CH Ireland March/April 2019

your clients an exceptional, complete service. But it feels
like hairdressing could be losing that. When black market
hairdressers just want to work for three days a week, and they
don’t do colour or curly blow-drys because it’s too much effort,
then they are prioritising themselves. But we are in a service
industry, where the client is supposed to come first.”
Dylan’s dedication to service, which he honed during the
years he worked in New York, has always been key to his
business philosophy, and continues to set his salon apart.
“We have stripped the business apart, and ensured we
focus on service, experience and education. Thanks to this
approach, I’m celebrating 20 years in business next year!”
And he also takes pride in supporting the next generation
of hairdressers, many of whom train at his Dylan Bradshaw
Academy. “I have no interest in new branches of salons – we
have our academy. With good education everything is going
to be bigger and brighter in hairdressing. The young people
coming through are talented and hungry.”
In the coming years, Dylan predicts that there will be a
shift in interest back from colour to cut. “Colour is currently
the focus, but I would like to see the return of the cut in the
future. I think there will be an emphasis in education on
cuts that grow out beautifully, and how we can craft that.”
And Dylan is determined to play a part in shaping the
future – which is why he is developing a new partnership
with An Cosán, a Dublin charity. “An Cosán aims to empower
women through education – they do that by providing
people of all ages with pathways to learning, leadership and
enterprise. We will be offering a scholarship to the Dylan
Bradshaw Academy to help people get back to work.”
“It is important for me and Charlotte to give something
back,” he continues. “We want to train them up then let
them go back to their community and share what they have
learned. We have a skill that we can give to someone, and
they can use it to get themselves a job, earning money.”
It’s this combination of spirit and skill that means Dylan
will be the first Irishman to be crowned a Most Wanted
Legend at the Most Wanted and It List Awards in 2019,
having picked up the Exceptional Stylist trophy three times.
“It’s great to pick up any award in front of your mentors, but
this one is such a fantastic ceremony – you get people from
session, colourists, so many strong people. I’m excited to
bring some of the team along too and show them what can
be achieved,” Dylan says. As always, he’s looking forward.
CREATIVE HEAD IRELAND
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