Meet the 2025 Icon Award Recipients
Reserved only for those who have significantly contributed to the betterment of the hairdressing industry.
Niall Colgan
Niall Colgan Hairdressing
Starting his career in 1986 under the mentorship of Hugh Campbell, Niall spent 19 years within the group before moving into a leadership role at Bellissimo, where he was guided by business mentors Darragh Curtain and Mike O’Connor, before opening his own salon in 2009.
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Now leading a team of 19, Niall has built a business known for its creativity, authenticity, and consistency. Since beginning his sobriety journey in 2013, he has brought an even deeper sense of purpose to his work and leadership, qualities that have shaped both his salon and the people around him.
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Over the years, he has earned multiple Salon of the Year titles, a Wella TrendVision Image Award, and recognition as a Wella Ambassador and Irish Ambassador for Leaf Sissors. He remains a valued contributor to the industry, with no signs of slowing down.
Susan Byrne
House of Colour
Susan Byrne, Director of the award-winning House of Colour hair group, has been a leading figure in Irish hairdressing for over 50 years. Inducted into the Schwarzkopf Business Awards Hall of Fame for winning the Training Award three years in a row, she is also a grand final judge for both the L’Oréal Colour Trophy and Wella Trend Vision Awards.
Through the House of Colour Academy, Susan has helped hundreds of students graduate over 28 years, continuing to teach and inspire with the same passion today. Author of the House of Colour training manual, she remains dedicated to education, creativity, and nurturing the next generation of hair professionals.
