Award-Winning Hair Educator Opens Purpose-Designed Academy Focused on Education, Empowerment and Modern Careers
Award-winning hair educator and entrepreneur Melissa Hayward has opened a new training academy, marking an exciting new chapter for the Melissa Hayward Academy, a brand widely recognised for excellence in hair education and women-led entrepreneurship.
Founder Melissa Hayward, Vice President of the Irish Hairdressing Council, has trained thousands of hair professionals across Ireland and internationally. With the launch of the new academy, her focus is firmly on empowering women to build flexible, sustainable careers within the beauty industry through high-quality, accredited education.
“Women creating their own income and building businesses that fit around their lives is incredibly powerful,” Melissa says. “This academy is about confidence, creativity and opportunity- giving women the tools to turn their passion into something long-term and fulfilling.”
Melissa’s own journey reflects that ethos. Starting out at 17 and working to fund her own hair extensions, a short trip to New York in 2001 evolved into almost three years training at Zoo Salon, one of the city’s most respected salons, where she worked with high-profile clients including Kelly Osbourne and Debbie Harry. On returning to Ireland in 2006, she opened her first salon while raising a young family, an experience that would later shape her approach to education, mentorship and business.
The new academy space has been purpose-designed to feel warm, welcoming and inspiring, a modern environment created specifically for learning. Offering both group and one-to-one accredited hair extension training, it reflects Melissa’s belief that the learning environment plays a vital role in student confidence and success.
“We poured so much love into every detail,” she says. “I wanted it to feel like a space where people instantly feel comfortable, supported and inspired to grow.”
The Melissa Hayward Academy has received over ten major industry and business awards in recent years, including Training Academy of the Year in 2023 and 2024, and Hair Training Academy of the Year at the HiStyle Awards. Melissa herself has also been recognised with multiple honours, including Solo Businesswoman of the Year, Established Businesswoman of the Year, and the Judges’ Choice Award at the Network Ireland National Finals.
Most recently, she was awarded Businesswoman of the Year and the Allyship Award at the TU Dublin TrailblazHER™ Excellence Awards, celebrating her leadership and advocacy for women in business.
Looking ahead, the academy will continue to expand its blend of in-person and online education, supporting the next generation of hair professionals in Ireland and internationally.
For more information or to book a course, visit www.melissahaywardacademy.com.