Average wait of 16 weeks to fill positions in the beauty industry

A SHORTAGE of professionals in the beauty industry is seeing waiting times of up to four months to fill positions, but it hasn’t stopped one Lucan salon from moving forward.

V-Styles in Lucan Village will be celebrating it’s five year anniversary on October 21.

Owner/Director Virginija Vitkauskiene started the business in 2017, and is looking to add a senior stylist to the team of five staff.

“The ultimate goal is for further expansion,” said Virginija.

“We are currently seeking another senior stylist to join the team, unfortunately the industry is experiencing an average wait of 16 weeks to fill positions due to the shortage of qualified professionals in the industry.”

Virginija, who has been in the industry over 17 years and in Lucan for seven years, has a wealth of creative and commercial experience as colourist and stylist.

Covid was hard on small businesses but V-Styles was one of the first salons to pick up an accredited industry safety standard, allowing them to welcome customers back in.

“Fortunately, the good have really outweighed the bad,” acknowledged Virginija.

“I don’t think any of us have been untouched by covid, it struck hard but thankfully, we were one of the first salons to pick up an accredited industry Hygiene Promise Salon Assurance award, which allowed us to reassure our clients of their safety in salon. It was fantastic to welcome customers back through the door.”

The business, a member of HABIC, the Irish Hair Federation, has picked up a slew of industry accolades in recent years, including being awarded a five star salon by Good Salon Guide, and a winner of the International Wedding Awards 2022.

The team were also finalists in The Irish Hair & Beauty Awards in September 2022 for the Hair Salon of the Year, Dublin category, and a finalist for Best Hairstylist of the Year 2019.

Looking ahead, Virginija says they have an eye on Colour Technician of the Year, Junior Stylist of the Year and the Next Colour Generation competition with Alfaparf Milano and Xpert Professional Haircare.

“We cater to pretty much everything hair and makeup,” said Virginija.

“The team specialities include cutting, bespoke colouring, colour corrections and hair loss treatments for cancer patients. We always love a good makeover whether it’s a cut or colour change with balayage/highlights but there is also nothing more satisfying than catering to the everyday styling of our clients needs, seeing their smile of delight at their hair.

“We have two barbering specialists and adore a childrens cut, with a few royal baby requests.

With the backlog of weddings, we are grateful to have had at least one per week since May. We specialise in Kemon treatments which help anyone suffering from hair loss, or scalp which is sensitive, oily or has dandruff, these are particularly popular as the seasons change and the scalp needs a little additional help to maintain healthy hair and scalp.”

V-Styles, a hair salon located in the Be Unique Salon on Lower Main Street in Lucan Village, are having a celebration on Friday, October 21, with food, beverages and various offers, along with the launch of Christmas sets from 6pm-9pm.

“We have complimentary gifts prepared and ready for the first 50 attendees and a special offer if you spend €50 on products you get a €10 voucher, or a spend of €100 on products you get a €20 voucher,” said Virginija.