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Written by Siphesihle Mthombeni In the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, work is deeply personal. You spend long hours together, share clients, help each other when things get busy, and sometimes even become friends. That is why things can feel awkward when one day you are working side by side, and the next day, you are the one in charge. Maybe you used to laugh together in the staff room, swap shifts, or complain about difficult clients. Now you must check performance, approve leave, and sometimes correct behaviour. It can feel uncomfortable, and if we are honest, a bit emotional too. But this situation is actually very common in salon/spa spaces, especially where people grow into leadership from within the team. The biggest change is not really the job; it is the relationship. Shifting Relationships and Building Fairness When you become a leader, people still remember the “old you.” Some may still treat you like nothing has changed. Others might watch closely to see if you favour certain people. That is why fairness becomes very important. You do not have to become cold or distant, but you do have to be consistent. The same rules must apply to everyone, even friends. Fairness is not only a personal value; it is also a professional requirement. In South Africa, the Labour Relations Act (1995) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (1997) set clear expectations for workplace fairness and compliance. These laws remind leaders that consistency is not optional; it is the foundation of professional responsibility. Communication as a Leadership Tool Clear communication helps a lot. Instead of assuming everyone understands your new role, explain expectations openly. For example, talk about working hours, client handling, and responsibilities. When people know what is expected, they adjust more easily. It removes confusion and prevents misunderstandings. Consider a scenario where a salon/spa introduces new client booking systems. If the leader explains the process step by step, staff feel included and respected. If not, frustration builds quickly. This is why communication is not just about talking; it is about listening, clarifying, and ensuring everyone feels part of the journey. The Department of Employment and Labour’s Workplace Compliance Guidelines (2023) emphasise that communication is central to compliance. Leaders who explain policies clearly reduce conflict and strengthen trust. Formal Structures and Industry Standards In South Africa, workplaces operate within formal labour structures that guide how employees and employers interact. The hair and beauty industry follows standards set by the bargaining council that help ensure fair treatment and proper procedures. If serious workplace conflict happens, there are formal systems to resolve disputes fairly. The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) plays a vital role here. Its 2022/2023 Annual Report highlights how disputes are resolved through mediation and conciliation, ensuring fairness for both employees and employers. For salon/spa leaders, this means that conflict management is not just about personal diplomacy; it is about following recognised procedures. The Employers' Organisation for Hairdressing, Cosmetology, and Beauty (EOHCB) also provides agreements and compliance guidance specific to the sector. These agreements remind leaders that fairness is not just about how they feel; it is about aligning with industry-wide standards. Leadership Beyond Rules: Supporting Growth Workplace leadership is also shaped by national employment regulation and training standards. There are clear expectations around compliance, skills development, and professional growth. This means leadership is not only about managing people, but it is also about meeting industry standards and supporting professional development. The Services SETA Sector Skills Plan (2020–2025) highlights the importance of continuous training in the services sector, including beauty and hairdressing. Leaders who encourage staff to pursue accredited training not only strengthen their team’s skills but also contribute to the industry’s long-term growth. Imagine a salon/spa leader who supports a junior staff member or a member who has been in the industry for many years without a formal qualification or skills certificate in enrolling for an accredited course/qualification. That investment builds loyalty, improves service quality, and positions the salon/spa as a professional space. Leadership, therefore, becomes a bridge between compliance and creativity. Balancing Kindness and Accountability But leadership is not only about rules. It is also about people. The hair and beauty industry is built on relationships, creativity, and trust. Your team still needs to feel respected and supported. You can still be kind, approachable, and understanding. The difference is that now you must balance kindness with accountability. Think of it like this: before, you were part of the group. Now, you are responsible for the group. That does not mean losing connection; it means guiding it more healthily. Over time, if you are fair, clear, and respectful, most former colleagues will adjust. Some may even support you more because they know you, your work ethic, and how hard you worked to get there. Practical Leadership Guide: What You Must Do and Must Not Do What you must do: Be fair to everyone, even when it is uncomfortable. For example, if two employees request leave at the same time, apply the same criteria to both. Communicate clearly about expectations, schedules, and responsibilities. A weekly team briefing can prevent confusion. Listen to your team, people want to feel heard and respected. Even small suggestions can improve workflow. Stay professional when making decisions, especially difficult ones. Professionalism builds trust even when outcomes are tough. Lead by example: arrive on time, follow rules, and show the behaviour you expect. Consistency sets the tone. Support growth: help team members improve their skills and confidence. Encourage training and mentorship. Address problems early: small issues grow quickly in close working spaces. A quick conversation can prevent bigger disputes. What you must not do: Do not favour friends/colleagues or treat people differently. Favouritism damages morale. Do not avoid difficult conversations; silence creates resentment. Do not try to please everyone all the time. Leadership requires balance, not popularity. Do not correct people harshly in front of clients or coworkers. Respect must guide discipline. Do not forget that respect goes both ways; authority is not control. Do not ignore workplace policies or procedures. They protect everyone, including you. Do not take things personally. Leadership decisions must stay professional. Leadership as Care and Responsibility Leading people who were once your equals is not always easy. But in the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, where trust and teamwork matter so much, it can also be one of the most meaningful ways to grow as a professional. When handled with honesty and consistency, leadership becomes less about power and more about care, responsibility, and setting the right example every day. It is about balancing compliance with compassion, rules with relationships, and accountability with growth. In simple terms, good leadership is about balance, being human, being fair, and being responsible at the same time. And when leaders embrace this balance, they not only strengthen their teams but also contribute to the professionalism and sustainability of the industry itself. 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

‘CounterCulture takes inspiration from Britain’s underground rave scene before commercialisation, when abandoned warehouses and secret locations became spaces for creativity, connection and self expression. The collection captures the raw aesthetic and rebellious spirit of 1990’s rave culture.’ Hair: F.A.M.E Team 2026 Olivia Brady - @oliviarosebradyhair Samantha Byrne - @samvanillahair Chelsey Stone - @chelseystonehair Troy Tobias - @troytobiashair Project Leader: Christel Barron-Hough - @christelbarronhough Photographer: Chris Bulezuik - @chrisbulezuikphotography MUA Team: Agnes Aftowicz - @agnesmakeupartist1 Charlotte Smith - @charlottesharplesmua Niamh Fox - @niamhfoxmua

Elevate Your Salon’s Male Grooming Services with DEPOT – THE MALE TOOLS & Co As male clients become increasingly discerning in their grooming routines, salons and barbershops are expected to deliver expert, tailored services that meet modern standards. That’s where DEPOT – THE MALE TOOLS & Co steps in—a brand developed by barbers, for barbers, offering a complete and refined range of shaving, beard, and moustache care products. With its vintage aesthetic and scientifically advanced formulas, DEPOT is more than just a product line—it’s a statement of quality and professionalism. Featuring carefully curated ingredients and masculine fragrances, each product delivers performance and prestige in every application. Shaving Solutions: For a Classic Barber Experience DEPOT offers a sophisticated shaving line, from pre-shave to post-shave: No. 401 Pre & Post Shave Emulsion – Softens the skin before shaving and soothes it afterward. No. 402 Transparent Shaving Gel – Ideal for precision work, perfect for beards and contouring. No. 405 After Shave Astringent Stone – Reduces redness and soothes nicks, offering a professional finish. These products elevate the traditional wet shave into a modern grooming ritual your clients will return for. Beard & Moustache Care: Keep It Sharp & Styled Beards and moustaches are here to stay, and clients want them looking healthy, groomed, and stylish: No. 501 Moisturizing & Clarifying Beard Shampoo – Gentle yet effective cleansing for facial hair and skin. No. 502 Beard & Moustache Butter – Nourishes and styles with a rich, hydrating texture. No. 505 Conditioning Beard Oil – A favourite for shine, softness, and taming unruly hairs. With DEPOT, facial hair maintenance becomes a signature service, not just an add-on. Barber-Backed. Client-Approved. DEPOT’s range has quickly gained traction among top barbershops and salons globally—and in South Africa, it’s fast becoming the preferred brand for professional men’s grooming. By adding DEPOT’s shaving and beard care rituals to your service menu, you position your salon as a grooming destination of choice. Make Grooming a Signature Experience Contact your Take Note Trading representative today to learn more about how DEPOT can transform your men’s grooming offering. Educational support and merchandising solutions are available to help you introduce the range with confidence and style. DEPOT – THE MALE TOOLS & Co: Where Heritage Meets High Performance. Take Note Trading are distributors of DEPOT and Milk_shake in SA Contact details: Email: marku@z-one.co.za or georg@z-one.co.za www.depotmaletools.com/en/ | Facebook | Instagram

We are delighted to introduce you to the ultimate grooming experience with DEPOT’s range of top grooming picks for self-care. With a focus on the 400 Shaving Solutions and 500 Beard and Moustache Solutions, DEPOT ensures that every man can groom with love and confidence. 400 Shaving Solutions The DEPOT 400 Shaving Solutions collection is designed to provide a superior shaving experience that combines comfort, precision, and care. Here are some of the standout products: 401 Pre & Post Shave Cream Skin Protector: This versatile cream prepares the skin for shaving and soothes it afterward. It reduces irritation and provides a protective barrier, ensuring a smooth and comfortable shave. 403 Pre-Shave & Softening Oil: Infused with natural oils, this pre-shaving oil softens the beard and allows the razor to glide effortlessly, reducing friction and preventing razor burn. 405 Moisturizing Shaving Cream: Enriched with nourishing ingredients, this balm soothes and moisturizes the skin during shaving, helping to reduce redness and irritation. 407 Moisturizing Aftershave: Restoring and refreshing aftershave lotion with low-alcohol content 500 Beard and Moustache Solutions The DEPOT 500 Beard and Moustache Solutions collection offers a range of products to keep facial hair looking its best. Here are some key products: 501 Moisturising & Clarifying Beard Shampoo: Purifies and hydrates the facial hair while helping to maintain the beard. 502 Beard & Moustache Butter: A balanced set of natural active moisturizes, nourishes, softens and protects the delicate facial hair. It also gives Shine and light control. 505 Beard Oil: Nourishes, conditions and gives control and Shine to the beard with a pleasant and unique fragrance. Easily absorbed, it protects the integrity of the beard. Benefits for Your Salon & Clients Enhanced Grooming Experience: DEPOT’s high-quality products ensure a superior grooming experience, making clients feel pampered and well-cared for. Client Satisfaction: Offering a range of specialized grooming products will delight your clients and keep them returning for regular grooming services. Boosted Retail Sales: Stocking DEPOT’s grooming solutions can increase your retail sales, as clients will want to maintain their grooming routine at home. Elevate Your Grooming Services Incorporate DEPOT’s 400 Shaving Solutions and 500 Beard and Moustache Solutions into your salon’s offerings and provide your clients with the ultimate grooming experience. With DEPOT, every man can groom with love and enjoy healthier, more stylish facial hair. Contact us today to learn more about DEPOT – THE MALE TOOLS & Co skincare range and how it can transform your business. Take Note Trading are distributors of DEPOT and Milk_shake in SA Contact details: Email: marku@z-one.co.za or georg@z-one.co.za www.depotmaletools.com/en/ | Facebook | Instagram

Entries are now OPEN and we can’t wait for you to show us your creativity. Now is the time to submit your awesome work! These awards, which are done online and are free to enter, aim to recognize excellence and creativity throughout our awesome industry! Below are the categories, with their requirements and rules to enter. PLEASE READ THE CATEGORY BRIEF AND RULES CAREFULLY BEST SIGNATURE LOOK: LADIES – Judged This is a judged category where you can enter your own work. In this category, we are looking for a trendy, wearable “Signature Look” for the Ladies: a professionally finished, tailored cut and colour designed specifically to suit your model’s face shape, skin tone and hair texture. Choose accessories and makeup that beautifully complement the hair colour, cut and styling, bringing the whole look together into one harmonious style. Let your unique creativity and skill show through in a polished, beautifully put-together finish. Headshot photos are required but do not have to be professionally taken and can be taken in salon as long as hair and overall look is clearly visible. RULES TO ENTER You must be a resident in South Africa to enter. You may submit a MAXIMUM of TWO (2) entries per category and each entry must be emailed separately. To enter, email belinda@hairnews.co.za with the subject Best Signature Look – Ladies Entries must include your name, contact number, salon name, and town of residence. Entries must include your model’s first name and confirm that you have permission to publish their photos on a public platform. Ensure your email is NOT larger than 3 MB. Please resize photos before sending. You may include up to three photos of your work as well as the information below. Each entry must Include a short description of the technique and what products you used to achieve the look BEST SIGNATURE LOOK: GENTS – Judged This is a judged category where you can enter your own work. In this category we are looking for a trendy, wearable “Signature Look” for the Gents: a professionally finished, tailored cut/colour designed specifically to suit your model’s face shape, skin tone and hair texture. Fading and clipper art are welcome as well as other creative effects! Outfits and accessories should enhance the overall look but not overpower, the hair. Ensure your look is executed with attention to detail and that your overall Gents’ look is well-presented, appealing, and reflects your talent and creativity. Headshot photos are required but do not have to be professionally taken and can be taken in salon as long as hair and overall look is clearly visible. RULES TO ENTER You must be a resident in South Africa to enter. You may submit a MAXIMUM of TWO (2) entries per category and each entry must be emailed separately. To enter, email belinda@hairnews.co.za with the subject Best Signature Look – Gents. Entries must include your name, contact number, salon name, and town of residence. Entries must include your model’s first name and confirm that you have permission to publish their photos on a public platform. Ensure your email is NOT larger than 3 MB. Please resize photos before sending. You can submit up to three photos of your work as well as the information below. Each entry must Include a short description of the technique and what products you used to achieve the look. Entries will close on the 25 September, and judging will start at the beginning of October 2026. BEST HAIRNEWS BRAND – Voting This year, we've introduced a slightly different approach for the Best Hairnews Brand Award. Hairnews will be compiling the official list of nominated brands. Any brand that has advertised with Hairnews from October 2025 onwards will automatically qualify for consideration. Once the nomination list has been finalised and announced, the public will be invited to vote for their favourite brand. This process recognises the brands that have actively supported Hairnews and the South African hairdressing industry, while giving the public the final say in choosing this year's winner. Nominations will be announced at the end of September 2026, and industry voting will open at the beginning of October 2026. The Hairnews Team wishes you all the best for your entries!

A maintenance-only appointment to keep the tape-ins secure, comfortable and looking their best, from the team at Illustrious Hair Salon in Benoni. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Salon: Illustrious Hair Salon, Benoni, JHB Follow Illustrious Hair on Instagram @illustrious_hair 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.

STRONGER. FASTER. SMARTER. Know it: Frequency of lightening services have increased. With hair integrity confirmed as priority # 1 when lightening. Blonde Made Better Campaign highlights the Goldwell Light Dimensions portfolio, featuring high-performance lighteners that deliver powerful lift while protecting hair integrity. Key performance features: Powerful Lift: Up to 9 levels of reliable, clean lifting power on both dark and pre-colored hair bases. Advanced Protection: Integrated Sugar, Bond Protector (BondPro+) and Vegan Silk technologies minimize hair damage and breakage during processing. Tone Control: Built-in anti-yellow technology and conditioning serums (like Silk Lift 2-in1 Serum) reduce unwanted warmth and boost shine. Controlled Blending: Specialized components like the Brightener soften contrasts of seamless, natural blonde transitions. Take a closer look at the benefits of Light Dimensions blonde specialists: Silklift Zero: gentle, zero-ammonia formula providing up to 6 levels lift. Offers highly reliable, natural-looking lightening tailored specifically for stressed, highly processed, or fine hair textures without compromising hair integrity. Silklift Control: Two-in-one lift and tone providing up to 7 levels of lift. Comes in Control Pearl (neutralizes level 6-8) and Control Ash (neutralizes level 5-7). Lightens and counters warm, brassy undertones in one single processing step. Silklift Clay: Freehand clay lightener formulated with Kaolin clay providing up to 7 levels of lift. Soft-to-solid formula that dries on the outside while keeping moisture inside. Ideal for precise balayage and ombre techniques without foils. The products stays exactly where placed without swelling or bleeding. Silklift Conditioning Cream Developers: Specifically calibrated cream developers (available in 3%, 6%, 9%) infused with Intra Lipid Technology. Stabilizes the lightening process while refilling lost lipids. Ensures maximum moisture retention and extreme shine. Silklift Brighteners: Power-toning lighteners providing up to 1.5 levels of lift. Available in in Brightener Natural (for levels 7-9) and Brightener Silver (for levels 5-7). Softens stark color contrasts and blends regrowth seamlessly into previously lightener sections without full bleaching. OXYCUR PLATIN: Goldwell’s most powerful, fastest-acting lightener. Ultra-fast, dust-free multi-purpose lifting powder delivering up to 9 levels of lift. With integrated BondPro+ technology and radical-controlling Lightening Control Technology. Provides extreme, lean lifting for full-head applications or highlights while protecting bonds from breakage. Soft Color: Semi-permanent, conditioning direct-dye foam tint integrated with Intra Lipid conditioning tech. Offers rapid, high-shine toning at the backbar in just 5 minutes, allowing stylists to refresh blonde tones or add soft pastel dimensions while improving hair combability. Also suitable for home use. Get ready for your clients’ for their Summer Blonde Needs: Achieving high-contrast beach blondes safely: For clients with dark winter bases wanting dramatic, bright platinum shifts, Oxycur Platin and Silk Lift Strong allow stylists to lift hair aggressively up to 9+ levels in a shorter appointment window. The built-in BondPro+ technology ensures the hair fiber isn’t left hollow and brittle before peak beach season. Crafting Low-Maintenance, Lived-in Balayage: Sun-kissed, dimensional gradients that grow out seamlessly while the client is travelling or away on holiday. Silk Lift Clay enables freehand balayage without foils. Paint on organic, sun-bleached transitions that don’t suffer from harsh regrowth lines. Combatting Summer Brassiness: High UV exposure and pool water rapidly turn blonde tones brassy and orange. Silk Lift Control Ash & Pearl neutralises underlying pigment during lift. This anchors clean, long-lasting cool or neutral tones. Fast Refreshes for Pool & Beach Hair: Quick maintenance appointments for clients whose blonde looks dull, parched, or overly exposed. Silk Lift Brighteners soften root contrasts in minutes, bypassing full-foil bleach fatigue. Soft Color acts as a rapid 5 minute foam toner that infuses lost lipids back into porous hair, while instantly reviving vibrant, glossy tones, before leaving the salon, or at home. Summer Money Piece: The perimeter of the face is often highly compromised from heat styling and environmental friction. Guard the fragile front hairline with Silk Lift Zero, giving up to 6 levels of clean lift without ammonia, allowing the stylist to match the high brightness of the money piece to the rest of the head while protecting the structural bonds of delicate baby hairs. For enquiries or more info, contact gina@twincare.co.za, or visit www.goldwell.com

It's Here! Your monthly recap of all the exciting news that happened in August 2026. Grab a coffee and enjoy. The Month in Rewind as an easy to read, easy to access digital magazine format: all the news releases for the previous month in one consolidated view with easy, fast click-through options. Just one click to review the month for all the important industry news With one monthly review of all our daily news releases and announcements, you can take a fresh look at the complete month’s news, with all the new launches by our trusted SA suppliers, events, jobs, exciting awards competitions, important EOHCB and Bargaining Council updates, and all the salon business apps and information you need to succeed. We complete our roundup with the styles and the amazing local inspirations by all our fellow stylists, just in case you missed it before with your busy schedule! Get in touch today to see how you can be featured in Hairnews! Belinda Kamateras | Accounts Director Email: belinda@hairnews.co.za Brad de Waal | Design Director Email: brad@hairnews.co.za

DUALITY The Return of a Creative Family. Artists: Emiliano & Lisa Vitale BEFORE THE COLLECTION Before family became their greatest collaboration, Emiliano and Lisa Vitale travelled the world, shared stages at the industry's biggest events and built é SALON into one of Australia's most respected creative salons. As life shifted, so did their focus. For almost a decade, their greatest creative energy was devoted to raising their three children while continuing to lead, educate and inspire through the salon they had built together. DUALITY marks their return to photographic collaboration—a collection born not from starting again, but from everything they have lived, built and learned together. THE COLLECTION Rendered entirely in monochrome, DUALITY is an exploration of three enduring ideas: balance, silhouette and shape. Colour is deliberately removed. Without it, the eye has nowhere to hide. Only form, weight and tension remain. At the heart of the collection is a simple belief: balance is not symmetry, but the deliberate arrangement of elements with different visual weight. Every image seeks equilibrium before gently disrupting it—a flawless line answered by a purposeful imperfection, structure interrupted by movement. The tension is not a flaw in the work. It is the work. Hair: Emiliano & Lisa Vitale Salon: é Salon Photography: Andrew O'Toole Styling: Lydia Jane Saunders Make-up: Chereine Waddell EMILIANO VITALE Before anything else, Emiliano Vitale is a creative leader. Named Australian Hairdresser of the Year in 2014, a multiple AIPP Award winner and co-founder of the iconic Ssh! education event, Emiliano has spent more than twenty-five years shaping the Australian hair industry as a stylist, educator, mentor and business leader. His philosophy—People First. Hair Second.—has become the foundation of everything he creates, from leadership and education to the culture of é SALON. As founder of é SALON, he has built one of Australia's most respected creative salons while educating around the world. Today, alongside his creative work, he continues to mentor emerging leaders, contributes to the global Entrepreneurs' Organization, and remains committed to building people as passionately as he builds hair. LISA MUSCAT VITALE Before anything else, Lisa Muscat Vitale is an artist. A F.A.M.E. Team member, three-time New Creative Force winner, Australian Hairdresser of the Year finalist and internationally recognised educator, Lisa has built a career defined by imagination, technical excellence and an uncompromising creative vision. Renowned for her mastery of conceptual storytelling, she has inspired hairdressers around the world while helping shape the creative identity of é SALON. In 2026, she returned to the international stage with her solo collection ASCENSIONand joined legendary session stylist Sam McKnight backstage at London Fashion Week. Where Emiliano brings structure and strategy, Lisa brings intuition, refinement and an extraordinary eye for detail. She has the rare ability to see not only what an image is, but what it could become. DUALITY reflects that instinct—an artist whose greatest strength lies in knowing exactly where perfection should be interrupted. THE PARTNERSHIP Creative partnerships are often imagined as effortless. The reality is anything but. Emiliano and Lisa have spent years creating alongside one another—travelling the world, educating, building é SALON and raising a family. Yet until now, they had never created a photographic collection together. Not because they couldn't, but because life asked something different of them. For almost a decade, their greatest creative work wasn't a collection. It was their family, their business and the people they chose to invest in. Creativity never disappeared; it simply found a different purpose, and in doing so, it shaped them both. Those years taught them that the strongest partnerships are not built on thinking alike, but on trusting different perspectives. Emiliano brings structure, instinct and decisive vision. Lisa brings intuition, refinement and an extraordinary eye for detail. Individually, those qualities define them. Together, they create a creative language neither could have found alone. DUALITY is more than a photographic collection. It is the expression of two artists, two creative leaders and two partners whose greatest work has never been about one person leading the other, but about building something greater together. It is not a return to the past. It is the beginning of a new chapter.

scar with Sim Sensitive and Cultish are excited to present the return of AREA 133 on 25 September from 18h30 till late. Date: Friday 25 September 2026 Time: 7pm till late Place: scar (133 Bree Street, Cape Town) Come get your minds blown by the best in the industry, all on one stage together. Why This is The Hair Event of the Year You may already know that BEN BROWN, the UK cutting master, is in Cape Town this September for his Hands On Precision Masterclass with scar Education. Two full day seminars that packed out in a flash. While Ben is in town though - it seemed only right that they host another Area 133 at scar too! This Look and Learn relaxed evening format is for those who couldn't make the course but wanted a tatse of Ben's unique offering. It's for stylists who love our industry, who live to be inspired, want to come hang out with their peers and learn and share together … and here’s what makes the night even more spectacular; we’re adding three local hair legends into the mix with Ben for an explosion of talent. And now we have… a hair cocktail! Do not miss this. Get Your Ticket Now! The AREA 133 ’26 Lineup (It’s BB and the Wailers) BEN BROWN (International Cutting Master) @benbrownhair Ben’s teaching is rooted in theory, aiming to remove guesswork from haircutting. By breaking down each section, he gives learners control over their craft, building technique on a foundation of solid understanding. His goal is simple: to empower stylists with the skills and knowledge to cut hair with confidence and precision. Ben’s pragmatic, theory-based approach is designed to help stylists not just follow trends but understand the principles that make every cut work. Amabassor for Alfaparf. TAMMY BERMAN (from our very own scar) @tammy_berman Tammy Berman is renowned for luxury hair transformations and editorial-inspired styling. Her career has taken her around the world as a Steiner stylist onboard Royal Caribbean, working with international artists, leading names in the music industry, and international television productions. A former Educator for Easihair Pro South Africa, Goldwell Global Creative Awards South Africa finalist, and proud member of the Goldwell Color Collective Team 2026, Tammy is passionate about innovation, education, and pushing the boundaries of modern hair design. FLO NEACSU (of Excentric on Kloof in CT) @floneacsu Flo is a 2-time winner of the Wella Trend Vision Award South Africa, one of the most prestigious competitions in the hairdressing industry. But his greatest achievement isn’t the trophies. It’s the multiple learners he’s transformed into successful stylists in his salons. Flo doesn’t just cut hair, he solves problems. His specialty is listening to a client’s hair “pain” and translating it into a technical execution that delivers exactly what they need. No guessing. No hoping. Just results. Flo’s biggest passion is making complex cutting principles easy to understand. He believes that you can’t build a career on “feeling it” or “winging it.” You need to fully understand the “whys” behind every cut. His greatest reward? Seeing that “aha” moment in a student’s eyes, when everything clicks and they finally get it. That’s what keeps him teaching. FABIO MACCHIA (of Shag High Voltage in PE) @fabmacchia Fabio has spent more than 25 years behind the chair, and one thing has never changed: people don’t come to him for a haircut. They come to be understood. As co-owner of SHAG High Voltage Hair since 2012, his philosophy is simple: think twice, cut once. Every client has a different story, and he believes the best hair comes from understanding the person before picking up the scissors. Fabio is also a Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) Artist, trained in New York, and has completed advanced barber education with Menspire Academy. His accolades include Barber of the Year, Trend Vision Winner, and Trend Vision People’s Choice Award. But for Fabio, success isn’t measured by awards. It’s measured by the trust his clients place in him every time they sit in his chair. This collaboration is something we’re extremely proud to host. The format? No format. Four chairs on stage at once, live models and open interaction from the crowd. Salon Centric will also be there and be offering an industry discount of 15% off all Jaguar and Tondeo products on the night. Lights, music, drinks, and creative inspiration flowing all night. Do not miss this. Get Your Ticket Now! Stylists who love hair, love learning, love being inspired, and love this industry. This is where you should be! Area 133 combines experience, exposure, and serious talent under one roof for one night only. We’re thrilled to host these four talents, and what will truly bring it to life – is YOU being there to witness it! Cash bar, DJs, and you = one epic evening.

Lessoan Thermoplastia Smooth. Silky. Formaldehyde-free. Next Level. Lessoan Thermoplastia redefines straightening standards - a single-step, thermoactive treatment built on organic acids, rosehip, acai and avocado that reconstructs the fibre while it smooths. Formaldehyde-free. Long lasting straightening. Intense hydration, anti-frizz and brightness that lasts. The in-salon result your clients will talk about. Ask about Lessoan Thermoplastia (100ml & 1000ml) Visit Lessoan at Professional Beauty Stand A15, The Galleria, Sandton. 6&7 September 2026. Talk to us about Lessoan Thermoplastia 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

Dreamy hair ready for a wedding from Juane at Stijl Hair Studio. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Stylist: Juane Salon: Stijl Hair Studio Follow Juane on Instagram @juane_hairartist @stijlhairstudio 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.