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

To celebrate Mother’s Day, C & C Blonde Specialist treated mothers and clients to complimentary champagne and cupcakes during their appointments. The special touch created a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making the day even more memorable for everyone who visited the salon.

Nothing like a treatment by Bernadine Bennie to show off these silky pink shades. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Hair: Bernadine Bennie Salon: The Muse Follow Bernadine on Instagram @berni_at_themuse 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.

What happens when you step outside the lines, push beyond the familiar and embrace the unknown? This collection is a celebration of breaking free - of stepping out of the box and into a world of boundless creativity. Inspired by the beauty found in fashion, nature, architecture, and patterns, each look reimagines these elements in vivid, mesmerising hair colour. Shapes, textures, and hues collide in ways that just work—just like the magic that happens when you trust your vision and let creativity lead. This is hair artistry without limits, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. Where pretty hair becomes cool hair. Where hair colour transforms the look and becomes art. It’s about daring to see inspiration everywhere and translating it into something breathtaking. Because true magic happens when you take a step beyond comfort and into possibility. Colourist: Kristie Kesic @kristiekesic_colourist @cobellecreative Hairstylist: Dee Parker-Attwood @deeparkerattwood_ Photographer: Andrew O’Toole @andrewotoolestudios Makeup: Kylie O’Toole @kylieotoole Stylist: Catherine V @catherinev_stylist

By Jim Shaw This years red carpet at the 2026 Met Gala blurred the line between tailoring, beauty and self-expression, with hair becoming the focus. From Sombr’s rockstar texture to Damson Idris’s razor-sharp cornrows, the night showcased just how diverse modern mens grooming has become. Patrick Schwarzenegger leaned into sleek Hollywood polish with a more sculpted, classic approach and Hudson Williams delivered one of the boldest beauty moments of the evening with his voluminous look. This years Met Gala took men’s red carpet hair to the next level! Sombr Sombr’s hair was one of the strongest examples of how texture dominated the 2026 Met Gala. Instead of going overly polished, he embraced a softer curl pattern that gave the look movement. The shape sat somewhere between a modern shag and a rockstar silhouette with loose curls falling naturally around the forehead and ears to soften the sharpness of the outfit. What made the style work so well was the contrast, the hair felt effortless while the fashion felt intensely detailed, creating a balance that kept the overall look from becoming too theatrical. Damson Idris Damson Idris approached the 2026 Met Gala with the same precision and confidence that defined his tailored look. His cornrows were clean, symmetrical, and immaculately detailed, giving the entire look a sense of structure and control. Paired with a precisely shaped beard, the style felt polished without losing personality and what made the look stand out was its balance between classic grooming and luxury. Unlike the softer, more undone hair trends seen on the carpet, Idris embraced sharp lines and intentional grooming, showing there’s still power in precision when it’s done more subtle. Patrick Schwarzenegger Patrick Schwarzenegger took a more understated approach to grooming at the 2026 Met Gala, proving that simplicity can still make a strong statement. His hair was styled with a clean, classic shape that leaned into old Hollywood influence. Rather than chasing dramatic texture or experimental styling, the look focused on healthy volume and subtle movement, creating a polished finish that complimented the sharp tailoring of his outfit. The structure and soft natural lift gave the look an effortless sophistication that felt timeless rather than on-trend. Hudson Williams Hudson Williams delivered one of the most visually striking hair moments of the 2026 Met Gala, embracing a style that felt theatrical without losing its sense of cool. His voluminous, textured hair added softness and movement to the sharp drama of his overall look, creating a silhouette that stood out on the carpet. Rather than opting for a perfectly sculpted finish, the style embraced chaos - loose layers, natural lift, and a slightly undone shape that gave an effortless impression. The texture framed the face in a way that amplified the darker, moodier elements of the look, making the hair feel like part of the story.

Embarking on a career at sea is the adventure of a lifetime, but what happens after you complete your nine-month contract on board ship? Here are some career options that are available to you. We take a look at the life skills and career skills that are gained when working on board a cruise ship, and how this enhances your CV and prospects for the future, and how the experience can supercharge your career as a professional. What are the biggest benefits of doing a cruise ship contract? It’s the most rewarding way to travel the world and earning money. With a huge amount of self-discipline and entrepreneurial skills developed while gaining experience working on international waters with a diverse clientele of multiple of nationalities that takes you out of your comfort zone and teaches you people skills that you will just not experience in a spa on land at home. How will London Wellness Academy training help your future career? The training is strict and professional. You are trained to look and act professionally at all times, while the independent working environment builds your confidence and business acumen. Your business experience receives a broad range of training not only in running a business with specific column management, but you get to perform an array of many different services. In a land-based, fixed location spa or salon, treatments can be more repetitive, with less of a range in different services. Because at the academy they are trained in the tailor-made treatments, products and procedures used in the spas onboard that set us apart. An important factor in the quality we train for is striving to provide guests with the same quality treatments in any of our spas on any of our cruise ships. Personal Business Skills Development Being confident and comfortable with achieving targets plus having the ability to be adaptive in all scenarios is fundamental in team building and in your own success in the business! In an onboard experience, you work in a 5-star spa, needing to deliver 5-star quality every day, with a far more intensive, inspiring atmosphere. On land, you can set your own pace, but onboard it’s a fast-paced, challenging work environment. You need to be flexible, energetic, and positive. You gain so much experience and become goal-driven and expectations become higher, encouraging you to always strive for more. When employers see on your CV that you have worked onboard, they know that you are used to working under pressure of time and quality of services, that your personal skills and etiquette in dealing with guests is of the highest calibre. What sets our staff aside is a sense of providing the best quality at all times. Career Options Available once you’ve accomplished your First Contract Onboard! • Renew Your Contract Many hairstylists find that they love the experience so much that they sign up for another contract, and often end up doing three or more. The advantage of this is you have a choice of ships after your first contract, and can start to plan your worldwide travels to include all the destinations you long to see. The more time you spend working on board, the more you will earn tax-free with all expenses paid, and the bigger your nest egg of savings will eventually be. • Becoming a Cruise Ship Spa Manager Yourself If you are keen to advance in your career on board ship, and you love the challenge of managing a team, then once you have gained sufficient experience, you can progress to managing an onboard spa. • Landing Your Dream Salon Job – At Home or Abroad! London Wellness Academy-trained staff are highly sought after, and top salon owners all over the world know what calibre of person they are and also the skills and work ethic that they possess. As a result, you can apply for a job at your dream salon, or in a related field such as an educator or technician, with a far greater chance of being accepted because your contract on board is a CV highlight that sets you apart and is internationally recognised. • Opening Your Own Salon If you decide to open your own salon after you complete your contract, you will have a nest egg of savings to invest in your venture and your skills, independence, retail experience, and work ethic will give you a great advantage in the world of business ownership. • Welcomed Back as an Incredible Asset to your Former Salon with a Whole New Business Skillset! More and more salon owners are supporting their staff in the decision to take a “gap year” and work on board, and are keeping their job open and welcoming them back into the salon after their contract. This is a win-win, as the salon benefits from your upgraded skills and expertise, and you are able to resume your career and continue building your clientele – while your incredible experience on board will also have prepared you for a salon manager, or art team, role. Your career options after your contract are literally whatever you choose! Completing a cruise ship contract superpowers your career, opens doors and brings new opportunities to your dream job. It’s the adventure of a lifetime, offering experiences that you will remember forever and is a huge asset to your CV that is respected by top salons worldwide. Want to Cruise the World Doing What You Love? Sign up HERE or email Nadine nadineb@londonwellnessacademy.com or Daniella daniella.diem@londonwellnessacademy.com Find out more by heading to www.londonwellnessacademy.com Follow us on social media Facebook | Instagram

milk_shake Insta.Lotion A liquid mask with hyaluronic acid that's as light as water and in just a few seconds gives hair manageability, shine, hydration and smoothness. You'll never want to be without it! 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

Written by Megan Griffiths ZEP and LEP Permit extensions For many establishments in the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, the stability of ZEP and LEP holding staff is now secured until 28 May 2027. This reprieve has direct implications for staffing, skills retention, and compliance, as these establishments often rely on experienced foreign nationals who have built careers in South Africa over many years. Both the Zimbabwean Exemption Permits (ZEP) and Lesotho Exemption Permits (LEP) have been officially extended until 28 May 2027, allowing holders to continue living, working, and studying legally in South Africa. The extension automatically applies to all current holders. No new application or additional paperwork is required. Establishments may therefore continue to legally employ ZEP and LEP holders without risk of non-compliance, provided that permit conditions are observed and documentation is kept up to date. It is, however, very important to note that this extension applies only to ZEP and LEP permit holders, not to all Zimbabwean or Lesotho nationals. Establishments should verify and maintain accurate records of employees’ exemption permits, including expiry dates and any conditions attached to the permit. This not only supports compliance with immigration law but also protects the establishment from disputes should an employee’s status be challenged by authorities. It is also important to note that all protections under the Labour Relations Act apply to foreign nationals, whether documented or not, in the same way they apply to South African citizens. Foreign nationals may not be unfairly dismissed or subjected to unfair labour practices, and may access bargaining councils and the Labour Courts. This means that an establishment cannot lawfully discriminate against an employee on the basis of nationality or immigration status if that person is legally entitled to work in South Africa. The Department of Home Affairs & VFS Global are proud to present SA's document verification services to enable all SA employers to verify authentic documents online. VERIFY DOCUMENTS ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE Long-standing Issue for ZEP Permit Holders The Zimbabwe Dispensation Permit (ZDP) was initially introduced in 2009 as a special permit issued to Zimbabweans who fled instability to live, work, and study legally in South Africa. At the time, the ZDP was intended to ease the humanitarian crisis caused by political and economic turmoil in Zimbabwe, while also recognising the contribution many Zimbabwean nationals were already making to the South African economy and labour market. In 2014, it was replaced by the Zimbabwe Special Permit (ZSP), valid for three years, continuing the effort to regularise Zimbabwean nationals and prevent them from being treated as undocumented migrants. Later, Home Affairs announced the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) to replace the ZSP, covering approximately 178,000 Zimbabweans who had been living and working in South Africa under previous dispensation schemes. One of the conditions of the ZEP and its predecessor programmes was that permit holders could not apply for permanent residence in South Africa. This restriction meant that even long-term residents who had built careers, paid taxes, and contributed to the economy remained in a state of temporary legality, unable to plan their futures with certainty. In 2021, the government announced the end of the ZEP, sparking public debate and legal challenges. Many civil society organisations, trade unions, and advocacy groups argued that the abrupt termination of the permit would render thousands of people vulnerable to deportation, job loss, and family separation. Following extensive court cases, the Supreme Court of Appeal held that discontinuing the ZEP without proper review violated constitutional principles of fairness and administrative justice. The courts emphasised that decisions affecting such a large group of people must be taken through transparent and participatory processes, and not simply on the basis of executive fiat. While the permit itself was meant to be a temporary arrangement, the ZEP permits were extended multiple times, with the latest extension until 28 May 2027. Permit holders were temporarily protected from arrest, deportation, or being ordered to leave South Africa solely due to a lack of standard visas, but they faced ongoing uncertainty about their future. For establishments in the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, this meant managing highly skilled stylists, therapists, and managers whose legal status was perpetually in flux. After years of uncertainty, Zimbabwean nationals living in South Africa may now be moving toward a clearer long-term future, as government and civil society actors discuss expanded opportunities for permanent residence. While no automatic or category-wide pathway has yet been introduced, any future policy changes are likely to consider long-term lawful residence, economic contributions, family ties, and humanitarian factors. If such a pathway is adopted, it would not only regularise the status of many long-term residents but also strengthen the stability of the workforce in sectors that depend heavily on experienced foreign nationals. Concessions for Visa Backlog Applicants Foreign nationals trapped in the Department of Home Affairs’ processing backlog have also been given breathing room. The Department of Home Affairs extended the temporary visa concession for foreign nationals with pending waiver or visa appeal applications until 30 June 2027. This temporary extension allows legally admitted foreign nationals with pending waiver or long-term visa appeal applications to remain in South Africa and to travel without being declared “undesirable persons.” For many workers in the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, this concession is particularly important, as it allows them to continue working under existing permits while their long-term applications are being processed. This concession applies only to applicants who submitted their applications via VFS Global and who can produce a verifiable receipt from the VFS tracking system. Establishments that employ such workers should ensure that employees retain these receipts and that copies are kept on file. Importantly, the extension applies to the current visa status. Foreign nationals without a prior work permit are not permitted to work under the concession. This means that an establishment cannot rely on the concession to employ someone who has never been legally authorised to work in South Africa. Employers must still ensure that any foreign national being paid a salary has a valid work authorisation that is consistent with the Immigration Act and with the conditions of the particular visa or permit. Pending Permanent Residence Applicants Pending permanent residence applications were not covered by the directive and, therefore, were not extended. Those with pending permanent residence permit applications must maintain a valid residential status at all times. This requirement creates a practical challenge for many foreign nationals, particularly those whose applications have been pending for years. For establishments, this means that staff who are waiting for permanent residence still require a valid temporary status, whether that is a work permit, a visitor’s permit with work rights, or another form of legal authorisation. If an employee’s temporary status lapses, even while a permanent residence application is outstanding, the establishment may be exposed to non-compliance if that person continues to work. To avoid this, establishments should encourage employees to keep their short-term permits and visas renewed and to seek professional immigration advice when applications are delayed. Illegal Foreigners While there is a temporary reprieve for documented workers, there is aggressive enforcement against illegal or undocumented workers. The Department of Employment and Labour, the Department of Home Affairs, and the South African Police Service have intensified compliance inspections to address the employment of illegal foreigners. In the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, where many small and medium establishments operate, inspections can have a significant impact on operations if undocumented workers are found on site. Penalties may include fines, suspension of business activities, and, in serious cases, criminal charges against the employer. In parallel, the Department of Home Affairs launched “Operation New Broom,” a technology-driven initiative using advanced biometric systems to detect, apprehend, and deport illegal foreigners, while reducing the risk of fraudulent documentation. The operation is designed to clean up the immigration system and to ensure that only those with valid permits and visas remain in the country. For establishments, this means that due diligence around identity documents, permits, and visas is no longer optional. Managers and HR practitioners should be trained to verify authenticity, spot inconsistencies, and refer suspicious documents to competent authorities rather than attempting to interpret them on their own. Looking Ahead South Africa’s immigration framework is under review, and a new policy may fundamentally reshape the landscape of foreign employment. While legal pressure from advocacy groups may influence a shift toward offering permanent residency to ZEP holders, anti immigration group Operation Dudula has filed papers in the High Court challenging Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber’s decision to extend the ZEP programme until May 2027. This case has yet to be heard. The outcome of the litigation could have far-reaching implications for the stability of the foreign national workforce, not only in the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry but across the broader economy. Establishments should therefore treat the current extension as a temporary guarantee and continue to plan for potential changes in the regulatory environment. Establishments and permit holders should keep documentation updated, ensure compliance with permit conditions, and monitor announcements from the Department of Home Affairs for future directives. Regular internal audits of employees’ immigration status, combined with periodic training on immigration and labour law, can significantly reduce the risk of non-compliance. By doing so, establishments not only protect themselves from penalties but also uphold the dignity and rights of their foreign national employees, contributing to a more stable, fair, and lawful labour market. Read more about the topic from previous articles below: Update on Status | Employment of Foreign Nationals 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

Erin at Collab Hair shows shine, softness, and the most beautiful blonde finish. Authority in blonde for a reason. Click the image below to view the Instagram post. Stylist: Erin Salon: Collab Hair, Bedfordview Follow Erin on Instagram @erin_collabhair @collab.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.

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

KERASILK launches four new Styling and Specialists products High-performing, multi-benefit styling and finishing products to create lasting yet touchable styles: Smoothing Blow Dry Cream Ultimate Hold Hairspray Texturizing Cream Flyaway Wand. For soft, defined, touchable styles with “run-your-fingers-through” appeal that last throughout the day, no matter the occasion. Office, dinners, weekend trips or gym workouts, the versatile styles created by these new Styling products help your client navigate naturally and gracefully through her day, expressing confidence and style at every turn. With KERASILK Styling and Specialists products hair routines, the style opportunities are endless for strong yet flexible looks that merge control with living movement, redefining the way women style and care for their hair. Infused with KERASILK Silk+ Technology The latest additions to the KERASILK range are infused with KERASILK Silk+ Technology, the combination of KERASILK’s exclusive Biomimetic Silk and carefully selected high-potency ingredients. The Silk+ Technology is synonymous with strong hair, coupled with long-lasting hold. Smoothing Blow Dry Cream Perfected. Protected. Smooth. A powerful heat-activated cream, this high-performance formula smooths the hair surface and ensures a long-lasting, beautiful blow-dry with flexible natural movement and radiant shine. Protecting the hair up to 230°C/446° to avoid thermal and medical damage during the process1, the KERASILK Smoothing Blow Dry Cream will be a staple within your hair line up and perfect for those who experience frizz from humidity. Apply a small amount and distribute evenly into length and ends of towel-dried hair 1 instrumental test – comparison vs no product ULTIMATE HOLD HAIRSPRAY Styled. Fixed. Protected. Perfect for all hair types, KERASILK’s Ultimate Hold Hairspray helps support hair styles needing extra precision, providing an ultra-strong hold. The Ultimate Hold Hairspray delivers excellent shape memory, long-lasting humidity protection and a satin shine finish. Spray onto dry hair to fix and finish the look. TEXTURIZING CREAM Texturized. Defined. Effortless. A cream that beautifully creates gentle definition, flexible hold, and a soft shine. This formula is designed to transform lacklustre hair into an effortlessly styled look. An easy to work through cream for short to medium hair, creating a long-lasting style with a small amount of product. Work a small amount of product through dry hair and style FLYAWAY WAND Tamed. Nourished. Controlled. A multi-purpose, must-have product designed to instantly tame hair or enhance eyebrows. Ideal for perfecting looks on-the-go, this compact wand is designed with the busy woman in mind: precision and control over errant hairs without extra effort. The gel formula helps to reduce frizz and control baby hairs. Infused with KERASILK’s innovative Biomimetic Silk and skincare superhero ingredient, Niacinamide. Use the wand to tame hairs or enhance eyebrows. The current KERASILK Styling range: Multi-benefit styling products, creating lasting yet touchable results The four new products perfectly complement the existing KERASILK Styling range: About KERASILK “When nothing else works, KERASILK will.” That’s the reputation KERASILK has built with top stylists and their clients over its 40-year history of innovation. KERASILK was one of the original pioneers in the use of silk in hair care, fusing it with hair’s building block – keratin – to strengthen every strand. That’s why even for the most unruly hair types and textures, KERASILK always delivered silk-like results. Today, KERASILK continues to build on its high-performance heritage to once again meet modern priorities and needs. The brands newest formulations are vegan, which means they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, and the most sustainable and effective yet. All KERASILK formulas are infused with the new KERASILK Silk+ Technology - the combination of KERASILK’s exclusive Biomimetic Silk and carefully selected High-Potency Ingredients & Enhancers to create hair as strong as it is beautiful. Click the button below to stock Kerasilk Today Contact Twincare on 011 305 1600

Going, going grey, with Linda from Linificent Hair & Make-up Artistry. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Stylist: Linda Salon: Linificent Hair & Make-up Artistry Follow Linda on Instagram @lindahairstylistcapetown 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.