Hitting a high note

Taking place at the RDS in Dublin on 9-10 March, Professional Beauty & Hair welcomed thousands of industry professionals over two inspirational days

Professional Beauty & Hair 2025, which returned to the RDS in Dublin in March, saw industry professionals from a range of sectors gather for two days of products, demos, education, competitions, inspiration and more – all under one roof.

This year’s event featured more brands than ever, as a high number of Irish and international companies showcased their latest products and innovations, and engaged with existing and new customers.

‘We had a very positive two days – we exhibited last year too, so this year was very much following on from that for us’

“We had a very positive two days – we exhibited last year too, so this year was very much following on from that for us,” said Philip Meehan, brand master educator, Revlon Professional. “It was great to meet and interact with so many visitors. We connected with new customers, and also reconnected with customers we had met before.”

“The show was great for our business – we connected with lots of visitors who were interested in our brands as they were looking to offer something different to their clients,” said Clodagh Duffy, owner of Aspiring Wellness Ireland, which distributes Bioline Jatò skincare, along with Evagarden make-up.

Stars of the stage

Hosted by Marie Nieuwoudt, the Hair & Barbering Stage saw well-known industry names create some inspirational looks over the two days. These included Revlon Professional’s UKI artistic ambassador Danilo Giangreco, and UKI creative artists Emy Roccabella and Mark Nesbitt, along with Matakki Scissors ambassador Phil Jarman, Augusto Miranda, Patrick Browne, Nirvana Margarini, Mark Sherwood, Tori Smyth, Debbie O’Keeffe, Wayne Lloyd, Sean Taaffe, Pier Luigi Ciffo, Paul Davey and Aileen Maher.

Meanwhile, the Beauty Stage featured names such as nail artist Kirsty Meakin, MUA Jessy Malone, Eden Beauty owner Susan Fox, Iguazu Beauty owner Louise O’Loughlin, and pharmacist and fabÜ Wellness founder Laura Dowling.

In addition, the Beauty Stage hosted the first Salon SOUL (Salon Owners United in Learning), a panel discussion that looked at solutions to the challenges facing the hair and beauty industry, led by Greg Clarke, co-owner of Amica Eco Hairdressing in Dublin. He was joined by Image Skillnet CEO Margaret O’Rourke Doherty, Zeba’s Paul Dromgoole, Ikon Hair’s Valerie Finnegan Cahill, Vanilla Hair Design owner Samantha Byrne and Rossanos owner Rossa Danagher.

“I had the honour of hosting Salon SOUL at this amazing show, which brought together salon owners and industry professionals over two days to educate, discover and network in a way that will help maintain and grow our amazing industry,” said Clarke. “Your network is your net worth, so if you weren’t at the show this year, make sure that you don’t miss it in 2026.”

Professional Beauty & Hair 2025 also featured the inaugural Salon Owners’ Networking Events, which saw Professional Beauty Group managing director Mark Moloney chair round-table discussions with salon owners and sole operators.

Participants contributed and asked questions, with everyone benefitting from one another’s knowledge. Among the attendees was Declan Doyle, owner of Dublin-based Declan Makeup.

“I found it very educational,” he said. “I learned a lot about how to grow you business, get more clients and stand out from the competition. There were lots of different business owners there, and everyone had something unique to say. I felt very inspired to do better in my own business.”

Other highlights at the show were the Make-up Competitions, sponsored by Andreia Professional, and the Nail Competitions – you can read all about the deserving winners on pages 38 and 39.

‘The show was great for our business – we connected with lots of visitors who were interested in our brands as they were looking to offer something different to their clients’

“We had a very comprehensive show that included a good representation of the different sectors, along with good-quality education on the stages, and two new Salon Owners’ Networking Events,” said Moloney.

“Exhibitor and visitor feedback has been very positive, so we have something strong to build on for 2026, especially now that Aesthetic Medicine will run alongside the show. Thanks to everyone for your support, it’s really appreciated.”

Professional Beauty & Hair 2026 will take place at the RDS in Dubin on 19-20 April. To register your interest and stay updated with news, visit professionalbeauty.ie.