Irish Hairdressing Junior Council seeks members

The Irish Hairdressing Council is launching an initiative for 18–30-year-old hairdressers, juniors, trainees and college students.

With Fiona Gainfort as liaison officer, the Irish Hairdressing Junior Council is being formed with the aim of giving the next generation of hairdressers a voice.

Gainfort is a member of the Irish Hairdressing Council executive committee, and joint director of Wexford-based Gainfort Hair & Beauty Supplies. With her support and guidance, the Junior Council committee will look at the challenges facing the hairdressing industry, and how that affects young hairdressers and apprentices.

According to the Hairdressing Council, the emphasis will be on positivity, discussing new innovations and ideas, and working as a collective to seek to ensure a sustainable future for the sector.

“The Irish Hairdressing Council’s ethos encompasses inclusivity within our industry,” said Gainfort. “We represent employers and employees, from trainees to experienced stylists. We are forming the Junior Council to tap into the voice of the younger generation. We want to hear their perspective, and I’m sure we will learn from them while they learn from us. We want to know about their journey in the industry; the challenges they might be meeting along the way, and how we as an industry might help make their journey easier, and support them to become inspired and creative stylists.

“We have had amazing support already from some of the industry’s leading suppliers, including Osmo Ikon, Schwarzkopf and Revlon. They are committed to providing bespoke education for our Junior Council committee across a broad spectrum of learning, and will also be gifting them with lots of fantastic products. On top of that, the Hairdressing Council committee is made up of some of the industry’s top award-winning educators and stylists, and they will be offering a programme of education and mentorship to the Junior Council.”

Gainfort said she is now looking for 18–30-year-olds, from trainees to fully qualified stylists, from all over Ireland. “If you are motivated, driven and passionate about our amazing industry, we would love to hear from you.This is an opportunity to bring your skills, knowledge and profile up to the next level. It is your chance to have a voice, and help make changes for your generation and the ones to come. All you have to do is email [email protected] to tell us a little about your background and let us know why you are interested and up for the challenge.”