Ireland’s Sinéad proves she’s a cut above for A-list clients

An Irish hairstylist has become one of the hottest celebrity hairdressers in London after opening her own salon in the city.

Sinéad Kelly, who left school in The Liberties in Dublin at the age of 15, is one of the few women to rival superstar stylists such as Trevor Sorbie and John Frieda in the fashion capital.

The award-winning hairdresser — who has become famous for her makeovers — now has a star-studded clientele which includes TV presenter Holly Willoughby, ex-Pussycat Doll Kimberley Wyatt, and most of the dancers on Strictly Come Dancing.

“Holly was introduced to me by one of my clients and we just established a real nice relationship,” says Sinéad. “Kimberley Wyatt became a good client of mine from the Pussycat Dolls and Nikki Sanderson, who is in Hollyoaks.”

Sinéad also counts Ali Bastian, who stars in The Bill, among her famous customers in the salon she opened four years ago.

“The Strictly crew come in,” she says. “Kristina Rihanoff is one of the most regular ones. I got to know all of them. Holly comes into the salon and sits there with the clients. She is gorgeous. She is a mum, she looks great when she is pregnant and she is a genuine person.”

The 33-year-old Dubliner — who moved to London for love eight years ago — said she believes the secret to her success is a unique mix of her award-winning styling skills coupled with her friendly nature.

“I love what I do and I’m friendly and it’s always been my strength,” said Sinéad. “And I’m actually good at what I do.”

She said she is very proud of her Liberties roots and even got a note of encouragement from her neighbourhood’s most famous singer, Imelda May, a few years ago when she first went to London.

“People always say ‘you haven’t lost your accent’. It is the best part of me,” she says. “I’m very proud to say I’m from The Liberties. I grew up in the flats behind the Guinness [Hopstore]. I always tell people exactly where I come from.

“My mum knows Imelda May. Bless my mother, she went to Imelda May to get her signature and get her to wish me good luck a few years ago. I love the way she is so unique.”

Sinéad said she also believes her Irishness has helped to drive her success in her salon in the affluent suburb of Barnes in the English capital, which she opened when she was 28.

The down-to-earth hairdresser, who is infectiously enthusiastic about styling hair, beat competition from exclusive salons such as Toni and Guy and Harrods to win the London L’Oréal Colour Trophy award this month.

Sinéad is also setting her sights on a TV career after auditioning as a makeover stylist for ITV’s This Morning.