The energy in the air was nothing short of electrifying on Sunday, March 8th. As the sun set and the lights of the ballroom flickered to life, the very best of the Irish hair industry gathered for a night that can only be described as career-defining. This wasn’t just an awards ceremony; it was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and sheer brilliance of the professionals who keep our nation looking and feeling its best.
At The Salon Awards, we believe in the power of local talent. We know that the talent found in a boutique salon in a small town in Connacht is just as world-class as the high-end studios in the heart of Dublin or Belfast. That is why the 2026 Ireland & Northern Ireland awards were so special. We saw a diverse range of winners from every corner of the island, proving once and for all that Ireland and Nortern Ireland is home to some of the most skilled hair professionals on the planet.
If you are looking for the definitive list of the best hairdressers Ireland has to offer, you’ve come to the right place. From the meticulous precision of a master stylist to the community-driven atmosphere of a beloved local salon, the winners of 2026 represent the absolute pinnacle of our industry.
A Night to Remember: March 8th, 2026
The anticipation had been building for months and the moment finally arrived to crown the champions. The atmosphere was one of celebration and inclusivity. We saw seasoned industry veterans cheering alongside young stylists who were receiving their very first accolades.
Winning one of these coveted titles is more than just a momentary thrill; it is a hallmark of excellence that resonates with clients and colleagues alike. For those who walked across the stage, it was the culmination of a journey, a pathway to success that began with a single entry and ended with recognition.
Winning shot for Creative Image of the Year by Sharon Malcolm. The kind of win that makes you want to immediately clear your camera roll, re-shoot everything, and start moodboarding like your life depends on it.
Celebrating Excellence Across the Four Regions
One of the core missions of The Salon Awards is to provide a platform that is “Local by Design.” Ireland and Northern Ireland is a land of distinct regions, each with its own unique style and community spirit. This year, we were proud to award winners across the four provinces, Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster which included Northern Ireland.
Leinster: Setting the Standard
In Leinster, the competition was fiercer than ever. From the bustling streets of Dublin to the rolling hills of Meath and Kildare, the winners showcased an incredible level of technical skill. We saw innovation in color and a deep commitment to sustainable salon practices that set a high bar for the rest of the country.
Munster: The Heart of Creativity
Munster’s winners brought a vibrant, artistic flair to the stage. The creativity flowing out of Cork, Limerick, and Kerry was truly outstanding. Whether it was avant-garde styling or the perfect, lived-in blonde, the professionals in Munster proved that they are masters of their craft.
A special, very loud round of applause for Rouge – The Salon (Munster) for a triple win in Best Salon, Best Customer Experience, and Best New or Refurbished Salon. (Munster understood the assignment. Then did it three times.)
“We are absolutely over the moon to bring three trophies back to Munster!” Team Rouge – The Salon said. “It’s a massive moment for our whole team and our clients who back us every single day.”
Connacht: Excellence in the West
The West was truly awake this year! The winners from Connacht demonstrated a perfect blend of high-end luxury and warm, welcoming hospitality. It was inspiring to see how these salons have built incredible reputations within their communities while maintaining a standard of hairdressing that is truly world-class.
A huge shout-out to Yourells Hair Group (Connacht)—proof that big talent and brilliant business doesn’t need a city postcode.
“We’ve felt the incredible support from our clients in the West,” Yourells Hair Group shared. “This win means so much because it reflects the community behind us—thank you for cheering us on (and for trusting us with your hair!).”
Ulster & Northern Ireland: A Powerhouse of Talent
The talent emerging from Ulster and Northern Ireland continues to dominate the industry. The precision cutting and editorial-style finishes we saw this year were breathtaking. These winners represent the very best of the northern hair scene, combining technical excellence with a forward-thinking approach to business.
And in the “goosebumps moment” category: congratulations to Aine Carty from MAINE Hair Artistry, crowned Stylist of the Year (Ulster).
“Winning at this level is a total game-changer for my career and my team,” Aine said. “It’s a real boost to keep pushing creatively—and it reminds us that the hard work behind the scenes really does get seen.”
Spotlight on the Big Wins
While every category is important, there are a few that always capture the imagination of the industry. These are the awards that highlight not just individual skill, but the overall health and success of a salon business.
Best Salon
Winning the “Best Salon” award is perhaps the ultimate team achievement. It’s not just about one person; it’s about the culture, the atmosphere, the customer service, and the consistent quality of work produced day in and day out. This year’s winners (which you can view in full here) represent the gold standard of what a modern hair salon should be.
Colourist of the Year
The “Colourist of the Year” category – sponsored by Revlon Professional is always a highlight. This award recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond to push the boundaries of their craft. The winners this year displayed an “outstanding” level of detail and colouring expertise from the initial consultation to the final finish. Being named a Colourist of the Year is a career-defining moment that opens doors to new opportunities, from education roles to editorial work.
People’s Choice: The Power of the Client
There is no award quite like the People’s Choice. This is the category where the clients have their say. It’s a reflection of the deep bond between a stylist and their community. Seeing the outpouring of support for this year’s People’s Choice winners was a heartwarming reminder of why we do what we do. It’s about making people feel confident and beautiful, and these winners clearly have a special place in the hearts of their clients.
Relive the Magic: The Full Photo Album
Words can only do so much to describe the glamour and excitement of the night. If you want to see the joy on the winners’ faces, the incredible fashion on display, and the “electrifying” atmosphere of the ceremony, you have to check out our official photo album.
We’ve uploaded hundreds of photos from the night, capturing everything from the red carpet arrivals to the emotional celebration.
View the Full 2026 Ireland & NI Winners Photo Album Here
(Warning: Looking through these photos may result in a sudden urge to book a hair appointment or start planning your entry for next year!)
Why Hair Awards in Ireland Matter for Your Business
You might be wondering, “Is entering an awards program really worth the effort?” The answer is a resounding yes. Beyond the trophy and the glittering night out, winning, or even being a finalist, provides tangible business benefits that can transform your salon’s future.
- Instant Credibility: Being able to call yourself an “Award-Winning Salon or Expert” is a powerful marketing tool. It builds trust with new clients and reinforces the loyalty of your existing ones.
- Team Morale: There is nothing like a win to bring a team together. It validates their hard work and gives everyone a shared sense of pride and achievement.
- Marketing Opportunities: Winning provides you with a year’s worth of content for your social media, website, and local press. It’s a reason for people to talk about you!
- Benchmarking: The entry process itself is a valuable exercise. It forces you to look at your business objectively, identify your strengths, and see where you can improve.
Whether you are a solo stylist or a large salon group, these awards are accessible to everyone. We pride ourselves on having a level playing field where talent is the only currency that matters.
A Pathway to Success: Your Turn is Coming
If you missed out this year, don’t worry, the journey is just beginning. Seeing the success of the 2026 winners should serve as inspiration. Many of our winners this year didn’t win on their first attempt. They used the feedback, refined their skills, and came back stronger.
We encourage every hair professional in Ireland and Northern Ireland to start thinking about their entry for the next cycle. (You can enter as many categories as you like!)
How to start your journey:
- Plan your entry: Look at your best work from the past year. Start documenting your transformations and business successes.
- Review the categories: Familiarise yourself with the categories to see where your salon shines brightest.
- Register your interest: Don’t miss a single update. You can register your interest here to be the first to know when entries open for 2027.
Final Thoughts
The Salon Awards Ireland & Northern Ireland 2026 was a landmark event. It showcased an industry that is thriving, creative, and deeply connected to its roots. To all the winners: congratulations! You have earned your place among the best hairdressers Ireland has ever seen. To the finalists: your work was exceptional, and you should be incredibly proud of reaching such a prestigious stage.
And to everyone else in the industry: we see you. We see the early mornings, the late nights, and the incredible passion you pour into your clients every day. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table next year.
Until then, keep creating, keep inspiring, and keep reaching for the stars. The next “Stylist of the Year” or “Best Salon” could very well be you!
For a full list of every winner from every category and region, please visit our official winners’ page:
https://www.thesalonawards.com/winners-ireland-northern-ireland-2026/
