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Join our established luxury salon in Hemel en Aarde Village (11 years of excellence). We are seeking a fully qualified, passionate hairstylist with a professional approach and great team energy. Bridal experience advantageous. Skilled in extensions or willing to train. Excellent earning potential and supportive team environment. To apply: WhatsApp your CV & work photos to 082 649 2110 Address: Unit 5, Hemel en Aarde Village, Hermanus.

NEW PURPLE POWER Blonde, on Purpose. For the clients who chose blonde - and everything that comes with it. Violet pigmented toning that neutralises yellow and brass in blonde, grey and highlighted hair, while softening and boosting shine. Guava, lychee and vanilla: juicy, playful, a little bit bold. Intense Purple Toning Shampoo: highly pigmented - leave 5-10 minutes for the tone you want Purple Toning Conditioner: keeps toning, detangles, softens and adds shine Care: built in Hyaluronic Acid, olive stem cells and upcycled rice water. Make blonde your best seller. Call us for pricing & stockist details: 021 552 2369 | georg@z-one.co.za | Whatsapp 082 376 6551 Take Note Trading 188cc, 1 Indwe Road, Milnerton, Cape Town

Teddy Bear Blonde from Sume Drotsky at Nudo Hair Lab. Click the image below to view the Instagram post. Salon: Nudo Hair Lab, Pretoria Follow Sume on Facebook @sume_nudo_hair_lab 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.

It's the final day to get your entries in for our Signature Look categories. Show us what you got! The Deadline for entries is today, 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. Voting closes 15 November 2026. The Hairnews Team can’t wait to receive your awesome work. Let’s celebrate the artistic talent of our fabulous industry!

Hairnews is thrilled to announce that MOYOKO is coming on board as one of our official sponsors of the Hairnews Industry Awards 2026. We are excited to welcome MOYOKO to this year’s awards and to have the brand supporting our celebration of the creativity, talent, technical skill and passion that continue to drive South Africa’s professional hair industry forward. Professional Tools. Professional Results. MOYOKO understands that great hair starts with the right tools, and combines professional technology with sleek, practical designs created to make styling easier and more effective. For the Hairnews Industry Awards 2026, MOYOKO has gone a step further by providing two fantastic styling tools, with a dedicated prize for both our ladies' and gents' winners. A Prize For The Ladies Our ladies' winner will receive the MOYOKO Classic Styler Narrow. Designed to quickly and gently smooth even long and thick hair, the Classic Styler features solid ceramic floating plates infused with tourmaline, an ionic generator and infrared technology. The floating plates allow the styler to glide smoothly through the hair while also making it versatile enough to create curls and flicks, not just straight styles. With adjustable temperatures from 110°C to 230°C, a digital temperature display and extended plates for quicker styling, it's a seriously useful addition to any professional styling kit. A Prize For The Gents Our gents' winner will receive the MOYOKO E8 UltraBlast Hairdryer. This powerful professional hairdryer features a 2400W motor, variable power and temperature controls, a cool-shot button and two professional smoothing nozzles. With even heat and airflow distribution, an ergonomic lightweight design and an extra-long 3m cord, the E8 is designed to deliver a fast, smooth, salon-quality blow-dry. The E8 also features technology designed to help reduce frizz and create a sleek finish, making it an excellent tool for professional styling and everyday use. Supporting Our Industry We are proud to have MOYOKO join our growing group of official Hairnews Industry Awards sponsors, helping us make the 2026 awards an even more exciting celebration of the professionals who continue to shape our industry. A huge thank you to MOYOKO for coming on board and supporting this year's awards. We are thrilled to have you as part of the Hairnews Industry Awards 2026. Contact Details: Email: mk@mycro-keratin.com Website: moyoko.com Instagram: @moyoko_professional Facebook: @moyokoprofessional TikTok: @moyoko_pro

Chrislene Marais delivers a little blonde magic… with a hint of pink. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Stylist: Chrislene Marais Salon: Hair.ocity Follow Chrislene on Instagram @theclumsyhairwitch @hairocity_sa 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.

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