IHF holds Star Team semi-finals in Accademia in Dublin
The Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) recently held its semi-finals in Accademia in Dublin, where the chosen up-and-coming stylists were put through their paces by the judges.
The IHF put a call out in February for its Star Team 2021. Open to all trainee stylists who are currently undergoing training, and who will still be undergoing training by November 2021, the Star Team competition looks for these creatives in hairdressing every year to form an outstanding apprentice team.
The semi-final line-up includes Leanne Carroll, Laura Brennan, Rachel O'Byrne, Leah Carroll Byrne, Eddie Power, Meaghan O'Daly, Ruth Buckley, Amie Brady, Dina Clarke, Alicia Nolan, Sophie Underwood, Katelyn Rooney, Svitlana Snigur, Alex Dromgoole, Karla Fitzgerald, Rebecca Robinson, Lisa Millington, Saoirse MacDermott, Lauren Hickey, Aisling Bilbow and Cheryl Kelly.
They were tested in a variety of categories such as cutting, upstyling and blow-drying, and the judges included Mark O’Keeffe, MD of salon group Sugar Culture. IHF vice-president Lisa Eccles was also in attendance.
The finalists had already done two rounds of interviews, along with another one at Accademia on the day. They were socially distanced in different rooms to comply with Covid-19 guidelines.
The IHF Star Team was launched in 2013 as a project to guide talented young hairdressers in the pursuit of excellence. Industry experts are on hand to mentor them as they take part in a 12-month programme that includes education, advice and the opportunity to work along side established names.
The Star Team 2021 will be announced on 19 September at the IHF Online Championships, which are being streamed live from The Heritage Hotel in Co Laois.
