NEWS

Industry body Habic announces closure after five years

The Hair and Beauty Industry Confederation (Habic) has announced it is to close after five years.

Habic was founded in 2019 to support and enhance the development of the Irish hair and beauty industry. The organisation said that the decision to shut down was difficult, but that it was necessary as it looks towards the future. Feedback from its members emphasised a need for distinct voices for the hair and beauty sectors.

Habic said that the Irish Spa Association will now welcome members from the beauty sector, as it expands its focus to fully represent and support beauty and spa businesses. Moving forward, it will be recognised as the Irish Spa & Beauty Association.

Habic members from the hairdressing industry are being encouraged to actively support the Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF).

According to Habic CEO Margaret O’Rourke Doherty, the closure will not affect the ongoing work and support provided by Image Skillnet, which she also heads up.

“We look forward to continuing to support the industry through Image Skillnet and by supporting both organisations, ensuring continuous educational support for beauty, spa and hair professionals nationwide,” she said.

VTCT unveils new brand identity

VTCT has announced that it has rebranded to VTCT Skills, which it says is a unified brand that reflects its heritage and vision for the future.

VTCT is an awarding and end-of-point assessment organisation for the personal services and wellbeing sector, including hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy. Its new identity brings VTCT, Skillsfirst and Skills for Logistics under one banner.

As part of the rebrand, VTCT Skills has a new colour palette and design, and a new website with enhanced navigation and search.

“Skills are the foundation that both learners and industries rely on, no matter how much the world changes,” said Alan Woods OBE, chief executive, VTCT Skills. “This rebrand isn’t just about a new name, it’s reinforcing our commitment to equipping learners with the skills that endure, bringing real value to the industries they shape.”

VTCT Skills chief commercial officer Collette Lux added: “We’re building on the strengths that have always defined us, while renewing our dedication to making a positive impact together. As we move forward, we invite you to be part of our journey with VTCT Skills.”

IHF names its Star Team 2025 members

The Irish Hairdressers Federation (IHF) has announced its Star Team 2025 line-up.

Star Team is an annual IHF initiative, which sees the industry body look for passionate and motivated individuals, who believe they will make an impact on the future of the hairdressing industry in Ireland.

Open to trainee stylists, candidates initially fill in an online application form in which they explain their future ambitions. They then participate in a virtual interview.

Those who make a lasting impression on the judges are invited to the Star Team Semi Finals to showcase a colour and cut model before the finalists are chosen.

The Star Team 2025 members are Emma Killeen, Allure Hair & Beauty, Co Mayo; Jade Hennessy, Albert’s Hair Design, Co Wexford; Ellie Purdy, Brown Sugar, Dublin; Danielle O’Sullivan, Vanilla Hair Design, Co Carlow; and Caitlin Smith, Hair Creations, Dublin.