Ireland Fashion Week 2026: 75 Stylists to Celebrate Natural Irish Hair
Ireland Fashion Week returns for its second year from 7 to 12 October 2026, and this time the spotlight is firmly on our own. L'Oréal Professionnel has assembled a team of 75 hairstylists and eight Creative Hair Directors to work backstage across the six-day event, which will showcase the work of more than 90 Irish designers.
This is not just a glossy industry affair. It is a statement about who we are. The creative leads come from salons up and down the country, from Dublin to Cork, and they are bringing a distinctly Irish sensibility to the runway. The message is clear: we are done hiding our natural texture, and we are ready to celebrate our heritage.
Who are the Creative Hair Directors leading the team?
The 2026 line-up reads like a who's who of Irish hairdressing. Paul Davey of Davey Dublin, Mike DeCanter of Zeba, James Coleman of Brown Sugar, Roy Leigh of 72 The Gallery, Norma-Jean O'Reilly of The Room, Bernadette Byrnes of Hair People, Pamela Morrissey of Sobe Brown in Cork, and Michael Corcoran of Peter Mark will each lead their own teams.
James Coleman of Brown Sugar, who will direct a team of ten, sees this as a homecoming of sorts.
“It's about coming back to our roots,” he reflects. “Lots of texture and really long, mermaid types of looks.”
That sentiment is echoed by Mike DeCanter of Zeba, who specialises in curly and coily hair. He predicts the week will be a celebration of natural texture.
“I think natural hair is going to be huge,” he says. “Whether it's wavy, straight or curly. People want to wear and embrace their natural hair.”
How are the stylists preparing for the runway?
Preparation began in earnest on 14 September with a dedicated stylist bootcamp at DZEROSIX Studio in Dublin. Hosted by L'Oréal Professionnel, the day brought together experienced backstage professionals and salon stylists stepping into fashion week for the first time.
The sessions focused on the practical realities of working backstage: creating consistent looks at speed, collaborating with designers, and navigating the teamwork and pressure of a live fashion environment. It is demanding work, with call times starting as early as 5am and teams travelling from across the country.
What can we expect from the designers and the looks?
With more than 90 designers showing their collections, variety is guaranteed. But according to Bernadette (Bee) Byrnes of Hair People, each designer brings their own approach to the collaboration. Some provide detailed direction, while others trust the stylists to interpret the vision.
One yet-to-be-named designer has already sent over a mood board filled with ideas and reference points.
“That really helps you to get a bit of inspiration,” Bee explains. “They're her clothes, and it's really important that we are complementing it and not creating a whole different look.”
Why is this year's fashion week different?
This is not just about aesthetics. It is about pride in Irish craft, Irish creativity, and Irish identity. For the stylists stepping into fashion week for the first time, Bee has simple advice.
“Have fun, enjoy it and embrace it,” she insists. “But to be a part of something like this, in Ireland, watching these designers, this is something to take seriously. Have all the fun and be proud and realise that this is a big deal.”
And it is a big deal. In a world that often looks outward for validation, Ireland Fashion Week 2026 is a reminder that we have the talent, the vision, and the texture to stand on our own two feet. The runway is ours, and we are ready.
Frequently asked questions about Ireland Fashion Week 2026
When does Ireland Fashion Week 2026 take place?
Ireland Fashion Week 2026 runs from 7 to 12 October 2026, featuring more than 90 designers and a team of 75 hairstylists.
Who are the Creative Hair Directors for the event?
The eight Creative Hair Directors are Paul Davey, Mike DeCanter, James Coleman, Roy Leigh, Norma-Jean O'Reilly, Bernadette Byrnes, Pamela Morrissey, and Michael Corcoran, representing salons across Ireland.
What hair trends are expected at the event?
Industry leaders predict a strong focus on natural texture, including wavy, curly, and coily hair, alongside long, mermaid-inspired looks that celebrate Irish heritage.