Hair Mason | Pocketmags.com
Professional Beauty
Professional Beauty


3 mins

Hair Mason

With over 25 years’ experience in the Irish hairdressing industry, Sarah Mason has won numerous awards, including the Irish Hairdressers Federation’s Icon Award in 2016. That same year she opened Sarah Mason Professional in Galway, and in 2019 she won her first business award for Emerging New Business with Network Ireland

What’s your earliest memory? 

I remember sneaking out of school at the age of four and going around to my granny’s house to brush my aunt’s hair. She had long, golden blond hair, and I used to brush it for hours. When my parents found me, they weren’t even cross because all they saw was my future prospects in the palms of my hands.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration? 

Darren Ambrose has inspired me for years – he is such a visionary, and I am always fascinated with his collections, and the stories he creates. I’m inspired by different artists and designers, and life in general; sometimes you just need to stop and look around to find inspiration.

What was your first job? 

At the age of six I was braiding hair for my local ballet school, where I also danced, and parents would ask me to do their kids’ hair for communions for five Irish pounds. But my first real job was when I began my training in a salon when I was 15. I was willing to work any number of hours as long as I knew I was going to be a hairdresser.

Best thing about lockdown? 

It has taught me a lot about my business. I had to stop everything and ground myself. I really wanted to create a presence in my industry, so lockdown gave me time to step away from the chair to re-evaluate everything.

Worst thing about lockdown? 

The worst thing has been the uncertainty. I live in the country, and country life is wonderful, but there were times that I would have loved less silence. The only time I like being silent is when I am engrossed in one of my client’s hair. I didn’t mind that I could not do hair, but I missed people and human interaction.

Ideal holiday destination? 

Somewhere sunny, such as Italy or the South of France. I love quiet little villages, where I can chill out with my kids and have 100% quality family time, with nice food and a little wine.

Favourite drink?

I’m a bubbles girl! I love Champagne and prosecco, along with wine and a little gin and tonic.

'Darren Ambrose has inspired me for years – he is such a visionary, and I am always fascinated with his collections, and the stories he creates’

How do you relax? 

I enjoy a spa day; it my quickest way to relax as I switch off immediately. It’s where I go to think about absolutely nothing until a hot stone is put on my back.

Dream dinner party guest/guests (alive or dead)? 

Madonna would be at the top of my table, and I would have to invite my wonderful friend the Karbon Kyd’s Jayson Gray to sit beside her, along with Alexander McQueen. I’d also invite Darren Ambrose and his wife Jackie, for her incredible sense of style, and Robert Eaton, Daniel Couch, Charlie Taylor, and all the incredible friends I have within the Wella family.

Best piece of advice you've ever received? 

Always follow your gut instinct – it alerts your body and creates a feeling inside that will direct you to what is right and wrong. My mother is incredible when it comes to telling me just what I need to hear.

Best piece of advice you've ever given?

No matter how difficult or how hard things are, when you put your mind to it, and put the graft in, you will succeed. Never look back; just look forward and visualise your goals, and if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything.

Favourite thing about yourself? 

My hair. I am blessed with a lion’s mane, and I love it. It’s always shiny and it’s the part of my body I respect the most.

What, if anything, would you now tell your 16-year-old self?

Don’t wait until you are too old to step outside your comfort zone; do it now. Apply for as many opportunities as you can, see the world, and have no regrets.

How would you like to be remembered?

I would liked to be remembered as someone who was vibrant enough to make a difference in our industry on a global level, who enjoyed sharing my vision and craft with the young people coming up through the industry, and who tried to be the best I could ever be.  

This article appears in the January/February 2021 Issue of Professional Beauty & HJ Ireland

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This article appears in the January/February 2021 Issue of Professional Beauty & HJ Ireland