An expert at work …
At the IFTAs 2026, hair stylist and salon owner Dylan Bradshaw was busy running between rooms to get attendees red carpet ready. These included Louisa Harland, Clare Dunne, Siobhán Cullen, Carrie Crowley, Lola Pettigrew and Anthony Boyle. He’s well used to the fast pace and time constraints; he worked with Kerry Condon on her glamorous, polished look in 2023, the year she collected her Best Actress IFTA for The Banshees of Inisherin. Bradshaw works regularly with Condon, who gets her colour done in London but calls on Bradshaw for cuts.
He works with rising star Anthony Boyle, star of House of Guinness regularly. And at this year’s awards, Bradshaw also styled actors such as Genevieve O’Reilly and Julia Garner. “It’s great to be able to support the industry and give back – I love being part of it,” says Bradshaw.
Tools of the trade
When speed is of the essence, great tools are vital. Bradshaw uses the L’Oreal Tecni.Art range – “it’s perfect for a wide variety of looks, whether sleek or volumised.” Star item is the Tecni.Art Pli, which Bradshaw describes as a product that has stood the test of time. Indeed, every hair expert I’ve ever spoken to cites this as a core styling product. “Whether you want to smooth the hair down, bulk it up or create a finger wave, this is still the go-to.”
Tools he carried from room to room? The Dyson Corrale is still a favourite, as it doesn’t need to be plugged in, once charged. Plus curling tongs – he uses Babyliss.
As for spring hairstyles, Bradshaw says we’re seeing “purposeful curls – we’re working with natural curls and there’s a lot more texture in styles. Otherwise hair this season is smooth and sleek, with shape round the face, and ballerina-style ponytails and buns.”
Salon Style
At the salon on South William Street, there’s lots to enjoy beyond a fabulous cut and colour: we love the coffee shop at the front of the salon. Ku.fee is open to everyone, not just clients, and the window is a great people-watching spot, while you sip your Badger & Dodo coffee. There’s also a sleek lifestyle store, stocking everything from coffee cups and board games to silk hair scrunchies.
Upstairs, a refit includes a private room that’s ideal for visiting celebs, as well as hijab wearers, who prefer privacy; it’s also suitable for those undergoing cancer treatment, for wig fittings and so on. There’s also a mani/pedi area.
What to book in for …
Scalp treatments using organic range Oway (from €40) are especially popular now. The key to scalp care, says Bradshaw, is to look after your scalp at home, too. “We need to change our mentality on this. Massaging the scalp activates the hair follicles – which often lie dormant, especially later in life. Massage brings the blood to the surface, even if you do it yourself at home. As with a facial, there’s no point getting a treatment in salon and then not cleaning or moisturising your face the rest of the time – it’s key to care for your scalp at home on a regular basis.”
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