At just 22-years old, Peter Healy already has one national award for ‘Best Male Stylist’ under his belt and is hoping to add two more at the upcoming Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards in Glasgow on Sunday, October 1.
Healy’s love of barbering and styling began in 2016, when he would convince his friends to sit for haircuts claiming he ‘knew what he was doing’ and now, seven years on, that early confidence has paid off. Having trained in Celtic Hair College and worked in Crew Street Barbers and Headmasters in Galway city, Healy emigrated to Scotland in 2020 and has been taking the world of Scottish hairstyling by storm ever since.
In 2022, Healy was the youngest person to win the award for ‘Best Male Stylist’, an achievement he attributes to his modern, forward thinking approach to styling and barbering.
“I’m the youngest person to ever win the award, it is usually given to people who have 30 or 40 years’ experience in the industry. It all comes down to a different eye and approach, there is an ‘old school’ and a ‘new’ or ‘modern school’ within styling and I would definitely be more of a modern stylist.”
Winning the award was life changing for Healy, creating industry opportunities and allowing him to develop further as a stylist. Now working with Sovereign Aberdeen, winner of the ‘Best Barber Shop’ in the 2022 Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards, and running the salon’s hair academy, educating the next generation of Scottish barbers.
As a finalist in the ‘Best Male Stylist’ and ‘Best Barber’ categories in the Scottish Hair & Beauty Awards this weekend, Healy hopes to continue his winning streak and is excited to see what the future may hold for him.
“It is amazing, I can’t get over it. To win it once was enough, but now I want to win it again,” said Healy, adding, “Looking back it makes me appreciate my growth and how hard I have come since starting as a stylist. I didn’t plan to do any of this, but I am looking forward to the future.
“There are a lot more opportunities for me in the industry over here. I have done shows, led talks and events and have been able to network with more barbers and hairdressers. It is a lot easier to get your name out in the industry in the UK.”
Success is built on support, and Healy is enthusiastically supported by his parents, Peter and Caroline, and his sister, Jade, who will be watching the awards ceremony through live stream from their home in Ballybane, as well as extended family. Win or lose this Sunday, Healy says the recognition given to his skills is ‘humbling’.
“I’m truly humbled to be recognised and in the final once more for not one but two awards and am eager to compete and push the boundaries of style and creativity in the hair industry.”
