Review: DW Editor Rachel finds inspiration for a vintage New Year's Eve party look at Patrick Gildea Hairdressing.

It’s hard to believe that it’s a hundred years since the roaring ’20s. The extravagant style of that era is one of my favourites, and there’s no better time to copy it than Christmas and New Year’s Eve – especially when a new decade of 20s is around the corner.

So this week, as we held a vintage afternoon tea for Donegal Woman columnists, I decided to step back in time for a vintage hair and makeup look with the talented team at Patrick Gildea Hairdressing Letterkenny.

This look is perfect for New Year’s Eve, Gatsby-style balls, winter weddings or any other celebration.

Vintage Waves and Makeup by Stylist Florrie and Beauty Therapist Arlene at Patrick Gildea Hairdressing Centre of Excellence Letterkenny

Firstly, we started with a toner and vintage waves with hair stylist Florrie. The toner really brightened my balayage and took away the natural warmth that always creeps in on my hair after a few months.

I’ve learned a lot about colour from the Patrick Gildea team over the past year, as they always show their guests books and guides to help them understand our natural colours and how dyes will take.

After a wash and toner, Florrie curled and rolled all my hair into small rollers. This was the perfect time for makeup, as we could leave the curls to set while I visited makeup artist Arlene in the Allure Beauty Room of Patrick Gildea’s salon.

Keeping the rollers in while I got my makeup done with Arlene at Allure, Patrick Gildea Hairdressing

Arlene created a high-impact glamourous vintage makeup look using top makeup brands such as Georgio Armani foundation and Mac concealer, shadows and Mac/Urban Decay lipsticks.

I loved the matte eyes, subtle contouring, and deep red lip that all combined for an elegant and classic look. It was perfect for day and night.

Stylist Florrie unrolling the curls into waves at Patrick Gildea Hairdressing Centre of Excellence Letterkenny
Patrick Gildea Hairdressing Centre of Excellence Letterkenny

After makeup, it was back to Florrie to unroll the hair and reveal tight curls. Once brushed out and arranged to perfection, I had beautiful bouncy waves and the Wella Professionals products ensured they felt soft and healthy but didn’t fall out – in fact they’ve stayed perfect for a second day of partying.

Vintage Waves at Patrick Gildea Hairdressing Centre of Excellence Letterkenny

A vintage wave is just one of the in-demand looks for party season at Patrick Gildea Centre of Excellence. Florrie had many more ideas for me too – such as classic waves, half-up half-down styles, big messy ponytails, beach waves and more casual textured upstyles. Embellished slides and hairbands are also really popular this year.

Vintage Waves and Makeup at our Donegal Woman afternoon tea in McGettigan’s Hotel Letterkenny
Donegal Woman Christmas Afternoon Tea party at McGettigan’s Hotel Letterkenny

If you’re planning to welcome the 2020s in style, why not let the Patrick Gildea stylists and makeup artist create a classic or glamourous look for you too. The ‘Vintage Waves’ are listed under ‘Upstyles’ when you book online on www.patrickgildea.ie

If you’d like to find out more about beauty treatments and prices in Allure at Patrick Gildea visit: www.patrickgildea.ie/beauty

For bookings call 0749125476 and check out www.patrickgildea.ie for everything on hair styling, pricing and news from the salon team.

DW reviews are in collaboration with Patrick Gildea Hairdressing, but all opinions are my own.