Easydry at the IHF Gala 2024: Celebrating Excellence and Innovation in Hairdressing

The prestigious Irish Hairdressing Federation (IHF) Championships Gala 2024 was held at the magnificent Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, on Sunday, 6th October. The evening was a true celebration of talent, creativity, and innovation within the Irish hairdressing industry. It brought together the best and brightest, along with industry icons, for a night of recognition and entertainment. Easydry, as a proud sponsor of the Fantasy (Trainee) category, was thrilled to be part of this glittering event that honoured hairdressing excellence. It was great to see so many Easydry customers among the winners and finalists.

A Night to Remember

The Gala’s atmosphere was electric, with a packed schedule that included inspiring shows and the announcement of the much-anticipated Championship winners. The night kicked off with the IHF Icon Awards, which acknowledged individuals who have made a significant impact on the industry.

Recognizing Industry Icons

1. Ian Brady – Founder of Cats Hair Salon, honoured for his outstanding expertise in hair colour and contributions to international fashion shows.
2. Carolann McGuirk – Renowned stylist at Reds Hair Salon, celebrated for her influential work in television and film.
3. Robert Byrne – Recognized as the first president of the IHF, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and innovation.

These individuals have set the bar high, and their contributions have helped shape the future of hairdressing in Ireland.

Following the meal, the 2024 Star Team Show took the spotlight, showcasing the exceptional talents of this year’s team members. The announcement of the 2025 Star Team followed shortly after, setting the stage for another year of brilliance.

The 2025 IHF Star Team is comprised of five outstanding young hairdressers who have demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and ambition. This year’s team includes Caitlin Smith from Hair Creations, Dublin; Danielle O’Sullivan from Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow; Ellie Purdy from Brown Sugar, Dublin; Emma Killeen from Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo; and Jade Hennessy from Albert’s Hair Design, Wexford. Each member had impressed the judges and stands out as a rising star in the Irish hairdressing industry.

The night included inspiring catwalk shows from  the 2024 Star Team Show and 2023 IHF Hairdresser of the Year, Martha Galvin. Music by Smash Hits kept the energy high, leading into a night of celebration and dancing, with a DJ keeping the dance floor packed until the late hours.

Easydry’s Contribution and Support

Anne Butterly, CEO of Easydry, had the honour of presenting the awards for the Fantasy (Trainee) category. This year’s winners for the Fantasy (Trainee) category were:

• 1st Place: Danielle O’Sullivan – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
• 2nd Place: Emma Killeen – Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
• 3rd Place: Laurna McGrath – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

2024 Star Team Show

Martha Galvin’s Show

Fantasy Trainee Winners

Winners : Martha Galvin & Laurna McGrath

Recognizing All the Winners and Categories  of the IHF Gala 2024

The evening showcased outstanding talent across a variety of categories. Here’s a complete list of the winners from each category:

Irish Hairdresser of the Year 2024  – IHF Gala 2024 – (Sponsored by Wella Professional)

• • 1st Place: Martha Galvin – Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

Trainee Hairdresser of the Year 2024 – IHF Gala 2024 – (Sponsored by Alfaparf Milano Professional)

• • 1st Place: Laurna McGrath – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Newcomer – Trainee (Sponsored by Davines)

• • 1st Place: Rhiannon Black – Brown Sugar, Dublin
  • 2nd Place: Laurna McGrath – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
  • 3rd Place: Rebecca Donegan – Olivia’s Hair Studio, Wicklow

Creative Colour – Trainee – Sponsored by Image Skillnet)

1. • 1st Place: Tiegan Neary – Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
   • 2nd Place: Sara Gilhooly – Our Salon by Derek & Fergal, Meath
   • 3rd Place: Danielle O’Sullivan – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Fantasy – Trainee – (Sponsored by Easydry)

1. • 1st Place: Danielle O’Sullivan – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
   • 2nd Place: Emma Killeen – Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
   • 3rd Place: Laurna McGrath – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow

Creative Colour – Senior – (Sponsored by L’Oreal Professionnel)

1. • 1st Place: Martha Galvin – Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
   • 2nd Place: Nadine Brady – La Mode, Dublin
   • 3rd Place: Anthony McNally – Ross Adams, Dublin

Fantasy – Senior -(Sponsored by Schwarzkopf Professional)

• • 1st Place: Samantha Byrne – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
  • 2nd Place: Samantha Byrne – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
  • 3rd Place: Lisa McGuiness – Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

Hair Up – Senior – (Sponsored by Phorest)

• • 1st Place: Samantha Byrne – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
  • 2nd Place: Martha Galvin – Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
  • 3rd Place: Amanda Ryan – Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

Barber Technique – Specialist- (Sponsored by Remi)

1. • 1st Place: Patrick Browne – Menspire, Dublin
   • 2nd Place: Patrick Browne – Menspire, Dublin
   • 3rd Place: Sandra Keegan – The Academy Barber, Kildare

Texture – Specialist – Sponsored by The Tattooed Accountant)

1. • 1st Place: Saoirse McDermott – The Hair Space, Galway
   • 2nd Place: Samantha Byrne – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
   • 3rd Place: Patrick Browne – Menspire, Dublin

Salon Social – Specialist – (Sponsored by LanaiPro)

• • 1st Place: Caitlin McCarthy – Salon Anu, Dublin
  • 2nd Place: Mark Sherwood – Zeba Hairdressing, Dublin
  • 3rd Place: Aishling Moriarty – Rustiq, Kilkenny

Extensions – Specialist (Sponsored by Hairtalk)

• • 1st Place: Emily Whelan – MD Hair, Carlow
  • 2nd Place: Kelly Murray – Cut Social, Dublin
  • 3rd Place: Martha Galvin – Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo

Trend Upstyle – Trainee

• • 1st Place: Tiegan Neary – Allure Hair & Beauty, Mayo
  • 2nd Place: Laurna McGrath & Leah Carroll Byrne – Vanilla Hair Design, Carlow
  • 3rd Place: Mia Massey – Ashleigh Kelly Hairdressing, Dublin

Easydry’s Commitment to the Future of Hairdressing

Sustainability and innovation are at the core of everything Easydry does, and our involvement in the IHF Championships Gala is a reflection of that commitment. We believe in supporting the next generation of hairdressers and fostering a culture of excellence and sustainability within the industry.

Our partnership with the IHF is just one of the ways we continue to advocate for a greener, more responsible approach to hairdressing. We are excited to see what the future holds for these talented winners and look forward to supporting their journeys.

For more information about our sustainable products and how we’re making a difference in the hairdressing world, learn more about us here.