23 March 2016
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
Cork stylist, Aaron Healy from Wayne Lloyd Hair has been crowned ‘Irish Hairdresser of the Year’ following the coveted Irish Hairdressing Championships 2016, coined the Oscars of Irish Hairdressing. Hundreds of hairdressers from across Ireland battled it out, creating an array of different looks at the Awards held at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Dublin on Sunday, March 13th March.
This is a huge achievement for Aaron, who has walked away with this accolade for the second time in his career, and who was also named ‘Munster Hairdresser of the Year’ on the night. Originally based in Wayne Lloyd Hair’s Ballydehob salon, Aaron moved to the Cork salon in 2014 where he is Creative Director. Named ‘Irish Trainee stylist of the Year’ in 2011, followed by winning the ‘Irish Hairdresser of the Year’ in 2013, Aaron has also won a Bronze Medal in the Wella Trend Vision, meaning he is no stranger to awards.
The only Cork salon to take top honours in the awards 11 categories, Wayne Lloyd Hair has reason to celebrate, with Zhyna Williams, who is based in the Ballydehob salon, being named ‘Irish Trainee Stylist of the Year’. Wayne Lloyd Hair has now won the ‘Irish Trainee Stylist of the Year’ five times, more than any other salon in Ireland; and as well as that, it is the only salon ever to take home the top two awards in the same year since the awards started in 1974.
The Irish Hairdressing Championships are the definitive awards for the Irish hairdressing industry and demonstrate the creative and artistic work of Irish hair styling professionals, so for these two stylists to do so well is a wonderful accomplishment. The awards are the benchmark for Irish hairdressing standards and with 11 categories ranging from ‘Cut and Colour’ to the elaborate ‘Creative Fantasy Award’, visitors to the Championships were wowed as the finest talent in the country displayed their skill and creativity.
Speaking after his win, Aaron said “Competitions like this for hairdressers are the equivalent of the Oscars for Hollywood, it is where we can show-off our talent, skill and creativity and be recognised and awarded by the industry. It is in competitions that we have the opportunity to push the boundaries, break the rules and get creative on a whole new level. Entering competitions also provides us with a massive learning opportunity – watching what other hairdressers are doing and learning from them, and so I’m extremely honoured and proud to have been named ‘Irish Hairdresser of the Year’ for the second time in my career.”
Wayne Lloyd expressed his delight and respect for his two winning stylists saying “The Irish Hairdressing Championships is one of the premier awards events in the Irish hairdressing industry so we were delighted to have our stylists do so well – in particular Aaron who stole the show! There are about 1,800 hair salons in Ireland employing close to 10,000 people, and these Championships really demonstrate the creative and artistic work of our styling professionals.”
Wayne continued “I’m extremely proud of Aaron and Zhyna, and indeed our whole team, who continuously strive for excellence in what they do, and I’m thrilled they received the recognition they deserve for all their hard work. Participating in competitions is an extremely important part of the development of any career. Stepping out of your comfort zone and facing a challenge is a fantastic motivational tool for all our staff.”
The team at Wayne Lloyd Hair, with salons in Cork City, Ballydehob and Bandon, has won a number of prestigious awards in recent years including ‘Munster Hairdresser of the Year’ in 2015, which was won by Wenda Partridge; ‘Irish Trainee Stylist of the Year’ five times; ‘Ireland’s Best Stylist’ in 2013; ‘Global Stylist of the Year’ 2009 and 2010; and ‘World’s Best Stylist’ in 2007. Wayne Lloyd Hair prides itself on offering a great service, and specialises in creative unisex hair.
