Tributes have been paid to a renowned Belfast hair stylist once heralded for bringing Los Angeles style to Northern Ireland, who has died.
Clare Afshar, who was aged in her 40s, was best known for setting up the only vintage hair parlour, Vintage Rocks, in Northern Ireland. Born in London in 1979 to an Iranian father and Ballynahinch mother, the hairdresser was primarily raised in the United States before moving to Belfast aged 17.
A mother of two, she died last Friday. In a tribute, her daughter’s GAA club Loughlinisland said they were saddened “to hear about her ultimately passing”.
“Our hearts are very much with her husband Ciaran, both daughters Lucy and Leila, and the extended Gibney family circle. We shall keep them all in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult loss,” they said.
Hair stylist Hair By Cush also posted a tribute saying the world has “lost a lovely one in a million lady”.
“I am so shocked and saddened to hear that Clare has passed away, and my heart goes out to Gibz, Leila and Lucy and all those that loved her.”
A Go Fund Me has also been set up to raise funds for her funeral, with the description reading: “As many of you may already know, we lost our beautiful Clare on Friday 11th October 2024. The outpouring of love and support has brought so much comfort to Clare’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“There are truly no words to describe the raw pain we are all feeling, especially Clare’s amazing husband and her two girls, who were her absolute world.
“Anyone who was lucky enough to know Clare has a story to tell, because she genuinely touched the life of every single person she met. She was pure magic, and that is truly the only word that can describe her.”