L’Oréal Colour Trophy Reveals Sweet Winner In Dublin

Zeba Hairdressing wows with AI-inspired show

by AMANDA | INFORM

Brown Sugar is celebrating – the salon group scooped the overall winner prize at the 2025 L’Oréal Colour Trophy Grand Final. 

Held at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, the event saw Graham Santelíz Molly and James Coleman win the top prize for Brown Sugar South William Street in Dublin. Judges on the night included the likes of Sally Brooks, Errol Douglas MBE, Robert Eaton, Alan Edwards and Abigail Butler.

L’Oréal Colour Trophy Third Place: Sian Lloyd, Hillary.ie

The It List is exclusively sponsored by ghd 

THE BUSINESS BUILDER 

For the brains behind a brilliant business 

 Chlöe Swift, Chlöe Swift Stylist  

Chlöe has been on a mission since 2018 to connect the world of the professional with the consumer. She’s been trailblazing on social media, keeping her 627k-plus audience up-to-date and encouraging them into the salon, while also providing tips and advanced tutorials for the professional. And her business has expanded further, providing advice on socials to a host of major hair brands.  

Finalists: Ben Jones, Massarella & Jones; Joe Sirry, SHAG!; Frazer Wallace, THE HAUS STUDIO; George Waterfield, The Secret Garden 

THE EDITORIAL STYLIST 

For a stylist making waves on set  

Mike Mahoney, Josh Wood Colour Atelier  

It all started in Camden, surrounded by cool kids on the way to work, which gave Mike the desire to push forward his career. His edgy styles have been seen in Elle, Vogue, and Tatler, and he thanks Akin Konizi for inspiring a precision in his work. Plus, for six years already, Mike’s been busy on the session circuit with hair legend Gary Gill, and there’s no sign of slowing down.   

Finalists: Lee Devlin; Yasemin Hassan, Woolf Kings X; Emma Vickery, Percy & Reed; Frazer Wallace, THE HAUS STUDIO 

THE SALON STYLIST 

For stand-out skills behind the chair  

Norman Boulton, Not Another Salon  

Reigning champion Norman has been busy delivering beautiful hair with loving energy to his beloved clients. His 10-week waiting list is testament to the transformative power of his colour work, while his positive mental attitude keeps things bright and breezy. This year saw Norman graduate as a L’Oréal Colour Specialist and create his own professional vivid colour course, which he delivered to six different classes.  

 Finalists: Elle Foreman, Tribe Salons; Jo Haywood, Jamie Stevens; Ellie Lewis, Redz Hairstylists; Cameron Willetts, Combers Inside-Out Hairdressing 

THE RISING STAR 

For an impressive and fast-improving salon assistant  

D’Arcy White, Jack & the Wolfe  

The energy D’Arcy brings to the salon is immeasurable, says Jack & the Wolfe co-owner Jack Mead, and it’s no surprise as she’s been fixated on hair since the age of five! By chance her brother happened to mention her after being model-scouted by the salon, and the rest is history. Now storming through her training, she won UK gold at Kao’s Global Creative Awards, earning her a trip to the US. 

 Finalists: Lucy Boodell, Goldsworthy’s Hairdressing; Harriet Bull, Tribe Salons; Yasemin Hassan, Woolf Kings X; Melissa Reilly, Not Another Salon 

THE VISIONARY 

For head-turning creativity 

 Emy Roccabella, Danilo Hair Boutique  

Perpetually hunting for a creative project to immerse herself in, Emy is returning for another shot at this title. Her built-in taste for intricacy in styling and an unbowed will to succeed is driving this senior stylist and colourist, whose work reflects an elegant simplicity, inspired by contemporary and modern art alike, such as in her textural shoot, Newtopia.  

 Finalists: Edoardo Colasanti, Trevor Sorbie; Matteo De Vita, TONI&GUY; Roman Sys, Brooks & Brooks; Quentin Taillepied, Stag 

THE ONE TO WATCH 

For an outstanding hair talent demonstrating all-round excellence 

 Emma Vickery, Percy & Reed  

The artistic director at Percy & Reed is going places. She’s become Paul Percival’s first assistant, arranged an exclusive deal between the salon and a model management company, led fashion shows, and been pivotal in Percy & Reed’s rebranding – all while still running a weekly column! Emma’s mantra truly sums up her approach and capabilities: ‘unwavering self-reliance, mutual accountability with an affinity for intensity’.  

 Finalists: Edoardo Colasanti, Trevor Sorbie; Lee Devlin; Sophie-Rose Goldsworthy, Goldsworthy’s Hairdressing; Rebecca Jacques, Rebecca Jacques Hair; Birte Klintworth, Radio; Christopher Laird, November Collective; Mike Mahoney, Josh Wood Colour Atelier; Annabel Payne, TONI&GUY; Joe Sirry, SHAG! 

STAR Award Winner: Holly Coffey, Style Club Pavilions

Spotlighting up and coming talent, Holly Coffey from Style Club Pavilions in Dublin was named the STAR Award winner.

In the Moving Image Award (UK & Ireland), Headmasters Walton’s Mia Barraball secured top spot. Alisha Drew, Jessica McDermott, Katie Miller, Olivia Braithwaite and Rosie Davies were all named winners of the Future Talent Award for the UK & Ireland.

In a jaw-dropping stage show, Mark Sherwood and the Zeba Hairdressing team explored the evolving role of AI in hairdressing – from early robotic imagery to today’s hyper-real visuals that blur the line between reality and AI-generated looks.

The team from Neville Hair & Beauty, including founder Neville Tucker and Jack Merrick-Thirlway, wowed with a balletic take on texture and length dialled up to full glam power.

Mark O’Keeffe Is New President of the Irish Hairdressers Federation

Sugar Culture boss takes over from Lisa Eccles

by AMANDA | INFORM

Mark O’Keeffe, the founder of Sugar Culture Hairdressing and Beauty Group, is the new president of the Irish Hairdressers Federation. He was appointed at the IHF’s AGM, taking over from outgoing president, Lisa Eccles.

“My focus will be on advocating for initiatives that support the industry’s growth and creating pathways that provide valuable opportunities for aspiring professionals,” he said. Healso announced Nicola Lawless, from The Hair Company in Broadstone, as the Federation’s new vice president.

Left: outgoing IHF president Lisa Eccles; right: Mark O’Keeffe

His speech underscored the IHF’s ongoing commitment to advocating for the industry, from presenting pre-budget submissions and engaging in government lobbying to initiatives such as the Save Our Salons campaign. The launch of the IHF Art Team, led by Steven Kelly, has also upped the creative dimension of the IHF’s efforts, celebrating stylist talent and giving back to the industry by spotlighting exceptional work produced in Irish salons.  

Mark thanked outgoing president Lisa Eccles, declaring “I wouldn’t feel prepared for this role without the privilege of learning from her.” His presidency holds a particular personal significance, as he follows in the footsteps of his father, Frank O’Keeffe, who served as IHF president in 1982.