Irish Hairdressers Federation's Star Team 2024 revealed

The Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) revealed its Star Team 2024 at the IHF Championships, which took place at the Lyrath Estate Hotel in Kilkenny on 8 October.

The five members are Ciara Harrington, Lynda Maher Hair Studio, Carlow; Lucy Monks, The Hair Company Broadstone, Dublin; Thomas Lacey, Karl Martin Hairdressing, Co Wexford; Rebecca Kearney, Brown Sugar, Dublin; and Tiegan Neary, Allure Hair & Beauty, Co Mayo.

Applications for Star Team 2024 opened in May, with the annual competition aiming to find the next generation in hairdressing superstars.

Open to trainees employed by a salon, taking part in the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship, or in a full-time hairdressing course, the IHF looks for passionate and highly-motivated individuals who believe they will make an impact on the future of the industry in Ireland.

Candidates initially fill in an online application form, where they are asked to describe their future ambitions. Those who make it through to the next round are asked to participate in a virtual interview, while the candidates who progress to the following one are invited to the semi-finals to showcase a colour and cut model for judges.

Meanwhile, the IHF Championships saw a number of hair stylists being recognised in a range of categories. The big winner on the night was Martha Galvin of Allure Hair & Beauty, Co Mayo, who was awarded IHF Irish Hairdresser of the Year for the second year running. In addition, she won trophies in four other categories.

The event also honoured the Icon Award 2023 recipients, who were Cathal Keaveney, Peter Mark and Angie Dromgoole, Zeba Hairdressing.