In 2017, the Hairdressing Council was established with a mission to focus on securing a National Hairdressing Apprenticeship, which had not been a priority of other industry organisations before then. By the establishment of an Apprenticeship it would advance the public profile of the hairdressing industry in Ireland.
The Council joined with Image Skillnet and Synergy to prepare and submit a detailed proposal to Government for the establishment of a State-approved Apprenticeship in Hairdressing.
Limerick and Clare Education Training Board (LCETB) also joined and together a strong, united and determined voice for the advancement of foundational training in hairdressing was born.
The negotiations extended over the next year, and despite many challenges along the way, a programme of apprenticeship was finally agreed, to the delight of all involved. The 8th of December 2018 was a monumental day for the industry when Minister Richard Bruton announced the inclusion of hairdressing in the New National Apprenticeships Scheme.
In 2019, The Hairdressing Council was a signatory to the Agreement as the Industry Lead Body, with the LCETB as the Lead Educational Body. It was a great day for hairdressing in Ireland.
Other hairdressing groups together with small, medium and large organisations then joined and all worked together for the betterment of hairdressing in Ireland.
The Hairdressing Apprenticeship is now well established, and the first apprentices have graduated and currently there are 400 + apprentices in the system training. It is also wonderful to say that hairdressing is the first industry in the country to get the RPL - Recognised Prior Learning Certification for advanced industry workers. The first group of whom have also graduated.
A detailed proposal for a Barbering Apprenticeship has also been approved, due to begin in 2025. The public profile and professional status of hairdressing in Ireland have never been higher.
As the Executive Committee of the Hairdressing Council, we feel that our first mission is truly a “mission accomplished”, and that it is now time for a change in direction.
While we remain dedicated to supporting the hair industry in Ireland, our new focus is on building a strong, connected, and supportive community for every professional across our vibrant sector. Our new mission centres around creating a monthly networking platform where hairdressers, salon owners, educators, and suppliers can come together to connect, learn, and grow together. This will cultivate a vibrant and thriving community for the Irish hair industry, where every professional has the chance to connect, collaborate, and succeed. Be a part of this exciting new journey with the Irish Hairdressing Council.
And the best part? Joining is absolutely free!
Fiona hails from Wexford & is committed to bringing her 30 years Industry business experience to the Council and to contribute to its strategic direction and vision. She is passionate about exploring new and innovative routes to ensure Irish Hairdressing excels. Fiona enjoys working nationally with ETB’s in contracted training & is on the Management team of LMETBS National Hairdressing Apprenticeship in Dundalk.
Fiona and her husband Michael run Gainfort Hair & Beauty Supplies, Gainfort Salon Design & Gainfort Academies in Wexford & Waterford. The Academies have won 5 Business Awards & been voted RSVP Irelands Leading Beauty School several times .Gainfort has won Pro Beauty Supplier of the year at Hi Style Awards & Fiona was awarded Director of the year at the 2023 Women of Vision Awards. Social media links:
Melissa Hayward is The founder of the multi-award-winning academy, Melissa Hayward Academy, has been a trailblazer in the hair extension industry for over 23 years. Beginning her journey with a personal love for hair extensions, Melissa launched her career at the renowned Zoo Salon in New York before returning to Ireland to open her own salon. She’s transformed the hair—and confidence—of thousands, including celebrities, working on projects in TV, film, and magazines.
Today, Melissa is dedicated to empowering stylists to master hair extensions with confidence, helping them create life-changing transformations for their clients. Her training academy equips aspiring professionals with the expertise they need to elevate both their craft and their clients' self-esteem. Social media links:
Creative, versatile & passionate for education!
Debbie, Head of Education for Ireland and Northern Ireland at the thriving professional hair brand Osmo, brings over 25 years of experience in the hairdressing industry. Having run successful salons and an academy, and collaborated with many influential figures, Debbie has a deep passion for education. Known for her "Passion + Purpose" approach, she prefers to see herself as a facilitator rather than a traditional educator, always aiming to learn and grow alongside her students. Debbie believes that to teach well, you must first be a great student, and she is dedicated to helping her students build confidence and skill in every aspect of their craft.
Bridget, from Ennis has over 20 years experience in the industry, She is the immediate past President of the Council and has been one of the driving forces behind the new Professional Hairdressing Apprenticeship development. She opened her first salon in 2009 and since it has gone from strength to strength to its current busy hub of activity. Bridget is an award-winning stylist having won many National, International and World Championships Awards. Her salon has also won many Business Awards.
Anita Kirby has a long history of integrity, honesty and excellence in Training and Education and has worked diligently in the industry bringing with her over forty eight years experience. She is affiliated to the Trichological Society of London where she carried out her studies of Pure Trichology to become the first fully qualified L.T.T.S Trichologist in the area of Pure Trichology in Ireland.
Anita has always worked at worked in St Johns Central College for twenty-four years as course co-ordinator of the Hairdressing Department. She was an examiner for State Commissions, Solas and City & Guilds. She played a lead role in the development of the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship programme. Anita was Chairperson of The Hairdressing Educators & Teachers Fellowship (HETF) for 9 years a group of likeminded educators / teachers with members from all over the country. Anita was a board member of the IAHS International Association of Hairdressing Schools and has hosted the Irish National Schools Hairdressing Competitions. From its inception she has been there to give advice on the Executive Committee of the Hairdressing Council.
Maeve's message to you is JOIN the COUNCIL. Its time to 'spark joy' by tidying up the industry for its future. Maeve is over 40 years in the industry and is preparing various projects for the Council. The Apprenticeship is close to her heart for the future generation entering the industry. Those questioning it, please stay Positive and listen to the right people. Maeve holds a BA in Education & Training, A licentiateship of City&Guilds, and an HDip in Business Management. She is a multi-award winner with, most precious, her OMC Gold Lady Trophies in Worlds Best Avant Garde Stylist & Worlds Stylist of Year. She is vice president of AIPP Europe and is very proud to be a KNIGHT and an OFFICER of Intercoiffure Mondial.
Sean Taaffe is the owner of Sean Taaffe Hair & Beauty Salons and Training Academies in Kerry which was first established in Killorglin in 1989. Since then the company has expanded 6 times, with locations in Killarney, Tralee and Killorglin and a team of 60 talented professionals.
At Sean Taaffe, education is the key to their success and to this end Sean invests heavily in both in-salon education and courses and seminars both in Ireland and abroad. They also provide hairdressing education for the school leavers and advanced education to the qualified hairdresser in either of their two training facilities Killarney or Tralee or on site in individual salons. They also organise regular seminars and workshops with some of the biggest names in Hairdressing from Ireland and abroad.
Sean has been a member of Team Ireland for many years with great success winning the team medals at the OMC World Hairdressing Championships in Frankfurt. He is also a Next Generation Educator for Alfaparf. Sean Taaffe Salon is a proud member of Intercoiffure Ireland.
