Hidden Hair Donaghmore

Donaghmore Main Street in Co Tyrone has recently welcomed a new addition, with the opening of an exciting new hair salon, Hidden Hair.   Proprietor, Caroline MacMahon, has been in the Hairdressing Industry for the last 15 years.  She started her journey working after school & at weekends – by the age of 14 she already knew that being in the Salon environment was the path she would follow.

I first met Caroline last year when she worked at a wedding I was shooting, Charlene & Aidan’s Cabra Castle wedding.  Her work really impressed me as I had never seen anyone in Northern Ireland who had such a unique finish to the bridal party’s style.  Not only do I adore how she styles her client’s hair, she is also a colour genius (my words not Caroline’s as she is too modest to admit it!).

When I heard Caroline was moving back to Northern Ireland I was delighted and couldn’t wait to pop in for a visit.  She was kind enough to answer a few questions for me and I grabbed some shots of her new salon whilst I was there …

Tell me about your journey to where you are today?

After visiting Australia for a holiday, I loved the thought of experiencing life and work in another country.  I knew I wasn’t ready to commit to my own Salon at the age of 23 so I made the decision to pack my bags in search of a new adventure.

Arriving in Perth, where I spent the next 6 years of my life, I had so many different experiences, challenges & emotions.  Living away from home for that time has certainly moulded me into the independent person I have become today.  Within that time, I managing to meet my husband (and biggest support), Alex, opened my first Salon and left Australia as an Australian resident.

When I made the decision to move back to Ireland, I was excited to see what was ahead. I quickly realised I was ready to open my 2nd Hair Studio, viewed the premises in Donaghmore and knew it was just perfect!

So tell me what’s available for clients at Hidden Hair? 

At my studio, we specialise in Blondes, Balayage and Styling.  I love to keep up to date with the latest colour techniques and Hair trends.  Job satisfaction is the key to keeping that spark and flare alive.  I love to be challenged and seek the rewards of accomplishing something new every day.

Hidden Hair are experts in removing unwanted brassy tones, brightening dull blondes and creating the perfect blend to allow your colour to grow out more natural.  Lots of finer foils mean that the dreaded stripes are avoided & Caroline always uses Olaplex to ensure the integrity of hair whilst lightening.  

The above images were taken by Caroline in her salon and show examples of some of her outstanding work – from blonde to balayage

Caroline also offers the perfect styling if you are attending an event or wedding.  I’m just loving her ‘Ponytail Menu’.  You can choose from the Glamour Ponytail, Textured, Sleek or Full Power Ponytail.  These looks are so versatile and suitable for all hair types.  

The beautiful Annette, from Little Penny Thoughts, was good enough to pop in front of the camera for me whilst she was in the salon

Favourite Holiday Destination – Ireland  Being away for 6 years, my happiest and most exciting times were looking forward to arriving home.

Where do you get your Inspiration – From Instagram – it’s an amazing platform for businesses

Prediction for next hair trend – For Winter 2018, I see Warmer Richer Tones & different variations of Bangs to mix it up for long hair

What do you love most about being in Ireland?– Home is where my heart is, For me you can’t put a price on Family & Friends

What do I miss about Australia? – At the minute I’m quite content, I experienced everything I wanted to do in Australia and happy to have moved on to my next chapter.  If you ask me this question in a few weeks,  I would probably be saying the Weather lol.

Favourite Movie – Green Mile

Favourite Scent – Chanel ‘Chance’

If you weren’t blonde, what colour would you opt for?  I would definitely love to be Auburn maybe one day!

Thanks so much for Caroline taking the time to chat with me and allowing me to share her story.  For anyone who is thinking of going blonde, this is your girl!  You can follow her work Hidden Hair Donaghmore on Instagram or visit her Facebook page to get in touch.  She is also a wee doll and you will leave the salon walking on air.  Couldn’t recommend her highly enough …