Clean sweep for Vanilla stylists

CO Carlow stylists were among those who shone bright at the recent Irish Hairdressers Federation Hairdressing Championships. The prestigious annual awards, organised by the Irish Hairdressers Federation, are the highlight of the Irish hairdressing calendar, celebrating the finest talent in the industry.

Hosted at Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, the event showcased exceptional work from leading stylists across the country. Judged by a panel of esteemed national and international experts, the competition was fierce, with stylists pushing the boundaries of creativity and skill. Co Carlow’s best hair stylists came up trumps again winning in a number of the categories.

Laurna McGrath, representing Vanilla Hair Design, Tullow was awarded IHF Irish Trainee Hairdresser of the Year, highlighting the incredible talent emerging from the next generation of stylists. It was a brilliant achievement for Laurna, who took home top awards in several categories, including second place in best newcomer, second in the trend-up style category and third in fantasy trainee category.

It was a great night for Vanilla Hair Design, Tullow, with fellow stylist Danielle O’Sullivan also performing incredibly well to take first place in the fantasy trainee category and joint second in the creative colour category, becoming a star team winner.

Leah Carroll Byrne, also from Vanilla, was awarded joint second in the trend-up style trainee category. 

Leading from the front was Vanilla Hair Design’s owner Samantha Byrne, who was awarded first and second in the fantasy senior category and second in the textured category. 

Other local winners included Emily Whelan, MD Hair, Carlow, who was awarded top honours in the extensions specialist category, with her amazing creation.

IHF president Lisa Eccles said: "This year’s competition was exceptionally competitive and the judges faced an incredibly tough task in selecting the winners, a testament to the outstanding talent we have here in Ireland."