Tag Archives: Sean Taaffe

Business/Property

Sean Taaffe Appointed Judge For World Hair Championships

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Sean Taaffe

A KERRYMAN has been selected as a judge at the OMC World Hair Championships in Paris this year.

Sean Taaffe, who has salons in Tralee, Killarney and Killorglin, has been successful himself in the competition in the past.

“It’s a huge shock and honour to be asked to judge at the world championships and I’m delighted to represent Ireland and the industry in this role,” he said.

The event is going to take place at the Porte de Versailles in Paris between the September 8-10.

OMC is the largest professional hairstylists’ organization in the world and is responsible for hosting the competition for those who thrive both in their careers and in the competitive hairdressing realm.

With over 50 member countries and over 2,000,000 individual members worldwide, this is a competition that lures an average of 1,000 of the most competitive participants in the industry on a global scale.

Beauty&Fashion, Business/Property, Lifestyle

Kerry Hairdresser To Compete In L’Oréal Awards Grand Final

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Sean Taaffe.

A KERRY hairdresser, who has a salon in Tralee, will find out if he is ‘worth it’ early next month when he competes in the grand final of the 51st L’Oréal Colour Trophy Awards, which will take place at O’Reilly Hall, UCD, Dublin on Monday, July 3.

No stranger to awards, Sean — who has salons in Tralee, Killorglin and Killarney — was the only Kerry hairdresser to win at the semi-finals in April of this year.

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The L’Oréal Colour Trophy is the world’s longest running live hairdressing competition, which honors the best in hairdressing talent across the country. It celebrates the biggest icons in the industry and showcases all that is loved about hair colour, trends and fashion.

Sean will join hairdressers from salons across the country vying for the highly coveted L’Oréal Colour Trophy. He will also need to create a totally different look from the semi-finals including models hair colour and styling.

Speaking about the prestigious awards, Sean Taaffe said;”I am overwhelmed with excitement for the grand finals. It is an absolute privilege to be selected and to be given the opportunity display my craft and be judged by the best in the business. I am looking forward to seeing all the fantastic talent on the day also. There is a tremendous support network amongst the hairdressing community, we all want to see each other do well”.

The awards provide stylists and salons with an opportunity to compete globally as the overall winner will present their model and winning look at the International L’Oréal Professional Business Forum in Seville from 2nd-4th October.

Sean continued; “To make it all the way to Seville would be a dream come true and it would be a penultimate moment in my career.”

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle, News

Sean Taaffe Group Wins National Salon Of The Year Award

 

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Sean Taaffe with the award with host Lorraine Keane (left) and General Manager of the Sean Taaffe Group Kara O’Shea.

THE Sean Taaffe Group won the top award, the National Salon of the Year, at the prestigious Schwarzkopf Irish Hairdressing Business Awards in the RDS, Dublin, yesterday.

Sean Taaffe and Kara O’Shea (General Manager) accepted the award from the host for the event, TV personality, Lorraine Keane.

The National Salon of the Year is selected by judges from the winners of each of the regional titles from Munster, Connacht, Ulster, Leinster and Dublin City and County.

The Sean Taaffe Group also won the Customer Care Award and the Munster Salon of the Year at the Schwarzkopf Irish Hairdressing Business Awards.

The Sean Taaffe Hair & Beauty Group was established as a one man operation in Killorglin in 1989 and today has salons in Killorglin, Killarney and in the heart of Tralee town in Castle Street.

The Sean Taaffe Group employs over 50 people in its five businesses throughout Kerry.

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle

Sean Taaffe: Going Blonde? You’ll Need This Advice…

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Sean Taaffe AppOur hair expert columnist, Sean Taaffe of the Sean Taaffe Hair Group, answers some common questions on hair care…

Question: I’ve really dark hair and want to go blonde . I’ve been advised that it’s a big procedure. Any advice before I do it?

Sean Says: Yes, plenty! First have a consultation to ensure its possible, both from a chemical, condition and suitability point of view.

One thing I would advise is to try on a blonde wig, just for fun, but it will give you an idea of what blonde will suit your skin tone. If the wig is long and your hair is short (you don’t say) it will feel strange but just tie the wig in a ponytail to get a better idea .

If all is good and you do go for it, remember that the key to amazing looking blonde hair is condition.

All too often, people’s hair is so over processed it’s more like cotton wool than hair and healthy shiny  hair is always gonna win out looks-wise, regardless of colour .

I’ve a very simple philosophy. If you’re spending money on colouring your hair, it needs to look better than it would if you left it alone. Makes sense of course but often not followed.

• Sean Taaffe Hair And Beauty Is Located On Castle Street, Tralee, Langford Street, Killorglin and Unit 10, The Courtyard, Lewis Road, Killarney

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle

Sean Taaffe: When You Don’t Want Products Pushed On You

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Sean Taaffe AppOur hair expert columnist, Sean Taaffe of the Sean Taaffe Hair Group answers some common questions on hair care…

Question: Every time I go to the salon I’m sick of being told what products I need. I feel like they are being pushed on me what should I do?

Sean Says: This is obviously turning what should be a pleasurable experience into, at best, a drag, at worst a nightmare.

The first thing to understand is that it’s a hairdressers job to recommend the right products as they want to your hair to look at its best at all times.

However, this should never turn into a hard sell because frankly hairdressers core business is doing hair retail is more of a compliment to that service than a huge revenue earner.

I’d suggest two things firstly be open about your feelings.  Tell either the stylist or the receptionist that this gets on your nerves and you would prefer not to be advised on the products, this can be put on your file so there is no misunderstanding.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to be as direct as this, just say when they write down what products they recommend, thanks but I won’t get anything today. Your stylist won’t mind in the slightest.

What you have to bear in mind, from a stylist point of view, it’s a little like going to A&E with a sprain: the doctor straps it up but doesn’t give you a prescription for Anti inflammatories, it’s up to you whether you decide to fill the prescription, but ultimately they will probably aid your recovery and if you’re not given the prescription he’s failing in his duty.

From a hair stylists point of view it’s the same thing.

Hope this puts things into perspective and remember – nobody minds when you say no!

•  Sean Taaffe Hair And Beauty Is Located On Castle Street, Tralee, Langford Street, Killorglin and Unit 10, The Courtyard, Lewis Road, Killarney

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle

Sean Taaffe: Broken Hairs At The Roots?

 

Sean Taaffe AppOur hair expert columnist, Sean Taaffe of the Sean Taaffe Hair Group answers some common questions on hair care…

Question: I have long hair but whenever I straighten it, I’ve loads of little broken hairs at the roots and along the outside of my hair. Help?

Sean Says: This is quite common. Essentially what is happening is that the hair is snapping for whatever reason, the first couple of things I tell my clients are;

1. Check all brushes combs etc for any broken teeth or bristles. This is probably the No.1 cause the broken teeth snag the hair and break it.

2. It is not quite so easy to change as it requires a little time. When hair is wet it is far more delicate than when it is dry, but most people wash their hair and drag the brush or comb etc through the hair with no regard at all the quicker the better.

This is fundamentally bad. Best practise is to com any tangles out before you shampoo and them after washing gently comb your hair out without stressing it too much .

Finally a protein based shampoo and conditioner or restructuring shampoo will help build the hair from the inside out.

•  Sean Taaffe Hair And Beauty Is Located On Castle Street, Tralee, Langford Street, Killorglin and Unit 10, The Courtyard, Lewis Road, Killarney

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle

Sean Taaffe: To Cut Or Not To Cut

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Sean Taaffe AppOur hair expert columnist, Sean Taaffe of the Sean Taaffe Hair Group answers some common questions on hair care…

Question: I’ve long hair and have had it really long for years. I’m not very tall and someone has said it’ll suit me better shorter. What do you think ?

Sean Says: Firstly I’m only going on the info given to me. When I’m looking at a client there needs to be a lot of things considered. Will shorter suit your faceshape ? The maintenance will be different from what you are used to. Will it suit your lifestyle?

In principal a slightly shorter style will probably make you look taller, that may or may not be what you’re hoping for.

A good guide is to tie or pin your hair up and see how it looks making sure you don’t scrape it off your face too tight as this won’t give an accurate idea. If in doubt, book a consultation with a hairdresser you trust and go in for a no-commitment chat.

The fact that you are not cutting it on the day, removes the fear factor and enables you to be objective without the worry of having your hair cut off!

•  Sean Taaffe Hair And Beauty Is Located On Castle Street, Tralee, Langford Street, Killorglin and Unit 10, The Courtyard, Lewis Road, Killarney

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle

Sean Taaffe: Thinking Of A Change In Hairstyle?

 

Sean Taaffe AppOur hair expert columnist, Sean Taaffe of the Sean Taaffe Hair Group answers some common questions on hair care…

Question: I’ve had the same hairstyle for as long as I can remember and am thinking of a change. Help?

Sean Says: Any change of style needs an investment of time.

Firstly, on your behalf to look at the type of hairstyles that you’re drawn to. Do this over a few weeks or a month as, if you do it all in one day, you could find in a week’s time what you picked you don’t like anymore.

For anything you like, either cut it out of a magazine or save on your phone etc. Once you have a good selection and don’t worry if there’s a lot of varying and contrasting pictures the next step is to find a good hairdresser, the best way is to ask people whose hair you like where do they get their hair done.

Most people, even strangers, are very happy if someone comes up to them and admires their hair and asks them where they got it done. Once you have this information, book your appointment bearing in mind that you may have to wait for an appointment as better hairdressers tend to be busy and booked for a while.

Explain to the receptionist when booking that you are going for a restyle and need time to discuss it with the stylist. All salons will offer a consultation however you may need extra time to discuss.

On the day of your appointment, go along with an open mind show all the pictures that you have and be prepared to listen also as the stylist will also have opinions based on your hair type, lifestyle, maintenance requirements, face shape etc.

Once you’ve decided mutually what you’re gonna do, ask the stylist for styling tips. They will be happy to advise you how best to blow dry your new look and what products will suit best.

Finally good luck!

•  Sean Taaffe Hair And Beauty Is Located On Castle Street, Tralee, Langford Street, Killorglin and Unit 10, The Courtyard, Lewis Road, Killarney

Beauty&Fashion

Sean Taaffe: Are Hair Straighteners Damaging To Your Hair?

 

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Sean Taaffe AppOur hair expert columnist, Sean Taaffe of the Sean Taaffe Hair Group answers some common questions on hair care…

Question: I’m thinking of buying my 14 year old daughter a hair straightener for Christmas. I know they damage hair so what advice can you give?

Sean Says: You’re right that any heat appliance if overused can damage the hair.

However the likelihood of keeping your daughter away from one realistically is fairly slim!

My suggestion is to have a discussion about it first agree some ground rules, for example to only use it at the weekends perhaps or a twice weekly limit.

Secondly and vitally important is to use a heat protector, these come in the forms of sprays or creams that are applied to the hair before the appliance is used.

Anyone using a heat appliance of any kind should use a protector as it acts in the same way to protect the hair as a sheet would if you were ironing a delicate item of clothing.

Finally invest in a good brand that also has a safety cut off. Every year lots of accidents happen if appliances are not turned off, the more reputable brands have a 15 minutes cut off, meaning if the plates are not closed – i.e. used – the unit turns itself off.

Thus provides peace of mind, also I’d suggest a heat resistant is a great idea as a stocking filler and prevents the uncut from damaging any furniture, it also allows the unit to cool down safely.

•  Sean Taaffe Hair And Beauty Is Located On Castle Street, Tralee, Langford Street, Killorglin and Unit 10, The Courtyard, Lewis Road, Killarney

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle

Sean Taaffe: Our Award-Winning New Columnist Gives Advice On Hair Matters

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Sean Taaffe AppSean Taaffe of Sean Taaffe Hair And Beauty answers questions on all things hair-related in his new column for TraleeToday.ie…

Q. I’ve long dyed blond hair and have had it this way for years. My hairdresser has recently refused to colour it and advised me not to use straightens or wands on it. Are they overreacting?

Sean Says: Firstly it’s doubtful that they are over reacting.

Hairdressing is a business like any other and refusing to colour someone’s hair means less revenue to the hairdresser.

However, as professionals, hairdressers have an obligation to prioritise the health of your hair over money in the till and I think this is the right thing.

If your hair is heavily highlighted or bleached or long or fine, it’s likely that the hair is over processed which means that if it’s coloured there may be a risk of further damage or breakage (where strands actually snap).

This is probably also the reason you’ve been advised to stay away from heat products as the excessive heat can actually snap the hair in a similar way that if you fare ironing a delicate item of clothing and the iron is too hot you end up with a hole in the garment.

The same with your hair only the ‘hole’ is your hair actually snapped!

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My Advice?  Do a course of intensive treatments specifically designed to strengthen your hair. I recommend joico kpak 4 step as an emergency treatment or another reconstructing treatment, a normal conditioning treatment will not suffice as this only softens the hair and gives shine you need to build up the internal structure of the hair (cement it if you will).

Do this for a number of weeks, reduce your colouring. For example do partial colour eg. parting area only and get your hairdresser to reassess after a short period.

Possibly consider taking some off if the ends are in very bad condition.

Sean Taaffe Hair And Beauty Is Located On Castle Street, Tralee, Langford Street, Killorglin and Unit 10, The Courtyard, Lewis Road, Killarney

Beauty&Fashion, Lifestyle

Sandra’s In Style At Top Hairdressing Awards

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Sandra O Sullivan, with her second place 'ALFAPARF Junior Category' award at the 'ALFAPARF Hairdressing Awards' on in the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Dublin last week.
Sandra O Sullivan, with her second place ‘ALFAPARF Junior Category’ award at the ‘ALFAPARF Hairdressing Awards’ on in the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Dublin last week.

SANDRA O’SULLIVAN, a hairdresser with the Sean Taaffe Hair & Beauty Group who have an outlet in Tralee, came second in top annual hairdressing awards.

Sandra, came second in the ‘ALFAPARF Junior Category  Hairdresser Awards’ at a ceremony at the Double Tree Hilton Hotel in Dublin last week.

“As a Group we decided to only enter one category this year, so it was particularly rewarding to win second place,” said Sean Taaffe.

Sandra, from Milltown. works in Sean Taffe’s Killarney Salon and joined the hair and beauty group over 16 months ago. This was the first hairdressing competition she ever entered, so it was extra special for her to be recognised.

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The judges were impressed with both her technical knowledge and expertise in the highly competitive ‘Colour, Cut & Blow Dry Category’. Sandra was the only entrant from the Sean Taaffe Group into the hairdressing categories in the competition this year.

The Sean Taaffe Group employs over 50 people in its five businesses throughout Kerry including a salon on Castle Street.

Previously the Sean Taaffe Group have won numerous awards including the overall award of ‘ALFAPARF Fantastic Salon of the Year 2012’, 1st place in ‘Fantasy 2012’ (by Marta Plechowska) and Sean Taaffe won the highest individual category, the ‘ALFAPARF Fantastic Hairdresser of the Year in 2013’.