Imagine this.. A hair tool that will dry and style your hair to smooth perfection in a few minutes? Taking the salon blowdry home is the name of the game, especially at this time of year.
Onagh O’ Driscoll, the 28-year-old entrepreneur and managing director of Platinum Luxury Hair Extensions has not let the global pandemic hamper product innovation. In fact – since March 2020, they have launched a new product and expanded the Platinum empire. Onagh opened the doors to their new Headquarters in South Dublin which includes an open plan style office, warehouse, Instagram room, photo lab and training academy.
After closing the doors on their 3 hair salons in Dublin, Cork and Galway for the first lockdown in March, Onagh saw an opportunity to bring The Air Brush to market so that clients could have salon-style hair from the comfort of their own home.
‘A lot of clients get a blow dry once a week in one of our salons. With the lockdown, this was no longer possible. I saw an opportunity to bring a hair tool to market that would help our clients create a full-bodied, bouncy blow-dry – at home.The Air Brush is designed to dry, volumize and style your hair in one, simple step. It is so easy to use and adds BIG volume.’
Ellie Kelly, one of Ireland’s top hair, beauty and fashion influencers with over 250,000 Instagram followers has been one of Platinum’s main brand ambassadors from the start of their journey. Onagh was thrilled when Ellie agreed to be the face of their first Platinum hair tool.
‘I was so excited to launch The Air Brush with Platinum as I am a self-confessed hair volume addict – I love it!’
We caught up for a quick chat with owner Onagh and Ellie and fired three quick questions at them.
Ellie you always look amazing and you are a true Chameleon with your hair looks, how do you keep it so healthy?
Thank you! I absolutely adore experimenting with my look, I go from brown to blonde and everything in between! Thankfully, I do not need to worry about damage as the stylists in Platinum are such experts. They take me to every shade safely with top treatments and advice along with product recommendations to maintain the health of my hair at home.
What is your ride or die styling product?
My ride or die styling product is my newly released collaboration with Platinum ‘ The Air Brush by Platinum’. The Air Brush allows me to create professional styles in seconds, I no longer need to spend hours on my hair as this genius tool tames my tresses and injects volume straight from the salon. I am so proud to be associated with this product as it is truly amazing, a guaranteed game changer.
Who is your celeb hair crush?
Jlo is my ultimate icon as she embodies big voluminous glamorous tresses which is the look I long for. I’m sure salons everywhere receive requests for her superstar style. Every girl’s heavenly hair goals
Onagh
Who is your business idol?
I have always admired and respected Oprah. She is an amazing entrepreneur and one of the most powerful people in entertainment but still maintains a level of humility and compassion. I love how she tackles important but sensitive topics such as mental health and is so passionate about it. As a result of the pandemic, I have started to take a step back and try to be more present. I appreciate anyone with a brilliant business mind who use their platform for the greater good.
How else did your business pivot in 2020?
2020 was an extremely challenging year for everyone especially our sector as we were forced to close twice under government guidelines. Thankfully, we powered through the pandemic renovating a two-storey state of the art distribution centre in a premium area of Dublin City. This spacious centre is set to push Platinum’s presence with an impressive academy, extensive warehouse, plush photography lab and iconic Instagram suite expanding our expertise as the business continues to boom.
Our collaboration with Ellie Kelly officially broke the internet , crashing our online store in the process with thousands trying to purchase the styling tool of the season. The Air Brush has since sold out on two separate occasions with hundreds of pre-orders eagerly expecting their arrival.
2020 was still extremely successful as our team thrived during lockdown.
Congratulations on the new premises, and engagement, any other surprises up your sleeve in 2021?
Thank you, 2021 is set to be just as successful with upcoming product launches along with many exciting projects the pipeline . Stay tuned as Platinum prepares their post pandemic glow up
The Air Brush is available for €69 online at platinumluxuryhairextensions.com and across their 3 salons in Dublin, Cork and Galway.
