IHF Star Team 2026 launches this year’s Star Team Challenge

The Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) Star Team 2026 has officially launched this year’s Star Team Challenge, with the theme being City or Culture.

The competition is open to trainees and apprentices currently undergoing their training. It invites participants to create a hair look inspired by a city or culture of their choice, with full creative freedom in how the theme is interpreted.

Entrants are allowed to submit multiple entries, and they have the flexibility to create their looks on a live model, themselves or a mannequin head. Before and after images must be included, and the finished look must be posted on Instagram using #IHFStarTeamChallenge26, and tagging @irishhairfed. Entrants must ensure their Instagram account is public.

The deadline for Star Team Challenge is 30 April and the winner, who will be announced on 8 May, will get the opportunity to choose and attend an education day of their choice from the Star Team calendar.