Hi Everyone 

Happy bank holiday it’s been  a fairly busy week. This weekend I am celebrating eight years in business. It was the 26th of October 2007 when I first opened Platinum hairdressing. Some of you will already know the story of how I started but I’m going to tell it again just for the craic. 

  
So one hungover Sunday morning I was daydreaming (as usual) trying to find ways to get rich and famous this still hasn’t happened by the way. I was living at home with my parents and Lee was 3 at the time. I was working in a salon in town but Life was far too boring for 26 year old me.  I wanted my own business. I  decided there and then to take the bull by the horns and open my own little salon.

  

  
And so it began,the search for a suitable spot to open, how to get the cash flow, how to become an entrepreneur etc etc. When I think of it now it was a crazy idea but somehow it worked. I got a loan, found a retail unit that was affordable at the time & got started. Luckily my brother came to the rescue and looked after the manual labour which of course I hadn’t a clue about. It took about three months, and so Platinum  hairdressing was born, on a wing and a prayer. I loved that first little salon. I put my heart and soul into it. Literally my blood sweat and tears went into that place, and it was a success. It was hard there were some awful times, but we had some great times there too. With the love and support of the people of Castlebar I managed to keep going through those horrible years when we had no money and life was difficult for everyone.

In 2010 I got the opportunity to move up to Market Sq. Again my brother came to the rescue.This was a great move at the time, as I got a prime location in the busier side of town. Platinum has gone from strength to strength since and I have successfully built a great local following. Some great opportunities have come my way, I’ve met the most amazing people through my work. Ive upskilled at every opportunity. I’ve completed training in Make up to add to my skills. Ive utilised social media to grow my profile and I’ve been very lucky to have such loyal clients who are literally walking advertisement for my salon. I can’t thank my lovely clients and friends enough for this. I owe you guys everything for all your help promoting my salon. I’ve also had the pleasure of styling many brides for their big day. This is an honour and a privilege I’m so delighted to have been part of.

  
2015 has been one crazy year so far. I got married, set up my blog, lost my Mum, went on honeymoon & became an Auntie in six months!!!! How crazy can one persons life actually get??? I honestly think working in the salon has kept me grounded. The routine of coming into work doing a job I truly love was a real help to me through difficult times. I guess I feel most comfortable when I’m in the salon. All my clients have been incredibly kind and supportive to me this past year. Of course Sarah did an amazing job keeping the show on the road while I had some much needed time off. Honestly I don’t know how I’d have managed without her. 
So after all that has happened, it really makes me think. Life is short, and You have to make every year count. Writing this post has reminded me of the intense drive and determination I felt back in 2007. I literally thought that failure wasn’t even an option. I hadn’t even considered that the business might not succeed. Naive stupidity and rose tinted glasses I’d call it these days. As you can imagine I’m delighted with myself. This 8 year milestone is even more special to me as thing were so tough the last few months. I’m living proof that if you want something that much and you work hard enough you can have it.

A good friend of mine passed away recently. Darren trained me as a hairdresser in Galway back in the early 00s. I owe him a lot he was a brilliant teacher and a great friend. He put me on the right road for a fantastic career. I often still practice the basic rules of hairdressing that he instilled into me in those early years. This quote by Eminem is for him. 
Well folks thanks for reading, I know it’s an emotional one. I’m a bit teary eyed after writing it. Thank you for all your continued support.

Love Always,

Maria xx

P.s please hit share xx

Good afternoon Everyone,

Today I am bringing you a little look at the beautiful Bridal party I styled Friday morning in Newport. It was a pleasure to look after Mary and her bridesmaids. The girls were so friendly and We had great craic and banter all morning. Amelda Flaherty from Westport was the make up artist for the bridal party. They all looked stunning by the way. 

 

I had pin curled Mary’s hair in Thursday to ensure the curls would hold. Pin curls work well on most hair types as they help to set the curl in place. I pin curl with a GHD and use light hair grips to hold in place. Covering with a hairnet to keep everything in place. This is comfortable to sleep in. I know because I’ve slept in them many times.

We used clip in extensions to create Mary’s Bridal look. These were also curled on Thursday to allow time to set. I back combed the top section and used a little Schwartzkopf Powder’ful volumizing powder to help it stay in place. I then weaved a few vintage style swirls around the sides and into the back. I love creating a style for a bride and personalising it specifically for them. The style went perfectly with Mary’s Princess style dress from McElhinneys bridal rooms. She looked stunning. 

   
For the Bridesmaids We kept a rustic Autumnal theme. Loose messy chic.

   
 
 

Thanks Mary and girls for having me as part of your big day. It was great fun and I was delighted to be there. Thanks for letting me blog about the lovely experience styling you. 

 

  
 

 
If you would like to see more of my bridal work check out my salon website 

Platinumhairdressing.ie   
As always thank you for reading. Don’t forget to hit that share button.

Bye for now, 

Love Maria xx

  

Hi Everyone 

Happy Monday, another week already. As my snapchat followers will know I had a great day on Saturday at my friends wedding. We had such fun getting the bridal party ready. Maureen looked stunning and I was so delighted to have been part of their day. 

 

 
My friend Ashling from Glo beauty clinic did the bridal make up. As always she did an amazing job and all the girls looked stunning. Ashling did my make up for my own wedding back in March. 

 

The wedding was at Breaffy house resort where Maureen works as Wedding Planner. It was a beautiful wedding with fantastic attention to detail. There was a rustic autumnal theme running through the flowers cake etc. 

 
I snapped this gorgeous photo just after I put on Maureen’s veil on Saturday morning. I think it’s a fabulous shot. A great moment to capture. 
 

I pinned curled Maureen’s hair on the Friday evening and left it to set over night. This gives great hold and really helps the style to last all day. I also used a clip in extension from Hairspray to add volume to the style. 

   
For the bridesmaids we kept the rustic autumnal theme going with loose messy side buns. 

   
  

All in all it was a super fun morning and a fantastic day. Massive congrats to Mr and Mrs Toner. If you have any questions about bridal hair feel free to get in contact with me. Maria@mrsdillonsdiary.ie I have styled loads of brides and as a recent bride myself I’ve accumulated a lot of tips and tricks. My salon website is  Platinumhairdressing.ie feel free to have a browse.
Thank you for reading and please hit share.

Love Maria xx

Hi Everyone 

As you know I have been prepping for my friends wedding all week. Any of my snapchat followers will be well up to date on events. So I’ve been skin prepping with my favourite IMAGE products all week. I’ve done some light exfoliating as I’m prone to hormonal breakouts. I usually concentrate on the nose and forehead areas and do a very light sweep on my chin as its very sensitive. I’ve also been using the Image serum and night cream this week. It’s really fabulous and has calmed down the breakout.

 

I done my own tan last night. I rarely do my own tan. I usually get a spray tan. I’ve got six bottles of tan at home that have never been used so I thought I’d use them up. I opted for the Rimmel light matte tan. I don’t wear dark tan at all. I’m quite fair and I love to embrace the pale but I can’t go out totally bare. My Favourite tan is cocoa brown. I thought I’d give the Rimmel a go for a change and I’m very impressed with it. If your like me and you don’t like to be too dark. Definitely try this product.

 

  

So I’m wearing black tomorrow, it’s a River Island dress I bought a few months ago. I’m going to accessorise with Gold. I went for red nails as I’m wearing my favourite lipstick Mac Lady Danger. Keep an eye on my snapchat tomorrow to see my full look.

  

I got these amazing shoes yesterday in New Look in Castlebar. I just love them. They go perfectly with my outfit. This beautiful bag is from Tomorrow’sHeirlooms.ie I just fell in love with it. It reminds me of The Great Gatsby one of my favourite movies. I love the sparkle and extravagance of that era. 

    As I’m styling my friends bridal party in the morning I’m very excited. We done her hair trial on Tuesday and it’s just beautiful. I won’t be able to show you until next week when all the fun is over. My friend Ashling from Glo beauty clinic is doing the Make ups tomorrow. We have worked together many times and it’s always a fun morning in the brides house. Ashling was my make up artist for our wedding back in March. This evening I’m going to prep the brides hair by pin curling it. This will set the curls in place and help to give better hold for tomorrow. 

So that’s it folks. Il do a full post next week with my outfit details. Keep an eye on my snap chat I’m sure there will be loads of wedding selfies going on tomorrow evening.

Bye for now,

Love Maria 

Hi Everyone 

Hope you are all well. As I have mentioned my friends are getting married this weekend. I’m doing lots of prep this week. I think part of the fun of going to a wedding is getting ready. I started off yesterday by drinking loads of water to help hydrate. I also did some food prep. This saves time in the evenings during the week. I have a few jobs to do and fit in a few walks too. So I prepped some meals for the fridge to help keep me on track. 

 

I started off last night by giving my skin a good exfoliation. I used Image skincare total resurfacing masque.  Afterwards I used Glamglow thirsty mud to hydrate. Getting rid of dead skin is essential before a big event. To ensure flawless make up. 
  
Today I went to Pauline Cawleys for my waxing. I get my brows, bikini, legs and underarms waxed. (I know, your thinking she still hasn’t got laser???) That will be my next project after Invisalign. I’m loving my freshly done brows they are lovely and dark and defined. Rebecca always looks after me in Pauline Cawleys and she always does a brilliant job. 

Tonight it’s time to do a super body exfoliation. My favourite product for the job has to be cocoa brown tough stuff. It’s just fantastic. I use it dry first to scrub all over then jump in the shower and wash it all away. This actually doubles up as a great foot scrub too. 

 

 
Followed by my favourite body moisturiser from soap and glory. This is super hydrating and smells divine. 

 

 
I’m going to do another Olaplex treatment on my hair tomorrow. I’m so in love with the results from Olaplex. My hair is so shiny and soft I just love it. 

 

So that’s it for today folks I’m off for a walk now. I need to think of fitting into my dress come Saturday.

Bye for now and thanks for reading. Don’t forget to hit share.

Love Maria  

Hi Everyone 

We have been having great success in the salon this week with Olaplex. We have done some beautiful work. A few transformations that would not have been possible without this fantastic product. As I have explained before Olaplex is a bonder which we add to our colours to help prevent hair breakage during the colouring process. We complete the process at the basin by sealing the Olaplex in with step 2. Olaplex can also be used as an in salon treatment. It goes on dry hair first for ten minutes then step 2 is completed at the basin. Hair is shampooed and conditioned after Olaplex. 

 

This colour change was carried out by Sarah in the salon. 

 

  
I did this beautiful combo of balyage and babylights on Saturday. I love the colour combination. It’s a perfect Autumn shade. 

This full head of meche highlights with Olaplex was done over a month ago before my friend went on holidays. On Friday we done an Olaplex treatment just for some shine and condition after being in the sun. The result is beautiful and it looks freshly done again. Having an Olaplex treatment done in the salon is a great way to freshen up your colour after a few weeks.
 

 
Olaplex is not just for blondes it’s suitable for all hair types. This amazing red shade is just beautiful. The owner of this fabulous mane is getting married next year. We are on a beautiful hair mission in preparation for her big day.

  

  
 

   
You can check out my salon website 

By clicking here

There is a full price list available online. Olaplex costs €20 add onto any service. You can find all information about us on there. As always thanks for reading. As I’m using social media to grow my blog please share any posts you find useful on your social media accounts. 

Love, Maria xx

Hi Everyone 

Hope You are all well, I’m relaxing poolside here so Just thought I’d write a little post on the Holiday essentials I really couldn’t live without. I hadn’t really time to dwell on the packing situation, due to the horrendous few weeks we had leading up our honeymoon. Under normal circumstances I would have been much better organised but that couldn’t have been helped.  Il be much better prepared for our next holiday. 

 

 
So first of all, let’s talk hair. I knew from previous holidays that our poor hair can get ruined by chlorine and sea water. I packed a treatment, just in case. My old reliable ALFAPARF reconstruction treatment. This is the range we use in the salon and it never fails me. I also took the ALFAPARF magnifying shampoo and conditioner. These guys are lightweight and don’t leave a heavy residue on the hair. Perfect for humid weather. I had no time to get my roots done before my holidays with the funeral and everything. I actually don’t recommend getting highlights done before a sun holiday. I find the sun ruins a good set of highlights, this is a waste of money. I’m glad I didn’t now, as I have spent a few days treating my hair and the condition is better. I can look forward to getting them done once I’m home.

New York was really humid and my hair was a disaster.One thing I will definitely do for my next holiday is get a lisse design smoothing treatment done before I go away,we do this in my salon. As my hair was just impossible to style. I’d start blowdrying it and by the time I had finished it was nearly damp again even with aircon. There was a different voltage on the power points here and even with a plug adaptor my hairdryer wouldn’t work properly. Disaster.com!!!! There was a dryer in the hotel but no nozzle on it agggggghhhhhhh! I really loved New York but I really don’t know how anyone has nice hair in the place. 

Skinwise, this image prevention tinted moisturiser was my saving grace. I wore it during the day in New York and I’m wearing it all the time since we arrived in Cancun. It’s hydrating but lightweight and comfortable for wearing in the heat. It gives just the right amount of colour but still looks natural. Trust me walking around Manhattan in 30 + degree heat  is not the place for a full face of make up. 

 At night I wore a light foundation(benefits) with Youngblood powder, mascara, my brows (of course) a little shadow, blush and lippy. I took my pippa palate with me on holidays. It’s absolutely perfect for taking away as its so neat and handy saves a lot of space. I picked up a few bits from MAC over here I will do a full post on my purchases soon. 
 

 

 The next essential item for New York is a pair of suitable walking shoes. I took my Nike Thea’s I wear these at work so they were perfect. We walked for miles around the city. This was a great way to explore and see as much as possible. We packed a lot into our three days. I tell you I was glad of my Nikes because we were walking for hours. 

Another item I could not have lived without was a pair of New look patterned light trousers from last summer. They are so handy here in Cancun , light and comfortable and perfect to wear for dinner with a vest top and flip flops. I’m so glad I packed them. Shorts and skirts are great but in hot sweaty weather a pair of light pants can be a godsend. 

I’d definitely recommend taking , a bottle of aloe Vera gel. I burnt my shins of all places. I wouldn’t mind but I never get a colour on my legs EVER! I had to buy aloe Vera gel at the hotel and it was something ridiculous like $16. For my next holiday I will definitely bring my own. Anyway they are on the mend so no harm done. 

  

  
I also read two excellent books. The girl on the train  and Gone girl. I honestly couldn’t put them down. I would highly recommend both. I love reading on holidays I will definitely try to read more once I return home.

Well that’s all for today folks, if anyone has any questions about our trip or is thinking of booking somthing similar. Feel free to comment or contact me privately on maria@mrsdillonsdiary.ie

As always thank you for reading.

Love Maria xx 
 
  

Hi Everyone 

So my salon PLATINUM Hairdressing has been nominated for an award. We made the final three, hurray. Also up for the same award is Our neighbours across the square Allure, and LS hair parlour in Westport. We are very excited to be shortlisted as one of the top three salons in Mayo. Especially for a little salon like mine I’m so delighted and proud it’s a great honour to have made it this far at all. Being nominated for this award has really cheered me up after all the sadness lately it has really given me a lift mentally. Positivity is a gift really isn’t it?

The first ever Connaught Telegraph Style awards takes place in Breaffy house on September 18th just a day after we return from our honeymoon. (I’m here planning my outfit already) So as you can imagine I’m really looking forward to the night it will round off our holiday nicely. 

  
So folks here where You come in. I need your vote. By texting Haircut 3 to 57199 you can give us your vote.

  
So if You would be so kind I’d be delighted if you vote for me. Thanks in advance.

Love Maria 

Hi Everyone 

So I’m back at work and it’s down to business. While I was off our olaplex order arrived. So what’s olaplex anyway?? Olaplex is the new miracle product in hairdressing circles. It’s basically an in salon treatment that we can use as part of the colouring process. Olaplex can be added to any lightening product or colour and can work while the colouring process is taking place. Olaplex works on the inner bonds of the hair which can become damaged during the colouring process. Imagine no damage even with pre lightened??? Yes you read that right.

  
We can also use Olaplex as an in salon treatment I used it yesterday on my own hair and I loved the results. My hair is fine in texture and can be delicate. I love my blonde  and I’m naturally dark so Olaplex is a must have for me personally. My hair has always been weak. I have plenty hair but the individual stands are fine. My hair has suffered between weight loss and stress it has taken its toll. I’m keeping it short at the moment in a sharp Bob and I love it.  I am really impressed with how my hair looks and feels after Olaplex. I can’t wait to try it with my next set of highlights.

  
Olaplex is available from PLATINUM hairdressing Castlebar, and costs €20 per treatment. This is an add this onto the price of any service. For example a full head of highlights is normally €99 with Olaplex its €119. A cut & Blowdry is normally €35 with Olaplex its €55.

I have heard great feedback from other salons using Olaplex. If you are like me with hair that’s prone to breakage You need Olaplex in Your life. So give us a call on 0949035835 and book an Olaplex service today. As always I’d love to hear if any of you have tried Olaplex so leave me a comment. Thanks for reading. Chat to you soon.

Love, Maria xx

Hi Everyone,

I thought it was about time I wrote a post on HAIR seeing as Hairdressing is my main business and I’ve worked in the industry for fourteen years. There’s so much information out there from haircare companies at the moment, it can be confusing and overwhelming. Knowing what is the right thing or the wrong thing to do can be hard work. There are a few really simple things You can do Yourself that wont cost You the earth, that can make Your life so much easier when it comes to managing Your hair.

First let me explain a little about the hair structure. Each strand of hair has a sheet of cuticle scales on the outer layer, this protects all the inner bonds within the hair. These cuticle scales look like slates on the roof of a house. When we shampoo our hair all these cuticle scales are opened up, to let the product in. When we condition we shut down the cuticle, to seal in the inner bonds and protect the hair from damage.

Ok so basically, Your goal is to shut the cuticle scales as much as possible. You can do this with a good conditioner, leave it on for a few minutes for maximum effect. Now here’s the important part, a well shut cuticle is what creates shine on the hair, because it will reflect the light. DRYING Your hair properly is what really matters here. Yes You read that properly. You need to use Your hairdryer.  Now I realize that You were told for years that drying hair naturally was brilliant, but its actually not so great at all. The reason why Your hair is so shiny and smooth after a salon blow-dry is because Your hairdresser works hard to shut down those cuticle scales.

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