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"Just five more minutes." "Can you fix this quickly?" "I saw it on Instagram - can you do exactly that?" Operating and working within the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare industry - these phrases don't just sound familiar - they echo through your day, every day. And while your hands are creating art, your mind is managing expectations, soothing anxieties, and absorbing the emotional weight of someone else's self-image. But here's what most people don't see: Behind every stunning transformation and five-star review is a hidden toll - one that's rarely discussed, poorly understood, and almost never compensated. This article explores the mental and aesthetic pressures experienced across the industry — by both employees and employers. It examines how client expectations are evolving, how these demands impact day-to-day work, and what both sides of the professional equation are silently carrying in pursuit of client satisfaction and brand excellence. Understanding Client Expectations Clients are more informed and more influenced than ever before. With beauty trends circulating rapidly on social media and image-based platforms like Instagram and TikTok, many clients arrive with highly specific expectations, often shaped by filtered photos, celebrity transformations, and viral beauty routines. Key Expectations Include: Flawless, fast results, regardless of hair or skin condition Personalised service and deep attention to their preferences and insecurities High-end outcomes at affordable prices Consistency in results, availability, and atmosphere Stylists and therapists who also look the part — reinforcing the idea that appearance equals credibility These expectations can elevate industry standards but also lead to misunderstandings, especially when clients don’t have realistic knowledge of what’s achievable within one session, their budget, or their natural features. Emotional and Physical Pressures on Employees While the beauty industry offers creativity and connection, it also requires high levels of emotional intelligence, stamina, and personal presentation — often without support or adequate recovery time. Emotional Labour Many professionals take on more than the technical aspect of their roles. They become listeners, cheerleaders, and sometimes informal therapists. Providing emotional support while performing detailed, high-pressure services can lead to emotional exhaustion, especially when managing multiple clients daily. Physical Strain Professionals regularly deal with: Long hours on their feet Repetitive movements Exposure to harsh chemicals Back-to-back appointments with limited breaks Over time, this results in chronic fatigue, injury risk, and reduced focus — all of which impact mental health and job satisfaction. Aesthetic Pressure Beauty professionals are often expected to represent the industry’s ideals — to always be well-dressed, groomed, and aligned with current trends. This creates added pressure to maintain a public image, even outside of work hours, which can trigger body image concerns, low self-esteem, or anxiety. The Mental Load of Employers and Business Owners Behind the scenes, employers manage a delicate balance: delivering exceptional client experiences while protecting the health and morale of their teams. Their responsibilities include: Ensuring profitability in a competitive market Staff recruitment, retention, and satisfaction Keeping up with trend cycles and product innovations Navigating client complaints, online reviews, and public perception Managing scheduling, inventory, and compliance Silent Pressures Employers Face: Emotional burden from supporting a struggling team Feeling personally accountable for every unhappy client or negative review Pressure to say yes to every request to avoid losing business Minimal opportunities for rest or personal well-being While leaders are expected to set the tone, enforce boundaries, and motivate staff, they often do so without external support — leading to decision fatigue, emotional burnout, and isolation. Suggested Solutions for a Healthier Work Environment A more sustainable, respectful beauty culture requires intentional changes on both sides of the professional relationship. For Employers: Create space for communication: Check in with staff regularly, invite honest feedback, and normalise conversations around burnout and boundaries. Implement realistic scheduling: Avoid overbooking, provide proper break time, and respect days off. Lead with balance: Set an example by respecting your own boundaries, delegating when necessary, and promoting rest as part of professionalism. For Employees: Set emotional boundaries: Know when listening becomes absorbing. You are not obligated to carry clients’ emotional weight beyond the chair. Prioritise self-care: Rest, hydration, and mental health breaks are not luxuries — they are essentials. Stand confidently in your skill: You are not defined by your appearance but by your training, creativity, and professionalism. In conclusion, our industry is a dynamic, fulfilling field - rich in creativity, human connection, and visible impact. But beneath the surface lies a layer of emotional, mental, and aesthetic pressure that often goes unspoken. As client expectations continue to evolve, professionals and employers alike are challenged to adapt — often at the cost of their own well-being. By recognising these pressures and working proactively to address them, the industry can shift toward a culture that values not just the beauty it creates, but the people who make that beauty possible. 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

Cara de Agrela shows off this eye-popping blended beige on her client. Click image below to view the Instagram post. Formula: • Moroccanoil Blonde Voyage Lightener 15vol • Toned with Moroccanoil Rhapsody 9,23 and 5vol Finished with: • Moroccanoil Frizz Spray • Moroccanoil Dry Texture Spray to keep the volume and blowout look • Moroccanoil Treatment Oil for that silky, reflective shine ✨ We love a good lived in blonde that is healthy and shiny at the same time 😉 Stylist: Cara de Agrela Salon: In Cara's Chair, Moreletapark, Pretoria Follow Cara on Instagram @incaraschair 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.

Position your salon at the forefront of innovation, with LESSOAN Thermoplastia A premium smoothing treatment that transforms texture while preserving the hair's natural beauty. Paired with the LESSOAN Home Care Range, your clients enjoy: • Extended treatment longevity • Healthier, more radiant hair • Salon-quality results at home For stylists, it means: • Confidence in performance • Exceptional client satisfaction • A retail range that sells itself 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

Stay on The Radar. Stay connected. At Hairnews we understand the importance of finding the information you need FAST. The Radar is the search tool you need. Brands - Looking to stock a particular brand and need a rep? Find the contact details for your favourite hair and beauty suppliers. Education - Whether you are starting out or an experienced stylist wanting to boost your knowledge, find the contact details for the accredited academies and the industry suppliers. Academies and Learning Centres – where the budding learner stylists and barbers of SA can find you easily! Need a Salon? - Search for contact details of numerous salons, stylists, spas and beauty professionals in your area, whether they are large salon chains or the mobile stylist down the street. Brand suppliers, academies, learning centres, salons and stylists - all at the click of your finger on your laptop, tablet or mobile. Suppliers, Academies & Pros: Get Twice the Coverage with both the Radar and Hairnews Boost your digital footprint with a dual listing on Hairnews and The Radar. For a single fee, you can cross-promote your brand and services on the SA Hair & Beauty Industry’s premier news site and our dedicated standalone directory. Double the presence, double the impact. This dual listing maximizes your online reach, helping you promote your services and products to a wider audience. Fast Track your Business Success – The Radar Website & Hairnews Has You Covered: Improving your supplier/ salon success Improving your salon/business’s accessibility to both loyal and new clients/customers Be accessible to new clients looking for the best products and services Achieving brand awareness Helping you help your clients Cross Promote with both a Dedicated Website and a Hairnews access point. Stylists, salons, spas, nail techs, or beauty therapists get listed on The Radar for FREE! Simply email brad@hairnews.co.za and we'll get you listed asap! Monthly Promotion of your Listing We promote the Website and Directory monthly in Hairnews and on our social media to keep your listing top of mind and easily accessible to your target market, stylists, salons, barbershops, spas beauticians and clients in SA. How can you miss this opportunity to expand your online presence? Visit www.theradar.co.za to get listed All Radar listing prices are per year per placement and are excl. vat. If you have multiple brands under one company, then get hold of us directly for better rates. Contact us directly for more info on the above, email brad@hairnews.co.za or belinda@hairnews.co.za

Whilst a transition in seasons often signifies the return of brighter, lighter hues, we’re encouraging a change. KIKU loves soft, subtle, sophisticated shades that allow the hair’s natural beauty to shine without being overpowered by lightening techniques. We’re talking relaxed colours that aren’t fussy, but still command attention in any room. Think fashion-forward hues that allow a colourist’s artistry to shine. Toasted Brunette Toasted Brunette radiates a soft, natural warmth, melting cool-toned mushroom hues with warm honey undertones. It reflects warmth in a quiet, understated way, enhancing the hair’s health and shine. This colour is the perfect transitional hue for the summer months, with the versatility meaning that this subtle shade can work for most undertones. Toasted brunette allows clients to focus on hair health as there is minimal bleaching and no harsh regrowth. This shade is ideal for those who are wanting to soften their colour without dulling their shine. Nectarine Copper Nectarine copper blends soft golden babylights with a darker auburn base to maintain to shade’s muted tone. In a season where colour becomes richer and more alive, this shade remains grounded in its elegance. This cocktail of warmer hues is a mix of copper tones and fine golden baby lights. A few low lights are blended throughout to add dimension and depth. Nectarine copper requires little to no maintenance between salon visits and less bleaching to achieve a more lived-in feel – which means the hair can grow out more naturally and avoid feeling too overly done. Bitter Chocolate Bitter Chocolate blends rich cocoa and cool espresso hues, making for one of this season’s most popular shades. Neither too warm nor too cool, this colour sits perfectly in the middle. Even though bitter chocolate is a darker hue, it maintains depth and dimension throughout to give the hair a truly mesmerising shine. We love this shade for its versatility, maintaining its neutrality, whilst looking glossy and expensive. Bitter Chocolate will be everywhere this season, capturing that timeless brunette allure, without being too dominating. Follow KIKU on Instagram @kiku_salon

L’ANZA launches the new Healing ColorCare Hair Masque for professional colour care As hairstylists, we know that creating beautiful colour is only one part of the service. The real challenge is helping clients maintain that result long after they leave the salon. L’ANZA Healing Haircare is introducing the new Healing ColorCare Hair Masque to the South African professional hairdressing market, giving stylists a simple, effective way to support colour longevity, improve the condition of processed hair and strengthen the homecare conversation. Colour-treated hair is often more porous, which means it can absorb water more easily and lose colour pigments faster. The result is hair that begins to look dull, dry or faded before the client is ready for their next appointment. The Healing ColorCare Hair Masque is designed to help reduce porosity, replenish compromised hair and restore softness and shine in just three to five minutes. Powered by L’ANZA’s Keratin Healing System, Hibiscus Vibrancy Complex, ceramides and antioxidant-rich botanicals, the formula supports stronger, healthier-looking hair while helping to protect the vibrancy of the colour result. Importantly, this is not a colour-depositing mask. It will not alter the client’s tone or interfere with the colourist’s formula. This makes it suitable for blondes, brunettes, reds, coppers, fashion shades and grey-blending clients. For the stylist, the opportunity is clear. The masque can be introduced as a premium basin add-on after colour services, allowing the client to experience the result before it is recommended for home use. This creates a natural bridge between the salon service and the retail prescription. L’ANZA recommends positioning the treatment as a Colour Insurance Ritual: Apply after the colour service. Leave on for three to five minutes. Rinse and complete the style. Recommend weekly home use to help maintain softness, shine and vibrancy. This also opens the door to a more valuable consultation. Ask the client: How quickly does your colour lose its shine? Does your hair feel dry between appointments? Are you using a treatment specifically designed for colour-treated hair? Would you like to add a five-minute colour-preservation ritual today? When used as part of the complete Healing ColorCare regimen with the Shampoo, Conditioner and Trauma Treatment, the system has been independently tested to preserve colour vibrancy for up to 30 washes.* The new Healing ColorCare Hair Masque is not simply another treatment product. It gives stylists a practical way to protect the result they have created, elevate the colour service and improve retail recommendations through visible, immediate results. Because professional colour deserves professional protection. The new L’ANZA Healing ColorCare Hair Masque is available from 20 July through L’ANZA South Africa and Blume Distributions. Book your demo today! “The colour service does not end at the basin. Protect the result you created and give your client a clear plan for maintaining it at home.” *Based on independent instrumental testing using a regimen of Healing ColorCare Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Masque and Trauma Treatment versus a control. To stock L'ANZA please email us at hello@blumebrands.co 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.

Hair colour by Charley Henery at TONI&GUY London Hair by Elle Page Make-up: Hannah Davies Styling: Borna Prikaski and Giada Veronesi Photography: Alex Barron-Hough

milk_shake® everlasting bonds the professional solution for damaged hair that repairs up to 93.5% of bonds after 5 applications*. Everlasting Bonds: a professional solution designed to act directly on the hair fibre structure, rebuilding bonds and visibly improving hair quality. *Ex vivo instrumental test after 5 applications with milk_shake® everlasting bonds shampoo and conditioner (processing time: 10 minutes). Benefits improve at every usage • Immediate and long-lasting repair • +1000 disulfide bonds repaired • Resistance to future damage • More manageable hair/ Frizz reduction • Heat protection At the heart of the system lies NutriBond Complex™, a patented technology developed to act directly on the most damaged areas of the hair structure. All You Need to Know to Make milk_shake® everlasting bonds an Integral Part of your Salon Service Q: What does “Bond Builder” mean? A: refers to a category of treatments designed to rebuild the chemical bonds responsible for the structure and shape of the hair fibre, particularly disulfide bonds, which provide strength and structural integrity. These bonds are damaged by chemical, thermal, mechanical, and environmental factors. Bond builders restore them, making the hair stronger and more resilient. Q: What are disulfide bonds? A: they are strong, stable chemical bonds responsible for the shape and resistance of the hair fibre. When they break, hair becomes fragile and damaged. Bond builders repair these bonds. Q: What is the NutriBond Complex™ ? A: it is a complex composed of amino acids, hydrolysed rice proteins, and hyaluronic acid, delivered through glycosaminoglycans. These carriers transport the active ingredients to the most damaged areas of the hair, ensuring targeted action and intense repair. Q: How do milk proteins enhance the effectiveness of the everlasting bonds treatment? A: milk proteins amplify the targeted action of the NutriBond Complex™ actives: they provide nourishment and improve the resistance and strength of the repaired hair fibre, enhancing conditioning and softness for hair that is restored, strong, shiny, and silky. Q: Is milk_shake® everlasting bonds suitable for all hair types? A: absolutely. milk_shake® everlasting bonds is designed for every hair type, regardless of thickness, for any texture, including every type of curls. Q: In salons and at home, the treatment routine is built upon multiple products. Can they also be used individually? A: The complete benefits of Everlasting Bonds, as well as the scientifically validated results, derive from using the full routine, combining the products according to the tested and approved application method, sequence, and sitting times. While each product in the line delivers remarkable improvements on its own, only their correct combined use ensures the level of repair promised by the range and confirmed by testing. Q: How should the treatment be used? A: In Salon • After consultation, dampen the hair then remove excess water. Apply Everlasting Bonds Pre-Shampoo to the lengths and ends, distributing evenly. Comb through and leave on for 3 up to 10 minutes. Rinse thoroughly. • Proceed with Everlasting Bonds Shampoo: apply the required amount to wet hair, massage to emulsify, rinse, and repeat if needed. • After rinsing, remove excess water carefully and apply Everlasting Bonds Mask evenly. Comb and leave on for 3 up to 10 minutes. Rinse abundantly. • Apply Everlasting Bonds Leave-In Treatment on damp hair, as the closing step of treatment and to bring heat protection up to 230°C/446°F. Proceed to styling as usual. Leave-In Treatment may also be reapplied on dry hair, if desired, to have extra silkiness and shine. The lightweight texture does not weigh down the hair or making it greasy. At Home • Start with Everlasting Bonds Shampoo, applying the required amount to wet hair. Massage to emulsify, rinse, and repeat if necessary. • After rinsing, remove excess water and apply either Everlasting Bonds Conditioner or Mask (depending on specific needs), distributing evenly. Leave on for 3 up to 10 minutes. • Rinse thoroughly and apply Everlasting Bonds Leave-In Treatment on damp hair, as the closing step of treatment and to bring heat protection up to 230°C/446°F. Everlasting Bonds Leave-In Treatment may also be reapplied on dry hair, if desired to have extra softness and shine. Its lightweight texture does not weigh down the hair or making it greasy. Q: What happens if I change or don’t follow the recommended sitting times for the products? A: for the Pre-Shampoo, Conditioner, and Mask, we recommend leaving the product on for 3 up to 10 minutes. Anything under 3 minutes significantly reduces results and limits the reconstruction of disulfide bonds. Conversely, 10 minutes represents the peak of their activity and rebuilding capacity; extending the processing time beyond that does not provide any substantial additional benefit. In any case, exceeding the time by a few minutes unintentionally has no negative effects, but prolonged processing or using the products as an “overnight treatment” is not advised. Q: Is it mandatory to carry out the intensive Everlasting Bonds Pro Service in‑salon treatment before starting the dedicated home routine? A: as it’s not intended as a “maintenance” for the in-salon treatment, regular use of the home routine delivers excellent repair and disulfide bonds rebuild, which becomes more consolidated with every application. However, the most intensive results are achieved through the complete professional routine, which includes unique in-salon repair step: Everlasting Bonds Pre-Shampoo (salon exclusive) completed with Shampoo, Mask and Leave-in Treatment. This treatment can be performed at any time, not only as a stand alone service, but also the same day of technical services, optimizing appointment scheduling and saving time, reinforcing and enhancing the effectiveness of the home routines. Repair with science, bond with emotion. Milk_shake® everlasting bonds For more information contact milk_shake® on: Email: marku@z-one.co.za or georg@z-one.co.za www.z-oneconcept.com/en | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Are you a salon or stylist doing amazing things? Whether you've hosted a fabulous event, launched a new collection, celebrated a milestone, or just want to show off your salon's stunning space — Hairnews wants to hear from you! As South Africa’s dedicated media platform for the hairdressing industry, we’re here to shine a spotlight on YOU. We’re looking for: ✨ Photo shoots and style collections 🎉 Birthday celebrations and salon milestones 🎓 Education sessions, seminars, and guest speakers 💖 Charity drives and community outreach 🏠 Salon tours – show off your interior, exterior, and creative vibe 🎥 Videos, reels, behind-the-scenes clips, and more! This is your chance to gain visibility, inspire others, and be featured on the platforms that matter - FREE of charge. 📩 Send us your photos, videos, and a short write-up about your recent. happenings to brad@hairnews.co.za or belinda@hairnews.co.za - and let the industry see what makes your salon special! Let’s celebrate creativity, community, and everything that makes our hairdressing world so dynamic.

Depth, dimension, and thoughtful placement, resulting in this luxurious blonde from Suzel at Suzel Oosthuizen Hair. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Stylist: Suzel Oosthuizen Salon: Suzel Oosthuizen Hair Follow Suzel on Instagram @suzel.in.studio 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.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the world of work in 2026, the hair and beauty industry is not exempt from this digital shift. From AI-driven booking systems and smart salon management software to predictive analytics for customer trends, technology is redefining how beauty businesses operate. Yet, amid these advancements, one truth stands firm: the wellbeing of people - stylists, therapists, and front-desk professionals - remains the foundation of every successful beauty establishment. The future of leadership in this industry lies not only in embracing technology but also in cultivating “wellbeing intelligence” - the ability to balance digital efficiency with human flourishing. Why Wellbeing Intelligence Matters While AI is designed to make work easier, it can also introduce new pressures - from learning new systems to managing faster-paced operations and adapting to constant digital updates. Forward-thinking salon and spa leaders are recognising that efficiency means little if their teams are overwhelmed, disconnected, or emotionally drained. “Wellbeing intelligence” is emerging as a critical leadership competency: the capacity to lead with empathy, ensure psychological safety, and create environments where people and technology thrive together. In practice, this means creating workplaces where stylists and therapists feel supported, valued, and motivated - even as automation takes over repetitive or administrative tasks. The human touch will always remain the core of beauty service delivery - no algorithm can replace warmth, presence, or the ability to make a client feel beautiful. A Test of Leadership AI tools can help manage bookings, automate reminders, and track performance - but they cannot manage fatigue, emotional burnout, or interpersonal tension within the team. This is where leadership must rise to meet the moment. Salon/Spa owners and managers should be especially attuned to signs of exhaustion or disengagement during high-pressure periods. Encouraging rest, rotating schedules fairly, celebrating small wins, and maintaining open communication can prevent burnout before it sets in. Leaders who combine operational efficiency with empathy and presence will not only protect their team’s wellbeing but also sustain high-quality client experiences. Key Aspects of Wellbeing-Centered Leadership in Beauty Businesses Fostering Psychological Safety in Digital Workplaces As booking systems, AI scheduling, and digital performance tracking become common, leaders must ensure that staff feel safe - not surveilled. Open dialogue about tech changes helps teams adapt confidently, knowing that new tools are meant to support, not replace, them. Cultivating Human Connection Amid Automation Technology can streamline operations, but it cannot replace genuine human connection. Regular team check-ins, shared lunches, recognition rituals, and seasonal team-building events help maintain morale - especially during the festive peak when stress levels rise. Supporting Holistic Employee Development AI can analyse client data, but leaders must invest in human growth. Providing mentorship, advanced training in new beauty techniques, and celebrating professional milestones builds confidence and loyalty. Addressing Diverse Wellbeing Needs Not every team member responds to stress the same way. Some thrive on the festive pace; others struggle with the intensity. Tailoring wellness initiatives - whether through flexible scheduling, mental health check-ins, or motivational recognition - promotes inclusivity and belonging. Measuring Success Beyond Numbers Traditional KPIs like sales, rebooking, and client retention remain vital, but the most sustainable businesses now track wellbeing indicators too - job satisfaction, energy, engagement, and emotional climate. A happy team produces better results and stronger client loyalty. AI as a Partner, Not a Replacement The beauty of AI lies in its ability to handle repetitive administrative tasks - appointment confirmations, stock reorders, data reporting - allowing professionals to focus on creativity, care, and personal connection. However, balance is key. Leaders must ensure that technology genuinely reduces workloads instead of adding pressure through constant monitoring or data overload. When implemented thoughtfully, AI can empower teams to focus on the artistry and emotional impact that define the beauty experience. Research shows that businesses combining technological advancement with wellbeing-centered leadership outperform those focusing on technology alone. In essence, wellbeing is becoming the new competitive advantage. Building Social Connection at Work Globally, businesses are taking deliberate action to address loneliness and isolation - challenges that also affect beauty professionals who work long hours or spend most of their time engaging outwardly with clients but rarely with peers. Whether through team-building sessions, mentorship programs, or shared celebrations, fostering social connection boosts morale and performance. In the beauty industry, where emotional labour is high, strong interpersonal bonds are a form of protection against burnout. The message for our industry is clear: a connected team creates a connected client experience - and connection is the foundation of brand loyalty. The Future of the Beauty Workplace As we move deeper into the AI era, leadership in salons and spas will be defined by balance - using technology to enhance, not replace, human connection. The most successful establishments will be those where creativity, empathy, and wellbeing drive innovation. By developing wellbeing intelligence, beauty leaders can ensure that their teams - and their clients - continue to flourish in a future where both people and technology shine. Let’s remember that the most advanced system in any salon/spa is still the human heart. 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

Interactive learning set the tone for the first-ever Keune Style Seminar in KZN. More than 30 salon professionals came together to explore the Keune Style range and sharpen their skills. The day was brought to life with blended education that included game-based demonstrations, practical experience and a Look & Learn session. Stylists got involved every step of the way, building confidence in the products, techniques and creative thinking, to help them transform everyday salon services into happy client experiences. The morning kicked off with Launch into Learning, a team challenge that put participants’ knowledge of the Keune Style portfolio to the test. From ingredients and product functions to hold factors and shine levels, the friendly competition made product education fun and memorable. Next came the Product Playground, where stylists explored the range through touch, texture, scent and performance. This interactive, sensory experience helped stylists gain a deeper understanding of each product, making it easier to recommend the perfect styling solutions with confidence. Education then shifted to technique with practical sessions covering everything from hair prep and sculpting to finishing techniques, hot tool mastery and styling across different hair lengths. Stylists also explored how runway fashion filtered into celebrity looks, music culture and social media platforms before becoming the wearable styles that clients request in the salon. The inspirational Look & Learn afternoon session was led by internationally recognised Durban stylist Cutie Mbena @cutiembenahair. Cutie shared advanced styling techniques using Keune Style products, and also the passion, creativity and dedication behind her success. She captivated the room with hands-on demonstrations of the Couture Twist Bun, a sculpted, twisted bun that exudes modern elegance, and the Twilight Twist, a half-up wavy style. Look & Learn: Cutie Mbena putting the finishing touches to Couture Twist Bun, a sculpted, twisted bun that exudes modern elegance. Look & Learn: The Twilight Twist, with soft twists and flowing waves, adds a touch of romance to special occasions. For Keune Education Manager Julie Rimmer, the seminar perfectly reflects what Keune Education is all about. “The Keune Style Seminar in KZN reflects Keune Education’s ongoing commitment to developing salon professionals through innovative, engaging and practical learning experiences,” she says. “By combining technical excellence with creative inspiration, the programme equips stylists with the skills, confidence and product knowledge needed to deliver exceptional results behind the chair.” She believes great styling is about much more than choosing the right product. “It’s about understanding trends, mastering technique and creating personalised looks that make every client feel their best. By learning from industry-leading educators and experiencing interactive education, stylists leave our seminars feeling inspired and confident with plenty of ideas to take straight back to the salon.” Stay connected with Keune through the mhb Education Programme and grow your technical skills, product knowledge and styling expertise. Keep an eye out for the mhb Education Calendar Jul-Dec 2026 which will be available during July at www.mhbonline.com. FOLLOW KEUNE Instagram Facebook Website FOLLOW mhb Facebook Instagram Website