Hairdressers come up trumps in competition
Kelly Hogan of Lavish Studio came second in the specialist salon social category
HAIRDRESSERS from three Carlow salons have come home with four placings from the Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) hairdressing championships. The competition was held at Lyrath Hotel, Kilkenny on Sunday 11 October.
Blakes Hair Salon in Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow town had two prize winners. Svitlana Snigur took second place in the senior fantasy category, sponsored by L’Oréal, while salon owner Ruth Byrne came third in the specialist extensions category, sponsored by Schwarzkopf Capital Ireland.
Ruth told that they are delighted to get two awards: “We often placed in the top ten over the years, coming as high as fourth one year, but to get two in one night is fantastic,” she enthused.
She describes the competition as a great way for hairdressers to show their creative side and especially to show younger hairdressers that “it’s not just all about the grind”.
Ruth’s own hairstyle of artfully placed extensions was one of the winners and she said that when styling it and all the others ahead of entry, they closed down the salon for the day, got in make-up artists, models and a photographer and got to work. On the night, herself and her team co-ordinated by all wearing white, something she said many other attendees commented upon positively, saying it was a lovely touch to show team effort.
Kelly Hogan of Lavish Studio on Hanover Court, Kennedy Avenue, Carlow finished second in the specialist salon social category, sponsored by Image Skillnet.
Among the trainees, Hannah Hazzard of MD Hair, Graiguecullen placed third in the newcomer of the year/trainee category, sponsored by Phorest.
The annual championships brought together salon teams and rising stars from across Ireland, who competed for some of the profession’s most coveted titles. An expert judging panel assessed entries across a range of categories, looking at the technical precision, originality and attention to detail behind each finished look.
IHF president Mark O’Keeffe said: “What makes these championships special is seeing how each competitor brings their own ideas to life. Behind every look are hours of preparation, practice and commitment. The standard this year reflects the ambition within Irish hairdressing and the pride our members take in their craft.”
He added: “This event brings our community together, gives people the confidence to push their skills further and celebrates the salon teams who support them along the way.”
