Two teenage entrepreneurs from Co Cork have a signed a deal with Co Meath-based Global Beauty to distribute their barbering products.
James Kelly-O’Connor and Ben Cronin set up JCutz Hair Supplies as part of their TY enterprise module at Patrician Academy in Mallow.
According to 16-year-old Kelly-O’Connor, who has been cutting hair since he was 13, the company came about after he noticed a demand for products to treat dry scalp and dandruff. The product line now includes JCutz Super Salt Mist and Hair Texture Powder.
“We found that the common denominator between my clients and their hair issues was the products they were using, which were full of chemicals,” he told The Corkman. “We decided to make organic sea salt spray and texture powder that are chemical-free. Our sea salt spray is made out of natural ingredients like Epsom salt, sea salt, lavender oil, water and essential oils, just to name a few.”
The partnership with Global Beauty came about after the pair met owner Paul O’Neill at his stand at Professional Beauty & Hair 2026 at the RDS in April.
“Paul has helped us learn so many industry secrets that would take us years to learn by ourselves,” explained Cronin. “He is a brilliant mentor, and we are excited to keep the partnership going.”
J Cutz Hair Supplies’ products are now being sold across over 50 barbershops in Cork and Kerry, and the new distribution deal with Global Beauty will see the sea salt spray enter the wider Ireland and UK markets.
In the meantime, Kelly-O’Connor continues to work as a barber in Mallow.
