WATCH Grace Culhane to represent Limerick at Irish Hairdressing Federation Awards

Grace Culhane to represent Limerick at Irish Hairdressing Federation Awards. Grace Culhane is pictured with Cyril Morgan of Cyril Hair Salon. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Young Limerick hairdresser, Grace Culhane, has been named a finalist in the 2025 Irish Hairdressing Federation Awards

Grace Culhane, a second-year National Hairdresser Apprentice, is competing for the coveted STAR Team Winner title after she was named as a finalist for the 2025 Irish Hairdressing Federation Awards.

Representing Limerick and Cyril Hair Salon, Grace told I Love Limerick, “ It’s a massive opportunity for me, definitely! A lot of education and a lot of opportunities to come with it,” adding that the honour brings with it “ lots of education with educational days and trips”.

The young hairdresser’s look was inspired by the Ballroom category, Grace said of her look, “ My look was inspired by ballroom culture, very drag, very big, bold, an unapologetic kind of look. It was quite out there. So I wanted to be loud. I just wanted it to kind of stand out for everyone.”

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The young stylist balances her formal apprenticeship training with practical experience, spending one day per week in class and the remaining days at Cyril salon. Grace said, “ I am part of the National Hairdresser apprenticeship. I’m undergoing training with that out in Raheen in Limerick.

“It’s a three-year course and I’m currently in my second year, almost finished. I have next year and I’ll have my certificates to say that I’ve been qualified and I’ve completed the full three years.

“I’m in Raheen one day a week, so every other day I’m in the salon. It’s a mixture of learning because you are on the job learning, and you have the opportunity to learn off-the-job too. I love it so much, and I love the mixture that you have, kind of the best of both worlds. You’re in and out, it’s a brilliant course. I would definitely recommend to anyone if they were looking into it, to definitely go down that route.”

Grace is currently working under the mentorship of veteran stylist, Cyril Morgan, who is marking 41 years in the profession and has celebrated a “100 Years of Greatness” event in 2024, marking his 60th birthday and 40th career anniversary. Cyril has managed salons in Dubai, taught cutting techniques worldwide, worked as a creative director on high-profile shoots, and been featured in prestigious industry publications.

“I am immensely proud,” Cyril said of Grace’s achievements so far, “ I think for me as an old veteran, it’s nice to have a legacy to leave on, and this is my legacy, Grace. To bring enthusiasm and to get them to whatever level they need to rise. I like to support, and I think my proudest and most sought-after achievement is that, and just seeing the next generation come up.”

Speaking about the importance of competition in the industry, Morgan told I Love Limerick, “ It’s like everything, I think. We do a lot of our own photo shoots. I think the reason I do that is we look into what’s coming up in fashion and maybe look down the line and say, this is the preempt and what’s gonna come. And I like that.”

“Competition keeps you sharp, when you get into competition, because your eyes are wide open to fashion and trends.”

Grace is looking forward to the upcoming awards and competition, which will be invaluable to her experience and growth in the profession, with Grace saying it is “a huge step for my career”.