County Derry Salon ahead of the curve specialising in Curls

The Hair Studio Dungiven has won a major award in this year’s Northern Ireland Beauty Excellence Awards.
Owner Ciara McCloskey was delighted when she picked up the gong for Best Mobile / Home Based Business of the
Year at the recent ceremony.

It is easy to see why she was awarded the accolade when you experience the luxurious treatment that Ciara offers to every client.
The Hair Studio is only one of two salons on the island of Ireland that specialises in curly hair.
Saying she is 'over the moon' with her win, Ciara added that she is 'super grateful' to win even though 'never in her wildest dreams' did she believe she would.
Ciara, who opened her business six years ago, previously lived in various locations all over the world.
Having lived and worked in the Cayman Islands for several years, Ciara has a wealth of experience and knowledge, particularly when it comes to caring for and styling curing do’s.

ABOVE: Ciara's work

Ciara spoke about her experience of attending hair shows in the United States.
“I picked up a lot of knowledge from going to hair shows in places like Miami and Las Vegas. Brazilian Blowout
was massive at the time so we learned a lot about it and other techniques.” Ciara trained with a company called Diva Curl Academy in New York and brought her expertise back to the Cayman Islands along with her.

Returning home to County Derry in 2017, Ciara had the vision of opening a spa-like salon in her house. She really wanted to achieve a one-to-one experience for her clients. Ciara said she opened up in July and by September she was booking out fast.

The curling specialist spoke about the effect Covid had on her business saying: “When Covid came I was booked up to six months in advance. I was still manually scheduling appointments at that point and it was stressful but I survived it. When I finally set up an online booking system I was booked nearly two years in advance.” Ciara’s success has continued with her appointments currently booked up until September this year.

The only way is up for Ciara and she says it can be hard to get a break.
“I often work seven days a week so it’s about finding that balance especially when you work from home.”
However this past year Ciara has prioritised her wellbeing with regular holidays and spa-breaks. She also loves to continue to learn and grow with extra training.

In February she attended training with product line Innersense in Texas, United States. Speaking about the trip, Ciara said: “It was an amazing experience. There were so many classes and beautiful food.”

The County Derry woman really believes in celebrating natural curly hair. She explained saying: “I feel my salon is a little haven for people to celebrate their natural beauty. So many people have ignored their curly hair for years due to shame or bullying which is really sad so at the Hair Studio we are all about building confidence and embracing what people already have. “I want people to be able to leave their worries at the door when they step into my salon.”

ABOVE: Some gorgeous curls Ciara has worked on

Ciara puts thought into her relaxing vision with a Japanese massage chair while clients get their treatments done.
Speaking on her treatments Ciara says one of her hair mist treatments is pure bliss for the client.
This is detoxing for the scalp and adds hydration to the hair. Ciara uses the mist while washing the hair as well as when they are on the massage chair for 20 minutes.
“I want clients to leave feeling like a million dollars inside and out and I believe this is what the treatment does for
people,” Ciara continued.

“I have watched clients grow in confidence and be proud of their own hair and that is super rewarding.”
The future is looking bright for Ciara and she has plans to upgrade one day. She would love to have her own academy specialising in teaching curly hair so every hairdresser knows how to maintain and style people’s locks.
She has also exclusively revealed plans are in place to bring in a new organic line of products named HIT.

“I would love a retreat type salon where clients can come and let their hair down. I think incorporating wellness into it would be nice and work really well with the values and vision I have for my business.”

The Hair Studio has amazing reviews online including the following: “I don't know where to start...my curls have never looked this good. I've never been happier coming out of a hairdresser, absolutely fantastic. I have finally found a place where I know my curls are in good hands. Next appointment is already booked. Thank you!”

Another customer wrote: “Ciara is a miracle worker. I travel almost 90 mins just so I can have my hair looked after by Ciara. It lasts so well. Can’t recommend her enough!”

A delighted client added: “Had a great experience with Ciara, she really knows how to manage curly hair and took time to understand what my hair is like and what style would suit. I love my new hair and definitely will be back. Thank you!”

If you visit Ciara at The Hair Studio, you are in for a real treat, fabulous treatments and relaxing friendly atmosphere that is unbeatable.