'Here’s to new beginnings' - Popular Laois hair salon to close doors after 33 years
End of an era in Portlaoise as a popular hair and beauty salon, Bankz Hair and Beauty, announces closure after 33 years in business
The owner of a popular Portlaoise hair salon has announced its closure after 33 years in business.
Barbara Aldritt, owner of Bankz Hair and Beauty Salon, began her hairdressing career in Ireland over 40 years ago.
When qualified, she moved to Australia where she developed her skills and gained a vast experience in business along the way.
She returned to Ireland in 1993 and established her award winning salon - Bankz Hair Group, in the heart of Portlaoise.
Barbara is a certified wig technician and highly trained in the art of wig cutting and styling. She is the friendly face you will meet at The Wig Rooms at Bankz, part of her multi-award-winning salon, according to the salon’s website.
She specialises in wigs and hair pieces for people with hair loss due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, alopecia, trichotillomania and thinning hair.
Barbara looks back on her “33 wonderful years” in the business with a lovely message on social media, as she announces the closure.
Bankz Hair and Beauty Salon will officially close on December 23rd, 2026.
Barbara said that one of the greatest privileges of her career was being part of the training industry, “supporting and nurturing the skills and confidence of the next generation of hairdressers”.
Barbara also reflects on being able to provide a service for clients with alopecia and chemotherapy-induced hair loss.
“This is something very close to my heart,” Barbara said. “I am delighted that this service will continue. While this chapter is closing, another one is just beginning”.
Barbara’s work is not over. She has announced that her wig store, ‘Bankz Wig Rooms’, will remain open.
The store will open in January in a newly designed space created to offer a comfortable, private and safe environment, where she can continue to provide her specialist wig and hair replacement services.
Barbara will also remain in the hairdressing realm despite the salon closure, with her role as Chair of Image Skillnet and with her involvement in the Irish Hairdressing Apprenticeship Steering Group.
“Both roles will allow me to stay connected to the industry I have loved for over three decades,” Barbara said on Facebook.
“To my wonderful, loyal clients who have been with me throughout these 33 years, I want to say the biggest thank you. You have become so much more than clients. You are an extension of my family.
“I have watched your children grow up, get married and have children of their own. So many memories, friendships and special moments have been shared within these walls, and I will treasure them always”.
Barbara also praised her employees in the heartwarming social media post. She said: ”To my past and present team members, thank you for being part of the Bankz journey.
“Your hard work, loyalty and contribution have helped make Bankz what it is today. I wish each and every one of you nothing but happiness and success”.
“Here’s to new beginnings and the next chapter”.
Barbara concluded with a reminder for those who currently have vouchers for Bankz Hair and Beauty Salon. Any vouchers should be used before the closure on Wednesday, December 23rd.