Nestled in the village of Clogheen you’ll notice eye-catching hair walking out of one particular door. V Hair Design has created a name for itself by designing customised colored hair using alfaparf hair colour. To stay current, their colorists are regularly attending advanced colour classes to expand their knowledge in modern hair colouring techniques and technology. V Hair Designs haircuts show patience, precision, and personality to give each individual guest a haircut of their own. The hair product lines they carry allow them to have multiple styling options. Ciara’s dedication to continuing education rolls over into hair cutting too! They are constantly keeping up with the latest trends & texturizing techniques, making our work easily distinguishable from the rest.
Here we spoke to Ciara Beary the owner about a Day in her career in her salon.
Tell us about a typical day at the “office”?
A typical day in V Hair Design is extremely busy. We open at 9.30 and it is straight to business. Hair hair hair, eating, lunching, chatting on the go. Ordering stock. Meeting new customers for consultations. Some days there aren’t enough hours but I enjoy every bit of it as the day zooms by.
What is your current role like?
Very busy, thankfully sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day. Running a salon has its challenges, but ultimately also can be so very rewarding.
What about it makes you want to get up in the morning?
Making people feel amazing is exactly why I love my job. I’m very proud of my little salon and how far we have come in the past few years. We are a multi-award-winning salon and people travel from all over Munster to have their hair done here.
What is the best career decision you ever made?
Opening the salon was one of the best decisions in my career to date. Upskilling constantly alongside doing my colour masters was definitely up there too. Hairdressing was always my passion from a young age and from the day I started I’d always known that I’d have a successful salon someday. Seeing the incredible styles and colours that leave the salon every day just makes me so happy.
How has the industry changed since you started?
This industry changes very fast. Colour has become so popular now, I am not talking just blondes or brunettes but pastels and vibrant bright jewels shades. Compared to years ago when perms were all the rage. I think people are so busy now they want low-maintenance hair, something that they don’t need to be topped up every 4 weeks… Overall trends have changed too, people are more influenced by what they see online and it is my job as a hairdresser to manage their expectations.
What has been your biggest success factor?
Opening the door of my salon with absolute love and passion for my craft. I thought I’d trade for a year and see how it went. Well, the story turned out a little different than I anticipated, here I am nearly 13 years later married, with three kids and multiple awards under my belt. I couldn’t have ever imagined how successful and popular the salon has become. That is down to my passion and pride in my work, which translated into awards and helped build the reputation of the salon.
Do you feel like you’re making a difference in your job?
Every day I feel like I’m making a difference from the feel-good factor of doing someone’s hair or the nice energy exchange you get by just having the chats. Sometimes they are like mini therapy sessions. You build a bond with your clients. All it takes is a smile, a friendly word and a good blowdry and a customer can feel on top of the world.
What is the best bit of advice you have for someone looking to move into this area?
Don’t rush it. Take your time, all good things come to those who wait.
Where do you see the industry going in the future?
People are becoming braver when it comes to their hair. So colour will always play a big part in the future. But as people seem to be getting busier I do think low maintenance hair colours and cuts will play a big role in the future. Extensions are becoming more accessible now too and we are seeing women of all ages getting them. The future of hair is ageless, there is no time to just chop it all off. People are also embracing the grey which is awesome, Even what you see as a natural grey will often be toned or highlighted.
What professional associations are you a member of?
IHF
Is there a quote that motivates you?
My favourite quote is: ” You get out of life what you put into it”. I live by this, I give, I receive it really is that simple.