National and International Multi Award Winning Hairdressing Icon

Sarah Mason 

@sarahmasoncreative

 

An Award-Winning Career & Industry Legacy

With over 35 years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Sarah Mason is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading award-winning hair artists, celebrated for her creative vision, technical expertise and unwavering passion for her craft.

A true visionary, Sarah has built an illustrious career defined by artistic excellence, innovation and a relentless drive to push creative boundaries. Her reputation extends beyond the salon, with an impressive presence on the national and international competition stage, where her talent and dedication have earned her some of the industry’s most prestigious accolades.

Sarah’s achievements include being crowned Irish Hairdresser of the Year twice, in 2008 and 2015. In 2012, she was named Wella Professionals Irish Trend Vision Gold Winner, followed by the prestigious AHS Visionary Award for Colour in 2015.

In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the profession, Sarah was nominated by her industry peers in 2016 and inducted into the Irish Hairdressing Hall of Fame, earning her place among the icons of her industry.

For Sarah, these accolades represent more than personal achievement. They reflect a lifelong commitment to creativity, education, mentorship and the continued evolution of professional hairdressing.

Her journey is one of artistic ambition, dedication and influence, with a legacy that continues to inspire the next generation of hair professionals across Ireland and beyond.

 

A Journey Defined by Creativity, Craft & Passion

Born in Dublin, Sarah Mason’s journey into hairdressing began long before her formal training. From the age of six, she was already plaiting and braiding hair, with local families enlisting her talents for special occasions. Her natural flair soon caught the attention of the local ballet school and drama society, offering an early glimpse of the creative career that lay ahead.

At just 16, Sarah began her professional training in Dublin City in 1993. Driven by ambition and an instinctive understanding of her craft, she progressed through some of the country’s most innovative salons, gaining invaluable experience across a range of roles, including Salon Manager, Creative Director and Salon Educator.

By the age of 21, Sarah had stepped into management, taking on responsibility for both salon leadership and education within a salon group in North Dublin. In 2006, she made a defining career move, turning her focus towards the creative side of hairdressing, where her artistic vision and competitive spirit flourished.

In 2011, Sarah relocated to the West of Ireland with her husband, Shamus, a Galway native, to raise their family. This new chapter ultimately led to the establishment of her own business, Sarah Mason Professional, in the heart of Galway City in 2016.

Technical Excellence & Creative Mastery

Sarah’s approach to hairdressing combines artistic intuition with an in-depth understanding of hair science, advanced techniques and personalised haircare.

As a Certified Master Colour Expert, she possesses specialised scientific knowledge of colour, enabling her to approach even the most complex colour challenges with precision and creativity. She thrives on transforming difficult hair cases, developing bespoke solutions that respect the integrity of the hair while achieving beautiful, individual results.

Her expertise also extends to advanced craft cutting, where she is renowned for creating distinctive shapes, flattering silhouettes and beautifully balanced styles. Bridal hairstyling and red-carpet looks are another important part of her creative portfolio, developed through her natural ability to understand hair movement, texture and form.

With extensive training across leading professional haircare brands, Sarah has cultivated a wealth of knowledge in hair and scalp care. Her considered approach to consultations allows her to recommend tailored haircare regimes and practical hair-management solutions, helping clients maintain the condition, appearance and longevity of their hair beyond the salon.

 

International Educator & Guest Artist

Sarah’s influence reaches far beyond her own salon. As a sought-after guest artist, she has delivered advanced education, demonstrations and creative presentations at industry events and shows across Ireland, the UK and internationally, including Dublin, Manchester, London and the United States.

Her ability to combine technical precision with creative expression has opened doors to exciting collaborations with fellow artists, global product launches and social media campaigns. These opportunities have enabled her to contribute to the wider professional hair community while continually exploring new techniques, ideas and creative directions.

Sarah has also been invited to judge prestigious hairdressing competitions, working alongside respected international industry figures to assess emerging talent across Ireland and the UK. Her transition from award-winning competitor to industry judge reflects the depth of her experience and the respect she has earned throughout her career.

A highlight of her international work has been assisting Global Creative Director Eugene Souleiman backstage at London Fashion Week, contributing to the creative energy behind shows for some of the fashion world’s most sought-after houses.

An International Competition Career

Competition has played a significant role in Sarah’s professional journey. Since 2006, she has competed successfully at national level, progressing to international competition from 2007 onwards as part of Team Ireland.

Representing her country, Sarah has travelled to destinations including Oslo, Frankfurt, Paris, Madrid and London, continually challenging herself creatively and refining her technical abilities on the international stage.

In 2012, she represented Ireland at the International Trend Vision Awards in Madrid. In 2015, she reached another career milestone as Ireland’s finalist in the International Visionary Awards at the world-renowned Alternative Hair Show, held at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Her competition achievements also include being crowned Irish Hairdresser of the Year in both 2008 and 2015, winning Wella Professionals Irish Trend Vision Gold in 2012, and receiving the AHS Visionary Award for Colour in 2015.

In 2016, Sarah’s contribution to the profession was recognised when she was nominated by her peers and inducted into the Irish Hairdressing Hall of Fame, celebrating her standing as an icon of the industry.

Today, having experienced the competition floor from the perspective of a contestant, Sarah is increasingly invited to judge at national and international events, helping identify and encourage the next generation of creative talent.

A Lasting Commitment to the Industry

At the heart of Sarah’s career is an enduring passion for hairdressing and the people who shape its future. Whether creating transformative looks in the salon, educating professionals on an international platform, collaborating backstage at fashion week or judging emerging talent, she approaches every opportunity with curiosity, dedication and a desire to keep progressing.

Through Sarah Mason Professional, she continues to bring together the many facets of her career: technical expertise, creative artistry, education, mentorship and a deeply personal commitment to her clients.

For Sarah, hairdressing is more than a profession. It is a lifelong creative pursuit, an opportunity to inspire others and a craft that continues to evolve with every new challenge.

 

Business Innovation, Leadership & Team Success

Having achieved remarkable success on the national and international hairdressing stage, Sarah has channelled her ambition and creative vision into business innovation, education and team development.

Her entrepreneurial achievements have been recognised through the Galway Regional Business Awards, where she won Emerging New Business in 2019 and The Creative Professional Category in 2021. These accolades reflect her commitment to developing a distinctive business, championing professional education and continually raising standards within her industry.

While Sarah has stepped away from competing herself, her passion for competition and creative excellence remains stronger than ever. Today, she dedicates much of her energy to mentoring and developing her own salon team, encouraging her stylists to push creative boundaries, pursue their ambitions and reach for the highest accolades in the profession.

This commitment has translated into considerable success for Sarah Mason Professional, with her talented creative team earning awards and recognition in their own right. For Sarah, one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership is watching the next generation flourish, develop confidence and establish their own identities within the industry.

Her focus on education, mentorship and collective achievement continues to shape the culture of her business, creating an environment where creativity is encouraged, talent is nurtured and excellence is continually pursued.

Television, Media & Industry Recognition

Throughout her career, Sarah has been invited to participate in on-set filming, educational interviews and pilot productions, both in Ireland and internationally. Her ability to communicate her expertise and share her knowledge has made her a valued contributor to conversations around hairdressing, beauty and professional development.

Sarah has appeared on Irish national television on numerous occasions, including Ireland AM, Off the Rails and Exposé, sharing her knowledge, creative insights and professional experience with wider audiences.

Her work and achievements have also attracted attention across the national press and magazine landscape. She has been featured in publications including Image Magazine, The Irish Times Life Magazine and Galway Now, alongside other media outlets recognising her expertise, competition achievements and contribution to the hairdressing profession.

Through these media appearances and editorial features, Sarah has continued to raise the profile of her work, bringing professional hairdressing to a broader audience while reinforcing her position as an established creative voice within the industry.

Today, her influence extends well beyond the salon chair. Through business innovation, education, media engagement and the success of her team, Sarah continues to build a legacy centred on creativity, leadership and the advancement of professional hairdressing.

Sarah Mason | Founder of Sarah Mason Professional

In 2016, Sarah Mason opened Sarah Mason Professional in the heart of Galway City, bringing her vision, creativity and passion for the hair industry to life.

Renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and innovative approach to business, Sarah has built a reputation not only for her creative expertise and award-winning work, but also for her commitment to education and the development of the next generation of hair professionals. Passionate about nurturing both junior and senior stylists, she takes great pride in mentoring her team, sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

Alongside her industry recognition and numerous accolades, Sarah’s dedication and leadership have helped her salon team achieve outstanding success, bringing awards and recognition to both the salon and the West of Ireland.

Her reputation for excellence has attracted clients from every corner of Ireland and internationally, including London, Dubai, New York and Australia, all seeking her expertise and experience.

In 2022, Sarah reimagined her business, creating a fresh, contemporary salon space designed to inspire creativity and provide an elevated experience for both her clients and her team.

Today, Sarah Mason Professional remains a reflection of Sarah herself: creative, forward-thinking and passionate about people, education and the ever-evolving world of hair.

Branding and the overall client experience have always been integral to Sarah’s vision for her business. With a strong focus on quality, innovation and attention to detail, she continually strives to offer her clients the very best in professional haircare, products and personalised service.

Sarah Mason Professional exclusively stocks a carefully curated selection of premium brands, including Davines, the Italian regenerative organic haircare brand, alongside Living Proof, GLOWWA and EXO-GROW. Each brand reflects Sarah’s commitment to quality, innovation and delivering a considered approach to haircare and scalp wellbeing.

Renowned for her exceptional hair colouring and cutting, Sarah combines her creative eye with a highly personalised approach to every consultation. She believes that understanding each client’s individual needs, hair history and desired results is fundamental to achieving beautiful, healthy-looking hair.

Her technical expertise extends to complex cases involving hair damage, challenging hair textures and scalp concerns. Through specialised training, in-depth consultations and a tailored approach, Sarah works to identify the most appropriate solutions for each client, placing the condition of the hair and the overall client experience at the forefront of her work.

For Sarah, exceptional hairdressing goes beyond the finished look. It is about building trust, sharing knowledge and creating a bespoke experience where every client feels understood, confident and cared for.