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“It Would Be So Beautiful If More Businesses Could Take A Pause To Give Back” – Why Wildflower Closes On The Busiest Day Of The Year

“It Would Be So Beautiful If More Businesses Could Take A Pause To Give Back” – Why Wildflower Closes On The Busiest Day Of The Year

“It Would Be So Beautiful If More Businesses Could Take A Pause To Give Back” – Why Wildflower Closes On The Busiest Day Of The Year

Wildflower’s Give Back Day honours community, compassion and connection on the busiest retail day of the year, 23rd December

by MADDI | DOCUMENTS

Wildflower Dublin closes for Giveback Day

For six years running, Wildflower in Dublin has made the bold and compassionate choice to close its doors to paying customers on 23 December, the busiest day of the year, to give back to the community. The salon’s annual ‘Give Back Day’ has become a cherished tradition, creating space for connection, support and reflection on what the holiday season is truly about. 

“I wanted to do something at the end of the year to bring everyone together, to create a connection, and to remind us what life is about,” says Danielle Garner, owner of Wildflower. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the material side of Christmas, but this day is about something deeper.” 

The tradition began in 2018 with free haircuts for members of the homeless community. “The first year, I went to Dublin Simon Community and looked after people who were homeless, doing their hair for Christmas,” Danielle recalls. “The following year, we did it for parents of children who were terminally ill at our local hospital. That was the most profound year. It was the start of something bigger for us.” 

Wildflower Dublin Giveback boxes

Wildflower Dublin goodie bag

That second year also marked a significant shift for the Wildflower team. Before opening the salon for Give Back Day, the staff participated in a yoga and cacao ceremony. “That morning in 2019 was really impactful. It shifted something in the team – it allowed them to be more open, to express emotions,” Danielle shares. “There were a lot of tears and open hearts. It changed the course of Wildflower, leading us to embrace wellness more holistically in our work.” 

Over the years, Wildflower has tailored each year’s Give Back Day to different causes. “One year, we focused on people surviving domestic abuse. Another year, we supported families through Laura Lynn,” Danielle explains. “Laura Lynn helps families with housing, funding, and emotional support for children who are unwell, and they also have a children’s hospice.” 

This year’s event follows a format that worked well in 2023. Families are invited to the salon in small groups, divided into time slots. “We start with parents whose children are unwell, then parents who have lost children. It gives them a chance to talk to others who’ve been through the same experience,” Danielle explains. “It’s a safe space for connection, and we’ve seen how much it helps.” 

Wildflower’s generosity extends beyond haircuts. Local businesses contribute to goodie bags for the guests, adding thoughtful touches to the day. “Chupi, the jewellery brand, always includes something beautiful – sometimes a piece of jewellery or a Christmas ornament,” Danielle shares. “Mysa Homeware, a vegan candle and soap brand, is contributing this year, and Urban Health is providing catering with nutritious granola pots and fruit and juice for the day.” 

Danielle is hopeful other businesses will join the success of Give Back Day. “I don’t know of anyone else doing something like this in the industry,” she says. “It would be so beautiful if more businesses could pause to give back. Even if they can’t close for the day, contributing to goodie bags or supporting events like this would make such a difference.” 

Want to join the spirit of giving? Businesses can contribute to Wildflower’s goodie bags or start their own version of Give Back Day. Let’s make this season a little brighter for those who need it most. Reach out to Wildflower to learn more! 

Wildflower Dublin salon

The 42nd Alternative Hair Show Went Out With A Bang

The 42nd Alternative Hair Show Went Out With A Bang

The 42nd Alternative Hair Show Went Out With A Bang

We announce the winners of the global charity event

by MADDI | INFORM

Alternative Hair Show 2024

Alternative Hair Show

On Sunday, 13 October, the iconic Roundhouse in Camden Town played host to the highly anticipated 42nd edition of the Alternative Hair Show – and it was bigger, better and bolder than ever. Under this year’s theme, Evolution, hundreds of hairdressers from across the globe came together to celebrate innovation, artistry and charity. 

Long-time supporter Linda Evans returned as host, sharing the stage with Tony Rizzo, founder and director of the Alternative Hair Show and Anthony Mascolo, the show’s president. This year, Mascolo himself was honoured with the Legend Award, recognising his immense contribution to the show over the years, including the creative films he shared on the night – works inspired by his earlier projects and reimagined through the power of AI. 

The evening kicked off with the International Visionary Award, marking its 20th anniversary. Finalists across Cut & Colour, Men’s, and Avant Garde categories showcased their boundary-pushing creations, with the winners earning well-deserved applause. 

Alternative Hair Show Visionary Award

Alternative Hair Show Visionary Awards

And the winners are…

Cut & Colour 

Winner – Matteo Susini, Italy 

Runners-Up – Petra Blatnik Macek, Slovenia & Josh and Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy, UK 

 

Men’s 

Winner – Josh Lamonaca, UK 

Runner-Up – Luigi Guardascione, Italy 

 

Avant Garde 

Winner –  Tan Wei Jun, Malaysia 

Runner-Up – Yu Zhuwen, China 

The show was also a visual feast, featuring breathtaking creative films from 11 visionary artists, showcasing work from countries like Australia, Japan, and Ukraine. A heartfelt message from Trevor Sorbie MBE, a hairdressing legend and honorary patron, moved the audience, as he reflected on the importance of creativity and the event’s noble cause of raising funds for leukaemia research. The show also paid tribute to the late Vidal Sassoon, celebrating 70 years of his pioneering influence in hairdressing, with a special appearance from Mark Hayes, international creative director of Vidal Sassoon. 

Of course, no Alternative Hair Show would be complete without its headline artists – 14 of the world’s top talents from across the UK, Italy, South Korea, Japan, and beyond took to the stage to present their latest jaw-dropping creations. From Paul Stafford to Dmitry Vinokurov, the artistic energy was electric. 

But beyond the creativity, the Alternative Hair Show remains committed to its charitable mission. The night concluded with the presentation of a cheque for £116,000, raised in support of the Alternative Hair Charitable Foundation, Fighting Leukaemia, and Blood Cancer UK. 

With creativity, inspiration, and charity at its core, this year’s Alternative Hair Show was a truly unforgettable event, continuing its evolution as one of the most spectacular platforms in global hairdressing. 

 

Discover The Winners At The IHF Hairdressing Championships

Discover The Winners At The IHF Hairdressing Championships

Discover The Winners At The IHF Hairdressing Championships 

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

by AMANDA | INFORM

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

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. 

IHF Star Team 2025

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

Hair by Martha Galvin

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

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 

Re-Live Salon Smart 2024

Re-Live Salon Smart 2024

RE-LIVE SALON SMART 2024

Watch the highlights from Creative HEAD’s annual business networking event.

Salon Smart returned to The Chain and Buoy Store in London on 18 March 2024, delivering a jam-packed day of insight and inspiration for salon and barber shop owners and managers. Sit back, relax and enjoy snippets from the sell-out event.

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The New Guard

The New Guard

Creative HEAD’s It List, exclusively partnered by ghd, gives hairdressing’s brightest young talents a seat at the table, allowing their voices to be heard and their ideas to flourish.

THE MISSION? TO “DECOLONISE” PERCEPTIONS OF TEXTURED HAIR – AND STOP THE SHAME

THE MISSION? TO “DECOLONISE” PERCEPTIONS OF TEXTURED HAIR – AND STOP THE SHAME

THE MISSION? TO "DECOLONISE" PERCEPTIONS OF TEXTURED HAIR – AND STOP THE SHAME

Yasemin Hassan deep dives into her photo series and exhibition Talking Textures – celebrating, educating and redefining the cultural significance of textured hair.

Talking Textures event, April 2024

Curated by barber Yasemin Hassan and captured through the lens of photographer Yeliz Zaifoglu, the photo series and exhibition Talking Textures dives deep into the intricate relationship between beauty, cultural identity, and the resilient nature of hair, especially within the Southwest Asian & North African (SWANA) communities. 

Hosted at Ugly Duck London, Yasemin sees Talking Textures as more than an exhibition; it’s a movement to celebrate, educate, and redefine the cultural significance of textured hair. Spanning across 26 photographs, a short video, and a panel discussion that was held on 12 April, the project seeks to bring to light the challenges, beauty rituals, and the profound connection between hair and cultural identity in SWANA regions. 

Yasemin herself has emerged as a pivotal figure for individuals with textured hair in London, particularly within the SWANA community. While that’s thanks in part to extensive experience on high-end fashion shoots and London Fashion Week, it’s also coupled with personal conversations within her community. Her mission is to “decolonise” perceptions of hair and address the underrepresentation of SWANA identities in the hair industry. 

Roman Sys
Yasemin Hassan

Working closely with Dania Arafeh, founder of 3EIB – a SWANA fashion platform reclaiming the Arabic word 3Eib, meaning ‘shame’ – this project is a reaction to the underlying shame that SWANA individuals often experience from others within their own cultures, as well as what’s taught in the mainstream media about beauty. 

Yasemin breaks down the concept behind each image, and the powerful message each shot conveys… 

Reclaiming Control 
Riyam Salim  

Reclaiming Control 
Michaela Mousicous wearing 3EIB  
Hair makes us feel powerful. We use our hair to reclaim our identity. Talking Textures explores this by considering the amount of people that go to a salon after a big life change and want to consolidate this with a drastic hair change. These images in the series are about power and taking control over our hair.  

Carving Imperfections 
Ali Nasreldin wearing Mehdi Studio  
The media often idealises the ‘perfect curls’ – no frizz and a solid, clean shape when focusing on afro textures. In the full series of images Talking Textures plays on the phrase ‘bedhead’ to contrast to perfect curls. 

Changing Shape 
Peyam Zangana    
People with curly hair often talk about it being ‘too big’ and ask me to make their hair sit flatter. In full series collection, Talking Textures celebrates the shape using the concept  of ‘hat hair’, contrasting to this image which is the unrealistic flattened hair shape. 

Masking Identity  
Eman Alali wearing Isis Dünya  
Many people use hair length and fringes to mask and hide their SWANA features. Talking Textures plays on the use of hair as a mask by using the concept of ‘straggly ends’ to do this. 

Embracing Femininity 
Tahini Molasses wearing Ziyad Buainain 
Talking Textures closes the series by questioning: What is femininity? Does femininity have to be gendered within SWANA communities? Many women idealise long hair as being the height of femininity and beauty. The final set of images through this concept makes the statement that femininity can be unconventional. 

Director/curator/lead hair: Yasemin Hassan 
Photographer: Yeliz Zaifoglu  
Make-up: Tina Khatri  
Styling: 3EIB / Dania Arafeh
Hair assistants: Shaun Birmingham, Amy Clarke, Matthew Tharp 
Shot at Woolf Kings X 

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