Adam, David, and Cameron Murray, pictured together following David’s Icon Award recognition at the Irish Hairdresser Federation Championships.
David Murray Icon Award recognition has celebrated the Drogheda hairdresser’s decades-long contribution to the industry, from his Fair Street salon to international education and ambassador work.
David, who runs David Murray @ 21 on Fair Street in Drogheda, received the award held at Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny on Sunday, October 11th.
A two-time Irish Hairdresser of the Year, Hall of Fame inductee and former President of the Irish Hairdressers Federation, David has built a career that combines working with clients in Drogheda, educating fellow hairdressers and travelling internationally as an ambassador and educator.
Receiving the Icon Award was an emotional moment for David, who says he never entered the profession expecting the recognition and opportunities that would follow.
“Receiving the Icon Award was an incredibly proud and emotional moment for me. When you’ve spent your entire working life doing something you genuinely love, you don’t really stop to think about awards or recognition. You’re too busy looking ahead to the next challenge.”
For David, the award is particularly meaningful because it recognises his career as a whole rather than one individual achievement.
“Hairdressing has been my life, and I’ve been fortunate enough to meet some extraordinary people, travel the world and enjoy experiences I could never have imagined when I first started out.”
From Drogheda salon life to an international career
David was initially drawn to hairdressing by his interest in fashion, creativity and working with people.
He quickly discovered that the profession offered opportunities far beyond cutting and styling hair, combining artistic expression with business, education and an industry that was constantly evolving.
From the beginning, he was determined to develop his skills and learn from others.
“I was always curious about what was happening beyond Ireland. I wanted to learn from the best, understand new techniques and experience different approaches to hair and fashion.”
That curiosity eventually took him around the world, working alongside and learning from leading figures in the profession.
“It’s proof that a career in hairdressing can open doors you never even knew existed.”
Despite his international work, David still works regularly in the salon at David Murray @ 21 on Fair Street, maintaining the day-to-day connection with clients that has always been central to his career.
David and Eilish Murray at the awards
A career filled with achievements
Among David’s many career highlights are being named Irish Hairdresser of the Year twice, entering the industry’s Hall of Fame and serving as President of the Irish Hairdressers Federation.
He remembers his first Irish Hairdresser of the Year award as a turning point.
“Winning Irish Hairdresser of the Year for the first time was an incredible moment because it gave me the confidence to believe that my work could compete at the highest level.”
Winning the title a second time was equally important, confirming that his earlier success was not a once-off achievement.
His time as President of the Irish Hairdressers Federation also gave him an opportunity to contribute to the profession that had provided him with so many opportunities.
But when reflecting on his career, David says the success of people he has helped along the way means just as much as his own awards.
“At the end of the day, trophies are wonderful, but the relationships you build and the difference you make to other people’s lives are what really matter.”
Keeping up with a changing industry
Despite decades of experience, David believes continuing to learn has been central to his career.
“I think the secret to longevity in any creative industry is never allowing yourself to believe you know everything.
“Fashion never stands still, and neither does hairdressing. Trends change, techniques evolve, products improve and every new generation brings fresh ideas.”
He draws inspiration from fashion, architecture, art, travel, music and the people he meets, while international work allows him to explore different approaches to creativity.
Younger hairdressers are another important source of inspiration, particularly when it comes to technology and social media.
“I’ve always believed that the day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.”
Social media has changed how hairdressers showcase their work, giving professionals opportunities to reach audiences far beyond their salons.
However, David believes it has also created unrealistic expectations among some clients.
“Clients are constantly seeing beautiful images online, and sometimes they don’t realise how much lighting, editing, filters or professional styling has gone into creating a particular look.”
My advice to clients is to use social media for inspiration, but always have an honest conversation with your hairdresser about what is achievable for your own hair.
Everyone’s hair is different, and what looks amazing in a photograph may not necessarily be practical or suitable for everyday life.
Sharing his experience with the next generation
Education has become an important part of David’s professional life.
Alongside his work at David Murray @ 21, he travels internationally as an ambassador and educator, demonstrating techniques and sharing his knowledge with other hairdressers.
He believes maintaining a connection with everyday salon work is essential, even while working on international stages.
“You can be demonstrating on a stage in front of hundreds of people one day and looking after a client in the salon the next. I think that balance is very healthy.”
For David, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is seeing another hairdresser develop their confidence.
“I’ve learned so much from other people throughout my career, and I feel it’s important to pass that knowledge on.”
“The wonderful thing about education is that it’s never one-way. Even when I’m teaching, I’m learning.”
He also believes hairdressing remains a profession with a wide range of opportunities for young people, from working in salons and owning businesses to education, fashion and international careers.
“One of the most important things I’ve learned is that talent will only take you so far. Your attitude, work ethic and ability to connect with people are just as important.”
New businesses planned with son Adam
Although the Icon Award recognises a lifetime of achievement, David has no plans to slow down.
He is currently developing two new businesses with his eldest son, Adam, combining his industry experience with the next generation’s ideas.
The first is an online education platform aimed at hairdressers of all experience levels, from beginners to established professionals looking to develop their skills.
The second is a new brand of professional hairdressing tools and products, drawing on David’s years of experience working in salons and educating internationally.
“Education has always been a huge passion of mine, and I love the idea of making the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years accessible to hairdressers wherever they are.”
Working alongside Adam makes the new ventures particularly meaningful.
“What makes both ventures even more meaningful is getting to build them alongside Adam. Being able to combine my experience in the industry with his ideas and energy is a wonderful opportunity, both professionally and personally.”
For David, the Icon Award has provided an opportunity to reflect on his career, but his attention is already turning to what comes next.
“So while the Icon Award has given me a chance to look back with enormous gratitude, I’m very much looking forward. I still have plenty of ambition, and these two businesses are a big part of what comes next. There’s still plenty of life in me yet.”
