SHAIR!UNDRGRND After Dark at Haircon 2026

SHAIR! UNDRGRND After Dark Takes Over HairCon Weekend

HairCon presented SHAIR! UNDRGRND After Dark, created by How To Cut It and backed by Spotd—and it quickly became one of the standout events of the HairCon festival weekender.

Hosted in a packed upstairs bar, the night delivered a raw, underground energy with a big-stage impact.

A Stage for Rising Talent (and the Industry)

With 35 hairstylists stepping up for fast-paced stage slots, SHAIR! UNDRGRND is fast gaining a reputation as the place to be seen. The lineup brought together rising talent, new-gen art teams, educators, and industry faces—all in one room, all bringing their best.

Hosted by Dom Lehane, Fueled by the Crowd

The night was hosted by Dom Lehane, founder of How To Cut It. From the first set to the final reveal, the atmosphere was electric. The crowd didn’t just watch—they cheered, reacted, and backed every performer, turning the room into a true live experience.

Not Your Typical Education Show

This wasn’t a standard stage demo. The format was built for impact, pace, and creativity.

Each performer had 20 minutes in a prep area located right beside the stage, then entered in groups of four. Once the clock started, they had 10 minutes to transform their look—live, in front of a high-energy audience.

From the Grid to Center Stage

When the countdown began, the DJ turned up the volume and the artists got to work. There was no talking during the performance—instead, many performers used caption cards, held by their models, to share the meaning and story behind each look.

It felt like a fusion of open mic culture and social media brought to life—a true “grid to stage” moment.

The Reveal: 90 Seconds to Explain the Why

When the timer hit zero, it was time for the full model reveal. The model stood, the look landed, and the artist had no more than 90 seconds to break down the what and the why.

Then it was a bow, off the stage—and the next four artists stepped in.

Where Hair Meets Club: “SHAIRtainment”

With the crowd dancing, the DJ dropping uplifting club bangers, and Dom’s infectious energy driving the room, SHAIR! UNDRGRND is fast becoming known as one of the most dynamic nights where hair culture and nightlife collide.

We call it SHAIRtainment.

Prizes, Recognition, and Star SHAIR of the Night

To close the night, prizes were awarded—along with the coveted Star SHAIR of the Night.

Congratulations to Ruby Watson (Fusion Hair Co) for taking the title. Judges praised her debut performance, especially for pushing through her nerves.

What’s Next: UK & Ireland Tour

The response from performers and the crowd was simple: they loved it—and they want more.

Next up: we’re planning a UK & Ireland tour. If you’d like to register your interest, email us HERE and follow @weareshair on Instagram for updates.