BaBylissPRO Unveils Creative Team In Paris

Artists assemble for the Community Hair Show at Hair Congress

by AMANDA | INFORM

Syd Hayes and Ky Wilson are among the names forming the new BaBylissPRO Creative Team, which hard launched with a headlining presentation at the Community Hair Show in Paris.

Hosted as part of Hair Congress at the legendary Folies Bergère, the Community Hair Showopened with the BaBylissPRO Creative Team showcasing a story that marked three stages of the brand’s journey – Heritage, Evolution and Innovation. Looks blended timeless classicstyling with more future–facing creativity.

Left: Syd Hayes. Right: Ky Wilson

For the first time, BaBylissPRO brought together their leading brand ambassadors from across Europe to make their team debut. The squad consists of Ky Wilson (UK), Syd Hayes (UK), Ilona Kulesza (Poland), Pascal Lombardo (France), Christophe Pujol (France) and Alvaro Sanchez (Spain).

The narrative on stage unfolded with Heritage, honouring the brand’s ‘60s origins with the world’s first electric curling tong by reimagining the glamour of the decade with silhouetteinspirations from hair icons including Priscilla Presley and Brigitte Bardot.

Evolution centred on the progression of hair trends, reflecting the brand’s evolution from the initial electric curling tong to the broad portfolio of styling tools they boast today. Finally, Innovation led the audience into the now, where signature artistry is fuelled by cutting-edge innovation, with a particular spotlight on the brand’s new Drying Wand, a hairdryer that’s described by ambassador and collaborator on the tool, Syd Hayes, as an extension of a stylist’s arm.

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

NHBF launch free self-employment checklists

Online resource available for the hair and beauty sector

by AMANDA | INFORM

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) have launched a series of free checklists designed to support self-employed professionals and businesses across the hair and beauty sector. 

Stylists and salon owners have increasingly complained of the legal grey area surrounding freelancing and setting up rent-a-chair style collectives. To provide support, the NHBF have created four free and easy-to-use checklists, intended as guidance tools rather than definitive lists:

Designed as ‘food for thought’ resources, the checklists have been developed to help identify what’s in place, what may need attention and where to find extra support. “We’re not here to judge. We’re here to support,” said Cathy Weston, NHBF director of quality and standards. “This initiative is part of our ongoing mission to raise standards, support individuals and protect the future of our sector by giving professionals the tools, knowledge and confidence to run their business the right way.” 

The checklists are free and open to everyone working in the hair, barbering, beauty and aesthetics sectors. By visiting the NHBF website, you can complete a short questionnaire at the NHBF’s website to receive a tailored summary, followed by further guidance.