Building Sustainable Futures – Female Founders Leading the Way in Hair

This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to shine a light on Anne Butterly, the Founder & CEO of Easydry — and to celebrate some of the incredible women shaping the future of the hair industry in Ireland and the UK.

Accelerating Action for Gender Equality | International Women’s Day

The theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is ‘Accelerate Action’. At the current rate of progress, it could take until 2158 to achieve full gender parity, according to the World Economic Forum. That is five generations away. This year, the message is clear — it is time to speed up change.

By sharing the experiences, advice, and journeys of female founders in the hair industry, we are not only celebrating their success but also accelerating action by providing real guidance and inspiration for the next generation.

From Big Idea to Global Impact

When Anne founded Easydry 20 years ago, she didn’t just set out to launch a product . She wanted to solve a real problem. The traditional cotton towel system in salons was wasteful, water-intensive, and outdated. Anne believed there was a better way. So Easydry, the world’s first eco-friendly disposable towel, was born.

What started as a big idea in Ireland has grown into a global movement. Easydry, a B Corp Certified Company now operates in over 25 countries. Easydry helps salons and business in a variety of industries save billions of litres of water and drastically cut their carbon footprint.

Anne’s journey is a reminder that sustainability and success go hand in hand. Being a purpose-driven founder can open doors to incredible opportunities.

Leading with Purpose

Anne’s approach to leadership is rooted in curiosity, courage, and community. She believes that every day is a school day — and that success comes from listening, learning, and bringing your team along for the ride.

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 — and to share 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 journey — and the journeys of so many women across the hair industry — show that the future of this industry is female-led, sustainable, and innovative.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the fearless founders, the creative stylists, the educators, the salon owners, and the next generation of trailblazers who are shaping what hairdressing means for the future.

Together, let’s Accelerate Action for gender equality and ensure that future generations of women in hair can rise faster and go further than ever before.