WATCH Bellissimo Academy celebrates 20 years of learning

Bellissimo Limerick are celebrating 25 years in business and the Bellissimo Academy has reached the incredible milestone of 20 years in Limerick. Picture: Richard Lynch/ilovelimerick

Bellissimo Academy is celebrating 20 years of learning in Limerick as a cornerstone of the city’s hairdressing industry

Since opening its doors in 1999, the salon has continually evolved to become the city’s largest hair salon and a hub for aspiring stylists through its Bellissimo Academy which opened its doors in 2004.

Starting modestly as a two-floor establishment with a coffee house and beauty salon upstairs and a hair salon below, Bellissimo expanded in 2004 by acquiring an adjoining property. This paved the way for the much-loved Bellissimo Academy, a training school which has seen hundreds of aspiring hairdressers begin their careers.

Erika Salmon told I Love Limerick the academy has served as a ” starting point” for people looking to kick-start their hairdressing career, she said, “Bellissimo Academy is a training school where we are providing skills and knowledge towards a career pathway in hairdressing.”

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The City and Guilds Level 2 Diploma is recognised internationally and sets the foundation for a rewarding career in the industry.

Erika said, “We’re just really proud to have played a little part in their journey, and that’s what I love the most about it. Just being a part of their starting journey is my favourite.”

The Academy welcomes new students every September for its year-long programme where budding hairdressers, like current student Abby, benefit from hands-on experience working with live models.

Abby, two months into her course, said she loves being in the salon, noting Fridays in particular where the group have work experience days, she said, “We’ve learned blow dries and colours and we started highlights last week as well.

Bellissimo’s evolution extends far beyond training, once primarily a hair salon, it now offers a full spectrum of beauty services, including nails, facials, laser treatments, microdermabrasion, waxing, and massages. The nail studio alone accommodates up to 15 clients at once, reflecting the salon’s commitment to enhancing its offerings.

Long-time customers like Laura, a loyal patron of 15 years, spoke highly of the quality at Bellissimo and the salon’s welcoming environment, she said, “I just like it here, just give the youth a chance. They’re training, give them a chance and there’s always supervisors here.”

She explained she goes to the academy for “Everything” saying she gives the trainees full control, “Cut, coloured, blow dried, curly, straight, whatever they want to do.”

As it celebrates 25 years, Bellissimo has cemented itself as one of the city’s favourite hair salons, and with 20 years of the Bellissimo Academy, the salon’s learners have also made their mark on Limerick City’s style.