Irish Hairdressers Federation Join March to Leinster House As Rising Costs Threaten Businesses

Oct 28, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM, INFORM HEADER

Irish Hairdressers Federation Join March to Leinster House As Rising Costs Threaten Businesses

Salon owners join other small business leaders at rally calling for government support

by MADDI | INDUSTRY NEWS

Siobhan-Taylor-ISME-Protest-Leinster-House-15thOct-11

Salon owners from across Ireland joined the Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) outside Leinster House to protest the financial pressures facing small businesses following Budget 2025. The rally, which brought together SMEs across various industries, voiced concerns over rising costs, impacting small business owners nationwide.

Timed during the Dáil session, the protest featured salon owners and supporters with placards reading “Save Our Salons”. Lisa Eccles, IHF president, highlighted unsustainable cost increases, from VAT and wage hikes to new statutory demands. Eccles pointed to the success of the 9% VAT rate in 2011, contrasting it with today’s 13.5% VAT rate and additional financial burdens.

“Past government initiatives like VAT 9, which was introduced in 2011, were proven to be among the most successful measures they had implemented,” said Lisa. “In 2018, the government published their own report showcasing how this initiative increased employment, helped people open businesses, and encouraged entrepreneurship.”

While the IHF supports enhanced employee benefits, they argue that recent government policies lack consultation with salon representatives or SMEs. The protest underscored the IHF’s call for reforms, such as SME representation on the Labour Employer Engagement Forum (LEEF) and adjusted tax, PRSI and VAT measures.

The IHF thanked salon owners who attended, emphasising the urgency of supporting small businesses to sustain the economy. As a member of the SME Alliance, the IHF continues to advocate for policies that recognise the contributions of SMEs.

Continue Reading

Discover The Winners At The IHF Hairdressing Championships

Regis And House of Colour Win Big At Wella Professionals TrendVision Award Final

The Irish Budget 2025 – What You Need To Know

Zoë Irwin Wants YOU To Offer This Hair Service

Oct 23, 2024 | DOCUMENTS, EXPLORE, HOME EXPLORE

Zoë Irwin Wants YOU To Offer This Hair Service

The John Frieda creative director on her hair facial service launch – and why every stylist should be delivering this to clients

by CATHERINE | DOCUMENTS

Zoë Irwin

The past couple of years has seen the ‘skinification’ of hair cranked up, as the hair world is influenced in both ingredients and treatments by skincare and beauty. Well, Zoë Irwin has taken this to heart with her hair facial service at John Frieda… and she’s adamant that this service is one that ALL salons and stylists should be offering its clientele.

“I realised that I learn a lot from beauty treatments, and that women understand the idea of a facial. You have a super deep cleanse and you probably learn more about cleansing your own skin better,” explains Zoë. “They detox you, take out all your impurities, and then they start adding. I love that. It’s one mask on top of another, I love the layered process of it. The psychology behind it is that when you leave, you’ve got this beautiful skin. You’re like, ‘oh my god, I’m going to go back in a month, because this is so good’. But ultimately when you go home, you double cleanse, you add a mask the next week, you don’t let that skin go. No one does. So, I thought, ‘why aren’t we doing this in hair? Why aren’t we levelling this up?’.”

Now, that’s what she’s done with the £120 service at the iconic John Frieda in London’s Mayfair. The service starts with a detoxifying cleanse, removing coppers and damaging metals from the water and breaking down product residue so that she’s working with a clean base.

From a trip to India, Zoë learned massage techniques that she’s transferred into the next step, an incredible scalp massage. “When you start massaging people’s heads and necks, you can’t mess around. You’ve got to know your stuff,” she adds, “but the power of massage is massive.” Yes, it’s relaxing, but the action helps stimulate the cells in the hair follicles, powering up that growth factor.

“I want to people to come out of this service knowing much more about this impact,” she says. “When they come to the basin, I give them a mirror, and I teach them the movements. Then I use a scalp exfoliator, the Virtue ones, very gentle – and I show them in the mirror where and how to place it. Then I teach them the massage movements. So, I’ve totally clarified and got this clean base, which means that the hair will now accept product much, much better.”

Now, the “hair’s like a sponge”, and Zoë will layer on a strengthening treatment, followed by a moisturising mask. “Hair will only accept so much at one time. It’s like a supercharged treatment … I’m trying to pre-empt the issues that people have with treatments – ‘I don’t want one on my hair today because I want my blow dry to last’. That’s because it’s in the wrong place. It’s all stuff that you and I know, but the consumer doesn’t know. It’s like a prescriptive service; you come out and your hair is beaming. I finish with an acidic gloss that will shut everything down. I’m using cosmetic plus hydration.”

The big message is how important the scalp is – perfectly timed with the social media obsession with all things scalp care.

@zoeirwinhair

It was for a press event to launch a Manta brush that Zoë realised she had something interesting in her hands… “The press just went nuts for how it was all being shown,” she recalls. “The Daily Mail’s Lucia Ferrari went on the front page along with a page inside. From that we had people come from all over the country, and I realised that this isn’t something that people are thinking about enough. Now, we sell it as a packaged service like you see in beauty, you can buy three together.”

Zoë’s philosophy is all about restoring hair to its healthiest, strongest state to deliver the best results. “When you’re colouring hair, you’re colouring the quality of what’s in front of you. So, if I address that before I colour it, I can therefore give the colour that people want.”

Her treatments are divided into sessions. The process begins with a consultation, where Zoë assesses the steps needed to achieve the desired results. Next is the “radiance reset”, featuring a deep cleansing treatment and massage therapy 101. “They learn how and where the to put the product on,” she explains. Finally, the hair is ready for colour. “When they come for their colour, they get the best colour they’ve ever had, because their hair’s in the right condition. It works.”

Image: Karolina grabowska

Zoë’s seen raging success across the board with her clientele. “It’s about £120, but people now just come in for it. And my clients come to me just to have the head massage. They often go out with wet hair, but they come for the massage because it’s extremely powerful, you know?”

She’s a fierce advocate for hair getting the attention to detail that it deserves. “We put all this effort into our skin, but people stop at their hair,” she muses. “But stylists can take their skill and package it, make it so easy to understand and for the client to buy into. This is something that I feel that hairdressers everywhere should be doing. I’ve really seen how important it is and how people love it. You sell the dream.”

Continue Reading

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.

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

Why Are We Not Talking About The Industry’s Biggest Exclusion Barrier?

Who Is Heading To The Wella TrendVision Awards Grand Final?

The 42nd Alternative Hair Show Went Out With A Bang

Oct 16, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM

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

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 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.

Continue Reading

Discover The Winners At The IHF Hairdressing Championships

Regis And House of Colour Win Big At Wella Professionals TrendVision Award Final

The Irish Budget 2025 – What You Need To Know

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

Continue Reading

Discover The Winners At The IHF Hairdressing Championships

Regis And House of Colour Win Big At Wella Professionals TrendVision Award Final

The Irish Budget 2025 – What You Need To Know

Regis And House of Colour Win Big At Wella Professionals TrendVision Award Final

Oct 8, 2024 | HOME INFORM, INDUSTRY NEWS, INFORM, INFORM HEADER

Regis And House of Colour Win Big At Wella Professionals TrendVision Award Final

New venue and six epic shows round off stellar event

by AMANDA | INDUSTRY NEWS

Regis and House of Colour were the big winners at the 2024 Wella Professionals TrendVision Award Final, each taking home two trophies.

Hosted by Love Island’s Laura Whitmore and Wella artist, Fergal Doyle, at Old Billingsgate on the banks of the Thames, the evening also found Scottish salon brand Medusa celebrating a win in front of a 600-plus strong audience. Interactive elements included key artists wearing Meta Glasses, offering the chance to see the event through different perspectives, such as a backstage perspective with James Earnshaw and a host’s view of the audience through Fergal Doyle.

As TrendVision celebrated its 20th anniversary, the theme of the night was ‘self-expression’. “We have celebrated more than 200 winners and each time it becomes a life changing event in their career,” said Max Amen, Wella Company general manager, UK & Ireland. “TrendVision is not just about the finalists and the stylists, it’s also about the businesses that invest in education to train and elevate their teams.”

Renaissance by Cobella

Six boundary pushing creative shows, offered a “window to the soul” of the artistic teams, with the stage acting as their canvas for personal storytelling. Wella’s UK & Ireland colour & trend ambassador, Jordanna Cobella, presented ‘Renaissance’, celebrating the palette of the golden hour glow through period hair, fashion and photography with contemporary embellishments.

Beyond Boundries by Sassoon

Hair at TONI&GUY

Sassoon visited 1920s Berlin and Paris in ‘Beyond Boundaries’ with an immersive show that centres on three powerful colour – red, black and white. ‘Hair at TONI&GUY’ from the high street favourite referenced their fashion heritage with a bright, colourful and diverse showcase of colour and texture.

Scandi Style Storytellers by STIL Salon

Alien Allure: A Futuristic Hair Odyssey by James Earnshaw

STIL Salon’s ‘Scandi Style Storytellers’ saw minimalism meeting something a little more bold as they played with Nordic aesthetics. James Earnshaw’s ‘Alien Allure: A Futuristic Hair Odyssey’ utilised an intense colour palette, from acid-wash to vivid violets and bold blues alongside exaggerated shapes and textures,

Infinity by HOB Academy

Finally, ‘Infinity’ from HOB Academy also took the audience on a futuristic journey, showcasing the power of transformation. Bronzed curls, fluffed out texture and heavily straightened lengths against curled bangs delivered everything from sleek and polished to avant-garde and voluminous.

The night then switched gears with the after party, with the iconic DJ Fat Tony on the decks above a packed dancefloor.