From Vision to Success: Real Advice from Female Leaders in Hair

This International Women’s Day, we are proud to shine a light on Anne Butterly, the Founder & CEO of Easydry — and to celebrate the inspiring female founders shaping the future of the hair industry across the UK and Ireland.

Accelerating Action for Gender Equality | International Women’s Day

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current pace of progress, it could take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity. That’s a staggering five generations away — and it’s clear that change needs to happen much faster.

This year’s theme serves as a powerful reminder that swift, intentional action is essential if we are to break down barriers, open up opportunities, and support the next generation of women as they enter and shape the future of the hair industry.

One important way we can contribute to this acceleration is by amplifying the voices of female founders who are already leading the way. By sharing their real stories, hard-earned lessons, and practical advice, we hope to empower and inspire the women who are just beginning their own journeys — because progress happens faster when we lift as we climb.

From Big Idea to Global Impact

When Anne Butterly founded Easydry more than 20 years ago, she wasn’t just launching a product. She was solving a real problem. The traditional cotton towel system in salons was wasteful, water-intensive, and outdated. Anne believed there had to be a better, more sustainable way. That’s how Easydry, the world’s first eco-friendly disposable towel, was born.

Fast forward to today and Easydry — now a B Corp Certified company . Easydry operates in over 25 countries, helping salons and businesses across the UK, Ireland, and beyond save billions of litres of water while drastically reducing their carbon footprint.

Anne’s story shows that sustainability and success go hand in hand. Being a purpose-driven founder can open up incredible opportunities.

Leading with Purpose

Anne’s leadership style is based on curiosity, courage, and community. She believes in lifelong learning — because every day offers a chance to grow and improve.

Her advice for other women starting out?

“Trust your gut, stay curious, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision — but who aren’t afraid to challenge you when it counts.”

Women Supporting Women this International Women’s Day

To mark International Women’s Day, we wanted to use this space to highlight other incredible female founders in the hair industry. Here is their their advice for the next generation of women making their mark.

We asked: What is the one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of women starting out in the hair industry?

Lisa Philips, Founder & Owner | Ora Hair and Salon Coach

“Before starting your journey as a salon owner, make sure you truly understand your values. Your values shape your vision, and that vision will be the driving force behind your business. When you build a business that aligns with what truly matters to you, you’ll attract the right people who support your growth. Once your vision is clear, focus on the small daily steps that bring it to life—because big success is simply the result of small, consistent actions over time.”

Sarah Naylor, Business Coach | Sarah Naylor Academy

“My one piece of advice would be to continue to learn, invest in your education. Invest your time in expanding your mind and your skills and it will pay you back in more ways than one.”

Karine Jackson, Freelance Hairstylist and Sustainability Consultant

“Establish yourself from day one, don’t hold back just because you think you’re not ready or experienced enough. You’ll learn along the way. The hair industry is incredibly supportive and there’s always someone willing to share their wisdom. Be bold, ask questions and embrace the journey.”

Rae Elizabeth Palmer, Managing Director and Founder, WELOVE

“To always think about how you can be an independent woman. That means in view of your long-term hair career, be sure to focus on mastering the art and craft, curate great aligning brands, find your hair friends and community to all work with. Dream big, aspire and achieve the necessary qualification, state registration and endorsed Master CPD in creative and commercial hair education. These hard-earned credentials will not only bring you the joys of being the hair designer you dream of, but equally as important, bring you the profit, highest incomes, giving you a happy lifestyle with self-reliance and independence too.”

Susan Collins, Founder and Owner, Home of Hair – Ireland’s only B Corp Certified Salon

“This industry is incredible and inclusive and there are no boundaries on artistic or creative talent. Now, thanks to social media, there are so many more career avenues open to the industry, from education all the way to being an influencer. The thing that remains consistent and hasn’t changed is that the first few years are hard work. You have to graft to reach your full potential. But there are things that if you put in place at the start of your career, they will protect you in the future.

Number one, this is a non-negotiable: boundaries. Your time is your time, it is okay to not respond to a client at 9pm on a Saturday evening. With social media so prevalent and accessible, it also makes us accessible. Set up an automatic response that is polite but firm: ‘Thank you for reaching out, I will reply to your message when I return to work.’ If you work in a salon with a front of house, speak with your manager regarding salon policies on appointments and direct clients to the salon website or phone.

Number two, know your worth. Do not discount your work ever. Does your doctor, physio, dentist, therapist, landlord or bank give you a discount? So why as an industry do we feel this need to discount our work? This is work that we have upskilled and spent our own time developing. It is your craft that you have honed and perfected.

Number three, research your place of work. Look for a salon that will treat you right, pay you well and value you.”

Lisa Eccles, Owner Zinc Hair & Beauty | President of the Irish Hairdressers Federation

“My advice is to the next generation of women coming into the hair and beauty industry would be to listen to advice from everyone who offers it but then sit back and think what you want to do with that advice . Sometimes you will take it and other times you will go against it but believe in your own vision first.”

The Road Ahead

Anne’s story — along with the stories of these incredible female founders — clearly demonstrates that the future of the UK hair industry is female-led, sustainable, and innovative.

That’s why, this International Women’s Day, we are proud to celebrate. We want to celebrate the founders, stylists, educators, and mentors who are redefining what hairdressing means for future generations. As we reflect on this year’s theme — #AccelerateAction. We are reminded that sharing knowledge, lifting each other up, and driving meaningful change are essential if we want to accelerate progress.

Now, more than ever, it’s time to work together to break down barriers and champion the next generation of women entering the industry. Together, let’s Accelerate Action for gender equality across every sector. Lets ensure that future generations of women in hair can rise faster, go further, and lead with confidence.