Holy Communion season has landed and it's the best kind of chaos

The salon doors are barely open in the mornings and already there is a buzz that you just can’t beat. Little girls arriving with accessories in boxes and the excitement absolutely bursting out of them. Honestly, it’s one of my favourite times of the year. There’s something so pure about it, the nerves, the excitement, the pride. It’s class.

The Holy Communion hair is where the real business begins. We’re talking full glam for the under-10s, hair-ups, half-up half-down styles, plaits, curls, twists… You name it, they want it. Flowers, hairbands, the veil and a few inspo pictures saved from Instagram. Every little girl has her own vision, and I love that. It’s not just about “doing their hair”, it’s about making them feel like the absolute star of the show.

Then there’s the mammies… and listen, I get it. This is their baby’s big day. The dress is steamed, the socks are spotless, the timing is planned down to the minute. So when they book in for our hair and makeup package, it’s not just a treat, it’s a wee bit of calm before the chaos. We’re here for it.

Our nail tech is flat out too, doing mammy and daughter nails. Without fail, it’s the classic French manicure. Clean, simple, and it just finishes everything off perfectly. There’s something really special about seeing them sitting side by side, getting pampered together. Those are the moments they’ll remember.

But behind the scenes? It’s organised chaos, the best kind. Early mornings, back-to-back appointments, hot tools heating, hairspray flying, and a constant eye on the clock. Because the one thing we all know is… nobody wants to be late. There’s nothing worse than a stressed mammy on Communion morning, so we run a tight ship. Timing is everything, and getting everyone out the door looking flawless and on schedule is the real skill.

What I love most though is the atmosphere. There’s laughter, there’s a few happy tears, there’s loads of photos being taken and in amongst it all, you’ve got these wee girls looking at themselves in the mirror, absolutely glowing. That confidence, that joy… You can’t fake it.

It always brings me back. I still remember my own Holy Communion day, 30 years ago now (don’t remind me). Heading to the salon, getting my hair done, and flowers placed just right. I can still feel that excitement. You think you’ll never forget it, and you don’t. It stays with you.

That’s why I never take this time for granted. Yes, it’s busy. Yes, we’re run off our feet. But it’s also such a privilege to be part of these moments. These are the memories people hold onto and we get to play a small part in that.

So to all the Communion girls this season, you are all little queens. To the mammies… don’t stress, we’ve got you.

Love Margaret.