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The mhb festive deals are here, but they won’t be around for long! The Christmas retail rush is just around the corner, and now is the time to get your retail shelves stocked and ready. With great savings across some of the biggest professional brands, plus gifts with purchase and special discounts, there’s plenty to tempt your clients with this Christmas. Don’t wait until the rush hits. Speak to your mhb sales consultant or call mhb Telesales today on 0860 104 109 to secure your stock while these festive offers are still available. WELLA PROFESSIONALS Fusion Shampoo and Conditioner + Oil Reflections Oil 30ml for R1 170, saving your clients R500. Plus, receive a FREE Aroma Candle. Elements Shampoo and Conditioner + Oil Reflections Oil 30ml for R1 170, saving your clients R500. Plus, receive a FREE Aroma Candle. Oil Reflections Shampoo and Conditioner + Oil Reflections Oil 30ml for R1 170, saving your clients R500. Plus, receive a FREE Aroma Candle. Ultimate Repair Shampoo, Conditioner and Night Serum for R1 845, saving your clients R790. Plus, receive a FREE Aroma Candle. Ultimate Smooth Shampoo, Conditioner and Oil Serum 30ml for R1 390, saving your clients R600. Plus, receive a FREE Aroma Candle. Ultimate Color Conditioner and Color Spray for R1 450, saving your clients R620. Plus, receive a FREE Aroma Candle. KADUS PROFESSIONAL Color Radiance Shampoo and Conditioner + Velvet Oil 100ml for R915, saving your clients R310. Plus, receive a FREE Beach Bag. Fiber Infusion Shampoo and Mask + Velvet Oil 100ml for R1 015, saving your clients R340. Plus, receive a FREE Beach Bag. Velvet Oil Shampoo and Conditioner + Velvet Oil 100ml for R1 115, saving your clients R370. Plus, receive a FREE Beach Bag. Visible Repair Shampoo and Mask + Velvet Oil 100ml for R925, saving your clients R310. Plus, receive a FREE Beach Bag. Toneplex Pearl Blonde Shampoo and Pearl Blonde Mask + Velvet Oil 100ml for R1 065, saving your clients R360. Plus, receive a FREE Beach Bag. NIOXIN Any Nioxin Loyalty Kit for R1 400, saving your clients R620. Plus, receive a FREE Nioxin Scalp Massager. KEUNE Purchase any two Keune Care or Styling products and receive a FREE premium water bottle. OPI Enjoy special discounts on service deals for salons. Our gift to you this festive season. REUZEL Get Reuzeled! for R514, saving your clients R128 – that’s 20% off. The pack includes: Extreme Pomade 35g, Grooming Tonic 100ml plus FREE Reuzel cinch bag. SWEET PROFESSIONAL First Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner for R534, saving your clients R134. Plus, FREE Sweet festive bauble with giant scrunchie inside. QIQI Smooth Service Shampoo 300ml + Super Soaker Masque 250ml for R2 122, saving your clients R373. Plus, receive FREE limited edition Qiqi playing cards. These offers are an easy way to add some extra sparkle to your retail shelves this Christmas. But remember, they’re only available for a limited time and while stocks last, so get in touch with your mhb sales consultant or mhb Telesales today. mhb Facebook Instagram Website

Written by Megan Griffiths Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace. Differences in opinions, work styles, personalities, and pressures can all lead to tension between colleagues or clients. While conflict itself is not inherently negative, how it is managed can significantly impact team morale, guest loyalty, and brand reputation. One of the most effective approaches to managing workplace conflict is the use of de-escalation skills. Conflict in public-facing establishments can escalate quickly, with time, money, and trust all at stake. De-escalation focuses on reducing emotional intensity, calming situations, and guiding interactions towards constructive outcomes. When applied effectively, these skills help prevent disagreements from turning into damaging confrontations and support a respectful, collaborative work environment. The Role of Leaders and Managers Effective de-escalation starts with how leaders show up. Leaders play a critical role in modelling and reinforcing de-escalation skills. When managers handle conflict calmly and respectfully, they set clear expectations for acceptable workplace behaviour, de-escalate tense situations, protect safety, and maintain respect for everyone involved. Managers can support de-escalation by: Preventing escalation before it starts Addressing issues early, do not let resentment build up Intervening early in conflicts Creating safe spaces for dialogue Choosing words intentionally in tense moments Providing training on communication and emotional intelligence (tone, language, and situational awareness) Documenting service standards and consultation processes Tracking complaints to identify recurring system issues Encouraging feedback and open discussion A leadership culture that values de-escalation fosters trust and psychological safety across teams and contributes to a more stable and productive working environment within establishments. Key De-Escalation Skills for Managing Conflict 1. Active Listening Active listening is the foundation of de-escalation. It involves giving full attention to the speaker, avoiding interruptions, and demonstrating understanding through verbal and non-verbal cues. When people feel heard, their emotional intensity often decreases. Examples include: Maintaining eye contact Nodding to show understanding Using brief verbal cues like “I understand,” “Thank you for explaining,” or “I appreciate you telling me.” Paraphrasing what the other person has said: “So what I’m hearing is…” 2. Staying Calm and Self-Aware Emotions are contagious. Responding with calmness helps prevent the situation from escalating further. This requires self-awareness and emotional regulation, especially when faced with criticism or hostility. Maintaining personal space, neutral expressions, and a calm tone can significantly reduce escalation. Techniques include: Taking slow, deep breaths Pausing before responding Keeping your tone neutral and steady 3. Using Respectful and Non-Threatening Language The words and tone used during conflict can either calm or inflame a situation. De-escalation relies on respectful, non-judgmental language that avoids blame or accusations. Phrases such as “I can see why that felt frustrating” or “I appreciate you telling me” acknowledge emotions without admitting fault or assigning blame. In contrast, statements like “You should have said something earlier” or “I’m sorry you feel that way” can be perceived as dismissive. For example: Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements Avoid absolute terms like “always” or “never.” Focus on behaviours and impacts, not personal traits Set boundaries respectfully if needed, using phrases like “I want to help, but let’s keep this respectful.” 4. Acknowledging Emotions Acknowledging how someone feels does not mean agreeing with them. It simply shows empathy and understanding, which can significantly reduce defensiveness. Statements such as: “I can see this is frustrating for you.” “It sounds like you’re feeling under a lot of pressure.” These responses validate emotions and open the door to problem-solving. 5. Apologise if Needed A sincere apology is often the emotional turning point in conflict. For example: “I’m really sorry this wasn’t the experience you expected. Let’s make this right.” Pair the apology with action Avoid excuses or over-explaining 6. Focusing on Solutions, Not Winning De-escalation shifts the conversation from proving a point or assigning blame to finding common ground or a solution. This collaborative approach encourages shared ownership of the outcome. Effective practices include: Asking solution-focused questions Identifying common goals Exploring options together Recovery: Turning Conflict into Loyalty While de-escalation techniques are highly effective at reducing emotional intensity and defensiveness in the moment, long-term change depends on what happens after the conflict. Effective leaders understand the importance of recovery. The deliberate follow-up ensures concerns have been fully addressed and that all parties feel heard, respected, and satisfied. This may include checking in after a difficult conversation, confirming agreed-upon actions, or acknowledging where expectations were not met. When complaints and conflicts are handled well and followed through consistently, they can strengthen trust, increase commitment, and build long-term loyalty within establishments. Conclusion Conflict in the workplace is unavoidable, but escalation is not. De-escalation skills provide employees and leaders with practical tools to manage tension, preserve relationships, and resolve issues constructively. By prioritising calm communication, empathy, and solution-focused thinking, establishments can transform conflict from a source of disruption into an opportunity for growth and collaboration. Investing in de-escalation skills is ultimately an investment in a healthier, more resilient workplace. It enables establishments to respond to challenges with consistency and professionalism, rather than reactivity, and ensures that both employees and clients feel valued and respected even in difficult situations. Over time, this approach contributes to a stronger organisational culture, improved service delivery, and a reputation for professionalism and care. In environments where client experience and interpersonal relationships are central to success, the ability to manage conflict effectively becomes a defining factor in long-term sustainability. Establishments that embed de-escalation into their daily practices are better equipped to navigate pressure, retain client trust, and maintain cohesive teams. As such, de-escalation is not merely a reactive skill but a proactive strategy that supports continuous improvement, accountability, and excellence across all levels of the establishment. For any further information or enquiries please contact the EOHCB representative in your area by clicking HERE. EOHCB Contact Details Web: www.eohcb.co.za | YouTube: www.youtube.com/@eohcbsa7855 Facebook: www.facebook.com/eohcb | Twitter: twitter.com/eohcbsa Instagram: www.instagram.com/eohcbsa

A quick behind the scenes on how to achieve this inncredible effect. Click the image below to view the Instagram post. Stylist: Epoch Tony Tsai Follow Tony on Instagram @tonytony1226

From drab to fab with Warren Schultz, where good hair is guaranteed. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Hair: Warren Schultz Products: Wella Professionals Salon: Hair by Warren Follow Warren on Instagram @warren_schultz_hairstylist @influence_hair_pe We'd love to feature your work! To get your styles, looks or colour formulas featured in Hairnews, send them either to brad@hairnews.co.za or DM them directly to our Hairnews Instagram page.

Choosing the best in the business is no easy job. We’ve brought together six talented industry professionals with years of experience, competition success, education and creative expertise. From award-winning hairstylists and internationally recognised competitors to leading barbers and educators, our 2026 judging panel brings a wealth of knowledge and a seriously sharp eye for great hair. Meet the six industry experts who will be putting this year’s finalists to the test! Chrislene Marais Independent hairstylist Chrislene brings 16 years of experience in the hair industry with extensive expertise in blondes, colour transformations, extensions and creative colour. We welcome her to the Hairnews Awards judging panel! A Blonde Specialist of the Year winner, Chrislene has also achieved strong results at the Hairnews Awards, taking Gold for Best Red Carpet Glamour Look and Bronze for Best Balayage. Her career built around colour, creativity and transformation brings both competition experience and a strong technical eye to this year’s judging panel. • • • • • • • Jason Versfeld Jason, owner and barber at Mason Barbershop, has established himself over his 11 years in the industry as an experienced professional with a strong passion for the growth of the hair and barbering industry. His competition achievements include winning Perfect Cut in 2018 and 2019, followed by being crowned Barber of the Year in 2020. With his combination of hands-on industry experience, competition success and passion for barbering, Jason brings a strong professional eye to the Hairnews Awards judging panel. • • • • • • • Jeanine Bezuidenhout Jeanine Bezuidenhout has turned her 10-year career in the hair industry into a true passion for creating beautiful hair and helping others grow within the profession. As co-owner of Her Salon, Jeanine has established her signature in balayage, focusing on mentoring and inspiring fellow stylists. Jeanine is no stranger to the Hairnews Awards herself, having proudly taken home first place in a Hairnews Industry Award. Her experience as both a successful stylist and previous Hairnews Awards winner gives her a valuable perspective as she steps onto the other side of the judging table this year! • • • • • • • Kierann “KC” Bekker Kierann “KC” Bekker has already built a strong reputation in men’s grooming in his 8 years in the hair industry. A graduate of The Hair Academy of South Africa (THASA), Kierann was awarded Top Practical Student in his final year of college. His 2025 achievement as Barber of the Year cemented his position as one of the rising talents in South African men’s grooming. Kierann is not only a top talent in barbering technique and creativity, he is passionate about education and regularly participates in industry seminars, sharing his knowledge of modern, trending hairstyles and grooming techniques with fellow barbers and hairstylists. • • • • • • • Lelanie de Jager With more than 25 years of experience in the professional barbering and education industry, Lelanie de Jager brings an exceptional depth of knowledge and international experience to the Hairnews Awards judging panel. Lelanie began her career with an apprenticeship at Hair Associates in Knightsbridge, London, before gaining experience in barbershops across the UK, Ireland and South Africa. Her international career included working at The Merchant Barbers in Dublin, where she represented a seven-time All-Ireland Barber of the Year and competed in the National Irish Hairdressing Championships, achieving 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes across cutting, artistic blow-drying, styling and photography. Her competition career includes holding the Northern Ireland Barber of the Year title, winning two Golds and a Silver at the Northern Ireland Hairdressing Federation Gents Championships, and representing Ireland at the World Hairdressing Championships in Las Vegas in the Men’s category. Lelanie holds an IHF Masters in Hairdressing and has dedicated much of her career to developing barbering skills in South Africa. As an educator for Sorbet Man Academy, she developed its Skills Development course and barber curriculum, was involved in 13 store openings nationwide, and trained and upskilled more than 120 barbers over three years. Today, Lelanie is the National Grooming Educator for Wahl Academy South Africa, continuing to educate and develop aspiring barbers. Her extensive competition, education and international experience make her a valuable addition to this year’s judging panel. • • • • • • • Mia Crous Mia Crous is an award-winning South African hairstylist with 14 years of industry experience and an impressive record of national and international recognition. As a three-time Goldwell Global Creative Awards winner, Mia claimed Goldwell Global Creative Awards titles in 2018, 2021 and 2024. She has had the further exciting accomplishment of representing South Africa at WorldSkills in Brazil, where she received her Springbok colours, and is an Industry Award Gold winner and Haircutter of the Year. An experienced competition judge, Mia has been invited to the prestigious Goldwell Global Creative Awards in Milan, and brings extensive experience across creative cutting, colour and avant-garde styling. Her combination of competition success, international experience and creative expertise makes Mia a natural choice for the Hairnews Awards judging panel. A BIG HAIRNEWS THANK YOU! A huge thank you to all six of our judges for taking the time to be part of the 2026 Hairnews Industry Awards. We know that judging is no small responsibility, and we’re incredibly grateful to have such an experienced and talented group of industry professionals giving their time, expertise and honest opinions to help us recognise the very best in the business. From all of us at Hairnews – thank you for being part of the 2026 Awards!

Lessoan Thermo Botox Your clients want botox for their hair. Give them Lessoan. Formaldehyde-free. Salon strength. Results that last 2-3 months Lessoan Thermo Botox rebuilds, straightens and deeply hydrates every hair type - with acai, shea butter, cassava and sunflower oil doing the work chemicals used to do. • Deep reconstruction • Zero frizz • Maximum shine • Zero compromise Enquire about becoming a LESSOAN salon today! Contact details: Tel: 021 552 2369 Email: georg@z-one.co.za marku@z-one.co.za Take Note Trading 188cc (Distributor of LESSOAN Cosmetique) 1 Indwe Road, Milnerton, Cape Town

A beautiful blow-dry should feel as good as it looks. With L’ANZA Scalp Therapy Balancing Scrub, Shampoo, Conditioner and Balancing Leave-On Serum, salons can bring targeted scalp care into a ritual clients experience in the chair and continue at home. Your client loves her colour. Her hair looks polished. Yet between appointments, her scalp feels oily, tight or uncomfortable, and visible flakes leave her feeling self-conscious. One thoughtful question can open a valuable conversation: “How does your scalp feel between washes?” Why the scalp deserves a place in every consultation Dryness, excess oil, visible flakes and product buildup each call for individual attention. Dry shampoo can help refresh a style, but it absorbs oil rather than cleansing the scalp. Regular washing remains essential to remove residue and accumulated oil. For stylists, the opportunity begins with listening. Ask about the client’s cleansing routine and the products the client uses, then assess whether a cosmetic scalp ritual is appropriate. Persistent irritation, sores or unexplained hair loss warrant medical assessment. Balancing Scrub: a fresh beginning L’ANZA Scalp Therapy Balancing Scrub transforms into a creamy lather, gently lifting away excess oil, buildup and visible flakes for a cleaner, refreshed scalp. Its ingredient story brings sophisticated science and botanical care to the basin. Papaya enzymes help exfoliate unwanted flakes, while coconut water supports the scalp’s natural moisture barrier. Natural sea salt helps lift dirt, oil and residue. Lactic acid combines gentle exfoliation with moisture retention, and green microalgae and red seaweed provide antioxidant care to help comfort and balance the scalp. For the client, this is a cleansing step she can experience as part of a considered, professional service. Balancing Leave-On Serum: comfort that continues Complete the ritual with L’ANZA Scalp Therapy Balancing Leave-On Serum, a lightweight treatment that hydrates and helps soothe dryness and discomfort. Its quickly absorbing texture leaves no residue, making scalp care easy to incorporate into a polished finish. Alongside the Papaya Soothing Complex, hyaluronic acid attracts and binds moisture. Microalgae supports scalp balance and barrier health, while aloe vera and licorice root extract help soothe irritation. Meadowfoam seed oil adds nourishing moisture. For a client hesitant about applying products at the roots, demonstrate the texture and placement. Understanding how a scalp serum feels can make the recommendation much more reassuring. Build the experience around the client Introduce the ritual during consultation, explain its purpose and agree the service before moving to the basin. Refresh. Apply Balancing Scrub to the damp scalp in sections. Gently massage to lather and exfoliate, then rinse thoroughly. Cleanse. The scrub can be used alone or before Balancing Shampoo when a deeper cleanse is appropriate. Replenish. Follow with Balancing Conditioner to restore moisture and soften the hair. Comfort. Apply Balancing Leave-On Serum directly to the towel-dried scalp in sections. Massage gently and leave on before styling. A calm explanation and an unhurried massage give the service its sense of luxury. Let the client know what each step is doing, so the client leaves with both a cared-for scalp and greater confidence in their routine. One ritual, two opportunities for salon growth A dedicated scalp ritual creates a paid service opportunity alongside a cut or blow-dry, or as a standalone appointment. Give it a clear place on the treatment menu and recommend it where the consultation identifies a genuine need. The retail conversation then has a natural starting point: the client has experienced the products and understands their purpose. Explain the home routine simply. Balancing Scrub provides weekly exfoliating cleansing, or use as needed according to scalp needs and directions. Balancing Leave-On Serum provides lightweight hydration and comfort after washing. Recommend the products that suit the individual, and show them exactly how to apply them. “This is the scalp care we used today. Here is how you can continue it at home.” Home care gives clients practical support between appointments while creating an additional source of retail margin for the salon. Reviewing the routine at their next visit also creates opportunities for replenishment sales and repeat treatments where appropriate. The result is a service clients can understand, a home routine they can follow, and a stronger reason to trust your professional advice. Bring L’ANZA Scalp Therapy to your salon Discover how Balancing Scrub, Shampoo, Conditioner and Balancing Leave-On Serum can become part of your salon’s signature scalp ritual. Contact Blume Distributions for product information, education and stocking enquiries. Email: hello@blumebrands.co WhatsApp: 083 697 3040 About L’ANZA Color & Care: From care to color, L’ANZA heals, seals and protects hair around the world utilizing the latest technology available for award-winning product performance. L’ANZA is the only brand that heals the hair, delivering maximum shine & color that lasts. They maintain a green commitment by ensuring all products & actions support a healthy & sustainable Earth. L’ANZA is proud to be a professional, diversion-free brand, creating the finest haircare products, tools, and education in the world.

Alex Thaddeus stylist and owner of Alex Thaddeus Hairdressing The best hair colour for your client is completely unique to the client you have sitting in the chair in front of you. To achieve good results and happy customers on a consistent level it is important to have a solid structure throughout the appointment from a clear consultation process to communication throughout the appointment and always asking for feedback after their hair transformation. Complete an in-depth consultation process Always start with an in-depth consultation, this will be the backbone of your appointment and determine how the process unfolds. You want to understand your client as an individual as well as their hair. Ask about their lifestyle, washing frequency, even how they wear their hair daily. This could affect how much colour you apply. As well as this, understanding your clients skin tones and natural hair colour is important to identify within the consultation. This will then help you to interpret what undertones will complement their complexion, your colour formula and everything that will go into the overall appointment. You may additionally want to offer them restorative hair masks and deep conditioning treatments that you can apply within the appointment so always ask what struggles they face with their hair day to day. I always reach for the Goldwell Kerasilk “Repower” recovery mask when my clients are looking to revive any dull hair as it is great for restoring volume and strengthening hair. Create a relaxing and enjoyable appointment Once you have ticked all the boxes from your consultation you can move on to creating the perfect colour to suit the individual. A top tip I have for identifying the right tones to include in your colouring is to check the colours of their veins, purple and blue coloured veins indicate that your client will suit cooler tones while green veins indicate that your client will suit warmer tones. Once you have customised the colour, I strongly suggest that you complete a test strand before committing fully to application. This is a really great way to predict how the final result will look before making any errors, check in with your client to see if they are happy with the test strand before you continue. Throughout the appointment keep your client updated with what you’re doing and ask them for their input for example ask how they want their hair styled towards the end of the appointment, or checking they are ok with you using a smoothing serum. This will ensure the client is happy, relaxed and comfortable in your chair. Aftercare for the client Once the appointment has come to an end make sure that you inform the client of the best aftercare procedure that will keep their hair looking vibrant and fresh. Share product recommendation, the most beneficial washing routines for them as well as when to schedule their touch up appointment. As well as this don’t be afraid to ask them for verbal feedback or leave an online review on the salon’s website, this will also help you to build a relationship with your client and encourage them to come back to your salon.

Future Nomad, dystopian times arid hot and futuristic. Modern cyborg glamour amazons of the future embrace a new world. Drawing inspiration from movies such as Fifth Element, Mad Max and Blade Runner and more, I was inspired to create a collection that had one foot into the future. What would the world look like if it was paired back and stripped down. I wanted my models to look lost and between two world but at the same time empowered, enlightened standing their ground and holding space. Future Nomad is about empowerment strength and resilience of the day-to-day growth of the modern woman as she navigates new territory how would that feel and what would it look like? Where would we live in a bare igloo type establishment or caves would the end of this world breath new life into another world as we balance between dimensions having one foot in one world and one foot in an alternate world? The desert is vast and the landscape harsh we need to evolve and reinvent ourselves to make way in this new world. Collection: Future Nomad Hairdresser: Dani Blakeley @dani_yoshiko_hair Colourist: Dani Blakeley Salon: Yoshiko Hair @yoshiko_hair Photographer: Annis and Barton Stylist: Renee Lamb Make up: Shev Kelly

One mist. A whole new mood. Four fine, weightless hair-and-body mists that scent skin and hair in one spritz, leaving hair soft, smooth and lightly conditioned, never weighed down. Beautifully packaged and instantly giftable, they're the easiest add-on sale at your till. feel good • feel confident • feel magnetic • feel empowered Ready to stock the mood? Get in touch for pricing, ranges & in-salon displays. Contact details: Take Note Trading 188cc Tel: 021 552 2369 Email: georg@z-one.co.za

It's the final week to get in your entries for our Signature Look categories. Show us what you got! The Deadline for entries is Friday 9th October 2026. Click HERE to Read the Category Brief and Rules The Best Hairnews Brand Award have been announced, and industry voting is officially open! To view nominees and cast your votes, click HERE. The Hairnews Team can’t wait to receive your awesome work. Let’s celebrate the artistic talent of our fabulous industry!

Sitting in Riki's chair, gets you results like these! Click the image below to view the Instagram post. Hair: Riki-Jay Salon: That Hair Girl Follow Riki-Jay on Instagram @thathairgirl_rikijay @thathairgirl_salon We'd love to feature your work! To get your styles, looks or colour formulas featured in Hairnews, send them either to brad@hairnews.co.za or DM them directly to our Hairnews Instagram page.