Cork’s top stylist shares her secrets for natural shine, smart colour choices, and easy day-to-day styles.
For nearly two decades, Pamela Morrissey has been the creative force behind one of Cork’s busiest salons. Known for her precision cuts, flawless colour, and transformations on RTE’s Today Show, Pamela has also trained as a trichologist, deepening her understanding of the science of healthy hair. She’s seen every trend come and go, but what she loves most is helping people feel confident in their everyday look.
Because while glamorous up-dos and show-stopping blow-dries have their place, Pamela says the real magic is in the day-to-day. The right cut, colour, and routine can mean stepping out the door every morning with hair that looks polished without the fuss.
“People don’t give enough credit to the hair,” she explains, adding that it doesn’t need to be complicated. A few simple choices can completely change how manageable and healthy your hair feels.
Her first rule? Be mindful of colour. “My biggest tip when it comes to hair is to be mindful when colouring. I love when people embrace their natural hair colour. If you don’t over-colour, you can focus on caring for the condition, shine and reflection of your natural hair.”
Pamela’s own colour routine is minimal. “I get my hair coloured twice to three times a year. The biggest investment you could make is putting thought into your hair colour, then you will step away from the commitment of the wrong colour. Meet with a hair consultant. They will tell you what your hair needs, not what you want. Colour your hair to the absolute minimum, make your hair work for you. Then if you need to dress your hair up for an occasion, all you have to do is brighten up the front or get personalised highlights. That means you can tailor your colour to your own preferences — make it brighter in certain areas, darker in others — and really personalise it. It’s about stepping away from the monotony of a uniform highlight and creating something that suits you perfectly.”
When it comes to styling day to day, Pamela keeps it simple but polished. “Don’t underestimate the power of a good ponytail, whether that is a high ponytail or a low ponytail. Get in some front framing pieces. Hold onto the bobbin and pull the hair from underneath to give it that bit of volume everybody needs.”
One thing she is firm on? Step away from the straighteners. “The heat from a straightener is a form of energy, and when you’re straightening your hair, that heat at extremely high levels gets trapped in the hair and has to break through the strand to escape. So, by using a straightener time after time, you’re creating more and more breakage — which is why hair can look so flimsy at the ends if you overuse one.
The best thing you can do when using a hair straightener is apply a heat protector, because that takes the brunt of the energy and helps stop so much damage. But I’d always try to save heat tools for special occasions — for a one-off when it’s worth it. They’re definitely not my go-to, because they cause too much damage, and you end up spending a fortune — in time, energy, and money — trying to repair the damage they’ve caused.”
Her own drying routine is refreshingly low-maintenance. “When you are drying your hair don’t use the hair dryer the whole time or just do what I do, dry the roots to give it a bit of volume and let the rest dry naturally.”
The golden rule, according to Pamela, is that less really is more. “The less you do with your hair the better.”
And what about the latest TikTok-inspired trend, heatless curls? Pamela is a fan.
“Aside from them looking a bit crazy having socks, tights and leggings strapped around your head, I love it. It is gentle and effective. You get an easy effortless look and it allows the hair to breathe. It is perfect for everyday style.”
For Pamela, great hair does not need to be complicated. With the right colour, healthy shine, and a few smart tricks, you can have effortless everyday hair that works with your lifestyle.
