Plant-based hair salon Organic Italian opens in Dún Laoghaire

Organic Italian has opened in Dún Laoghaire, with the new salon located on Upper George’s Street.

Initally situated in Dalkey, the plant-based hair salon now includes a wellbeing store out front, with its ‘Conlemany’ hair services situated at the back.

Owned and run by Italian couple Francesco Piccolo and Ivana Margarini, the duo have been joined by Margarini’s daughter Carlotta, and a team of stylists, all trained in the Conlemany practice.

From the Italian meaning ‘with the use of hands’, Conlemany at Organic Italian involves the stylist devising individually handcrafted organic treatments to nourish and protect the client’s hair. All colours, conditioning and scalp treatments are made from organic ingredients such as oils, clay, herbs, flowers and vegetable butters, which are all vegan, cruelty-free and eco-friendly.

“We do a scalp test using a magnifying camera to assess follicles and determine a suitable natural formula,” says Margarini. “We view haircare as an experience with nature and use natural high-performing product for beautiful hair and a healthy scalp. Our hair masks and dyes are so pure you can eat them.”

The salon also sells its own Conlemany organic and plant-based shampoos and conditioners, and the couple makes their natural, non-toxic hair dyes, face masks and hair treatments for clients, fresh on-site, for use in the salon, or for people to make up themselves at home.

Piccolo and Margarini both trained at Italian hair academies, worked for top salons, and curated hair for major fashion shows and styling exhibitions. They adopted a more sustainable lifestyle over 15 years ago in Italy, before moving to Ireland.