Paris TECNI.ART Ring Light Pure Spray also makes for the final finishing touch. The micro-dispersed, professional high-shine spray offers the lightest, ring light-effect gleam for maximum gloss and high shine when sprayed in a halo over the finished look. 

Metal Detox Oil
Metal Detox Oil

Redken’s Acidic Color Gloss system offers an Acidic Color Gloss Activated Glass Gloss Treatment – a revolutionary professional strength glossing treatment that conditions and adds intense shine. It works by restoring the hair back to its healthiest pH (4.5 to 5.5), sealing in the cuticle and leaving hair with a reflective shine lasting for up to three days. 

Coveted by celebrity hairstylists across the globe, the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray has recently gone viral on social media – and for good reason. One such fan is none other than celebrity hairstylist, Carl Bembridge.  

Carl Bembridge
Color Wow Dream Coat
Carl Bembridge glass hair

Hair: @carlbembridgehair, Make-up: @the_makeupservice, Photography: @iulia_david_photography, Model: @fifi.anicah

Known for delivering seriously shiny strands, Carl says the key to glass hair is “all in the products!”. So, how does he maximise the abilities of Color Wow to create these glossy finishes?  

Saturate (don’t be shy!) clean, towel-dried hair in the Color Wow Dream Coat Spray to make the hair reflective and, in fact, waterproof,” he says. “Once dried in, sleek over with the straightening irons.” 

His top tip is to also spray the Color Wow Extra Mist-icle Shine Spray on each section before gliding over with the straighteners. Not only does it help melt that shine into the hair, but it contains heat protection.  

“Finish by applying a couple of pumps of Color Wow Pop & Lock High Gloss Finish in the palms of your hands, glide through any flyaways and seal the deal with this glassy style.” 

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