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It's Here! Your monthly recap of all the exciting news that happened in April 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

There has been so much talk about Pantones colour of 2026 ‘CLOUD DANCER’ and I for one am totally here for it 🤍. Now, we all know that Pantone predictions aren’t directly aimed at the hairdressing industry nor would we actually want it to be, personally I believe it to have more relevance to fashion, textiles and furnishings but as it’s always a huge buzz over socials I believe to ignore it would be a wasted opportunity. CLOUD DANCER doesn’t necessarily mean plain white - there are so many variations of white and each provokes a different feeling. Stark white, creamy white, buttery white, pearl white - just to name a few. For me white is a strong symbol of peace and tranquillity, starting from fresh and new beginnings, calming and soothing, dreamy and day dreaming. I’m totally a day dreamer and constantly looking up to the sky so CLOUD DANCER it’s a yes from me HAIR – Andrew Smith @andrewsmithhairstylist PHOTOGRAPHER – Richard Miles @richmilesphoto MUA – Louise Lerego @louiselerego Assistant – CC McNamee @cc.hairandeducation HAIR CARE/COLOUR – Milk_shake

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.

Wolf cut with shaggy layers from Stephane Chrizelda Burger from Fox and Davidson Hair Design. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Stylist: Stephane Chrizelda Burger Salon: Fox and Davidson Hair Design Follow Stephane on Instagram @stephane_stylist @fox_davidsonhairdesign 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 a stylist, you know that magical moment when your client’s transformation is complete, the tone is perfect, and she leaves the salon thrilled with her new colour. The real challenge after that is to keep that colour looking as fresh and vibrant as the day it was done. But even the most precise colour formulation can lose vibrancy without a dedicated aftercare system. And standard haircare just isn’t designed to preserve salon colour. It takes targeted technology to protect tone, reduce fade, and maintain that ‘just done’ finish for longer. This is where NEW Wella Professionals Ultimate Color becomes an essential extension of your colour service and retail offering. Designed specifically for colour-treated hair, the all-new regimen delivers up to 10 weeks of colour vibrancy* while supporting visibly healthier, more radiant hair from the very first wash. Powered by patented technology, Ultimate Color goes beyond conventional at-home maintenance product ranges. It actively works to protect colour integrity while improving hair condition, helping you extend the life and impact of your work in between appointments. It also addresses a key cause of fade – over-washing – by incorporating a streamlined system that reduces the need for multiple rinse steps through an effective leave-in treatment approach. For stylists, it offers a simple truth: better at-home care means better colour retention, stronger client satisfaction, and more consistent results between salon visits. Here’s how the four-step system supports your colour work: Discover the Ultimate Color Range Ultimate Color Sulphate Free Shampoo A gentle, scalp-soothing cleanser designed to protect salon colour. This sulphate free shampoo moisturises and detoxes hair from colour distorting metals. Formulated with Metal Purifier, Glycine and B5, it helps defend against free radical damage and maintain hydration from scalp to ends to support longer-lasting colour. Ultimate Color Conditioner A quick and easy to rinse conditioner that revitalises coloured hair while reducing breakage. Its Glycine and Vitamin B5 blend helps hydrate the cuticle, reduce porosity and support colour retention. Ultimate Color Leave-In Mask A lightweight, multi-protection mask that reduces rinse steps while delivering continuous care after the salon visit. It helps protect against mechanical stress, heat styling, UV exposure, frizz and breakage. Enriched with antioxidants and moisturising ingredients, the result is stronger, smoother hair that holds colour better for longer. Ultimate Color Shine Spray The ultimate finishing step for salon results at home. This shine-enhancing spray smoothes the hair to beautifully reflect light, leaving colour looking vibrant and polished. *With regular use of the Ultimate Color regimen from salon to home. To stock Ultimate Color and other Wella Professionals products in your salon, please contact your mhb sales consultant. If you are a new client, please call mhb Telesales on 0860 104 109 and a sales consultant will be in touch. Join us Facebook Instagram Website

In South Africa’s fast-moving Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare Industry, keeping your regular clients happy is just as important as attracting new ones. Loyal clients not only help keep the cash flow steady, but they’re also the ones who talk about your business to their friends and family. A good referral from a happy client can be more powerful than any advert! How to drive repeat business while encouraging client referrals: Why Loyal Clients Are Good for Business? It’s Cost-effective Getting new clients costs money. But keeping the ones, you already have is way more affordable. Steady Income Regular clients mean regular bookings—and regular bookings mean stable income you can count on. Word of Mouth is Powerful Happy clients love to share where they get their treatments. They become your unofficial brand ambassadors. Smart Approaches to Encourage Repeat Business 1. Make It Personal Use a system or app to remember their favourite treatments, product preferences, or even their birthday. Create custom packages just for them—like monthly facials or personalised hair treatments. Send a special deal or message for birthdays and anniversaries. Small touches go a long way. 2. Always Offer Great Service Keep your space clean, welcoming, and professional. Be on time, polite, and consistent. Make sure your staff are properly trained, they’re part of your brand too. 3. Offer Rewards Set up a loyalty program where clients earn points for bookings and purchases. Have different reward levels, like Silver, Gold, and Platinum, to motivate them to spend more. Reward repeat clients with cost-effective packages and thoughtful gestures 4. Follow Up After Appointments Send a quick WhatsApp or email with aftercare tips for services, treatments and products purchased. Ask how they’re doing and if they’re happy, it shows you care and helps you improve. Getting Clients to Bring in Their Friends Referral programs are a win-win. Your loyal clients feel appreciated, and you get new business. Here’s how you can do it: Introduce “Bring-a-Friend” Specials Give both the client and their friend a discount or free treatment upgrade when they come together. Easy Online Referrals Give each client a personal referral code they can share on WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook. Make Brand Ambassadors Choose a few loyal or well-connected clients and offer them special perks in return for promoting your business. Be Part of the Community Host events like “pamper days” or partner with local schools and old age homes. Offering services in areas that don’t have easy access to hair and beauty treatments can boost your brand and show heart. Stay Compliant and Build Trust When running loyalty or referral programs, keep these in mind: Follow the Rules Make sure your offers follow the Consumer Protection Act and POPIA. Be Honest Don’t overpromise or mislead people in your marketing. Keep Records Have clear documentation of all your loyalty and referral deals. Respect People’s Information Only contact clients for marketing if they’ve agreed and keep their details safe. Ensure compliance with the POPI Act. Celebrate Diversity South Africa is diverse, use local languages when possible and acknowledge cultural holidays or traditions in your messaging. Optimise Tasks Through the Use of Technology Use simple digital tools to help you keep track of appointments, client preferences, and rewards. Look at what the data tells you, what people like, when they book, and how much they spend, so you can fine-tune your offers. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a great source for data processing and forecasting. Send reminders and deals via email, SMS, or social media to keep clients engaged without being pushy. Keeping your current clients happy, and turning them into advocates for your brand, is one of the smartest moves you can make. Instead of treating loyalty and referrals like a once-off campaign, make them a regular part of your business and brand. Always ensure great service, show appreciation, stay compliant, and keep things personal but professional, that way, your business can grow in a way that’s steady, ethical, and built to last. 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

An excellent opportunity to acquire a well-established, profitable salon in Johannesburg East, ideally positioned near major retail hubs and key highway access routes. This salon operates on a rent-a-chair model, providing consistent, low-risk income from independent stylists and beauticians. The business is fully set up and running, making it ideal for an owner-operator or investor looking for a stable, income-generating asset in the hair and beauty space. Key Features: Proven, established business with loyal client base Strong location with high accessibility and foot traffic Rent-a-chair structure ensuring steady monthly income Fully equipped and operational Backup water and power systems in place Financials: Annual turnover: ± R1.5 million Asking price: R1.1 million A solid, turnkey opportunity in a high-demand area with built-in resilience and recurring revenue. Serious buyers with funding in place ONLY. Contact brad@hairnews.co.za for more info!

LESSOAN Brazilian Treatments have arrived to transform salon services with a system that combines exceptional longevity, faster application times, and innovative violet pigment technology to neutralise unwanted yellow tones during the process. South African salons can now offer clients flawless, tone-perfect results with a treatment that is as efficient as it is effective. Smooth. Brilliant. Revolutionary. Frequently Asked Questions – LESSOAN Thermoplastia & SESSOAN Home Care WHAT IS LESSOAN THERMOPLASTIA? LESSOAN Thermoplastia is a professional Brazilian Treatment system designed to deliver long-lasting smoothing, shine, and manageability. It features built-in violet pigments to neutralise yellow tones during the treatment process, ensuring flawless results for all hair types. What makes Thermoplastia different from other Brazilian Treatments? Violet pigment technology prevents brassiness and yellowing during treatment. No pre-wash required – saving time and simplifying the stylist’s workflow. Shorter processing time compared to traditional systems. Lower cost than competitors while maintaining premium results. Higher profitability for salons due to faster turnaround and reduced product cost. How long do the results of Thermoplastia last? Clients can expect smooth, frizz-free, shiny hair for several months, depending on hair type, lifestyle, and home care routine. Is Thermoplastia safe for coloured or chemically treated hair? Yes. The built-in violet pigment makes it especially suitable for blonde, highlighted, or lightened hair, as it actively counteracts yellow tones during the treatment process. Do clients need to wash their hair before the treatment? No. LESSOAN Thermoplastia is designed for direct application without pre-washing, saving time and making the service more efficient. WHAT IS THE SESSOAN HOME CARE RANGE? SESSOAN is the retail companion line to Thermoplastia, formulated to extend and protect in-salon results. It includes shampoos, conditioners, and treatments enriched with Buriti and MuruMuru Oils and Hydrolysed Collagen to ensure prolonged hydration leaving hair silky, smooth and frizz-free. How can stylists best discuss SESSOAN home care with clients? Position it as the essential aftercare system to protect their investment. Highlight that it maintains smoothness and neutralises brassiness between salon visits. Bundle home care products with the treatment service to increase retail sales and client loyalty. What are the benefits for salon owners? Faster services with shorter processing times. No pre-wash step reduces chair time. Lower product cost compared to competitors. Retail synergy with SESSOAN home care boosts client care and revenue streams. How can salons showcase LESSOAN Thermoplastia? Emphasise innovation: violet pigment technology sets it apart. Promote time efficiency: faster treatments mean more clients per day. Highlight affordability + premium results: a winning combination for both salons and clients. Showcase before-and-after visuals to demonstrate transformation. LESSOAN Thermoplastia + SESSOAN Home Care is a complete system that delivers exceptional smoothing, tone-perfect results, and higher profitability. It’s designed to meet the unique needs of South African salons and their clients, offering both innovation and business growth. LESSOAN Help your clients revive and restore their hair, transform your services, delight your clients, and grow your business. Get in touch on 021 552 2369

Stunning transformation from Geraldine at Collab Hair. Click the image below to view the Instagram post. Stylist: Geraldine Salon: Collab Hair, Bedfordview Follow Geraldine on Instagram @geraldine_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.

We’re stepping into a New Era with Paul Mitchell — and we want you right there with us. Since the beginning, Paul Mitchell was built on a simple but powerful belief: to create professional haircare that puts stylists first. From humble beginnings in 1980 with just a small investment and a big vision, the brand grew from two products into one of the most recognised names in professional hair worldwide. What started as a passion for supporting hairdressers has evolved into a global network of education, innovation, and artistry — always staying true to the salon professional at its core. Paul Mitchell: A Restage, A New Energy Today, we continue that legacy as we introduce the restage of Paul Mitchell — a refreshed look, updated packaging, and a renewed energy that reflects where the brand is heading next, without ever losing sight of where we came from. Don’t Miss Out: 28th June Join us on the 28th of June as we celebrate The New Era. This exclusive event will bring inspiration, education, and insight into everything new within the brand — designed to elevate your salon, your skills, and your business. Win a Trip to Rome And as part of the celebration, you’ll also stand a chance to win an unforgettable trip to our academy in Rome — an experience that brings education, creativity, and culture together in one incredible destination. This is more than a restage. It’s the next chapter of a legacy built for professionals like you. Email or Phone us today to secure your ticket — spaces are limited. Sales Manager Andrew Young Andrew@twincare.co.za +27 71 480 5151 Marketing Manager Savhannah Van Rooyen Savhannah@twincare.co.za +27 63 639 0655

We’ve talked before about Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in your salon/spa, often focusing on specific situations you face day to day. What’s become clear is that while many of you understand the background, the reasons behind OHS, and its importance, there’s sometimes a disconnect when it comes to putting that knowledge into real, practical steps. So, in this article, we’re zeroing in on a very particular scenario: getting your salon/spa ready for OHS compliance when partnering with an accredited skills development provider to host learners for learnerships and occupational qualifications. This isn’t a general overview, it’s meant specifically for those of you who are already involved in, or considering, these educational partnerships. Our goal here is to refresh and tailor our previous guidance so it speaks directly to this context. The core principles of OHS remain unchanged, but we’re applying them through a sharper lens, focusing on what it takes to prepare your salon/spa to meet the compliance requirements needed for facilitating learnerships with an accredited skills development provider. Why This Matters Salon and Spa establishments across the community are increasingly partnering with accredited skills development providers to host learners pursuing learnerships, occupational qualifications, part-qualifications, and skills programmes across various disciplines not only hairdressing but also nail technology, beauty therapy, and related fields. To legally and effectively host learners, salons/spas must obtain workplace approval from the relevant SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority). This process requires entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with an accredited skills development provider, which includes meeting workplace criteria such as compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards. Holding a valid OHS Certificate is essential. It demonstrates that your salon/spa provides a safe, compliant environment for learners, staff, and clients, meeting both legal standards and the requirements of educational and training institutions and authorities. Ensuring learner safety and workplace approval is a shared responsibility and a cornerstone of successful partnerships. Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving OHS Certification and Workplace Approval 1. Understand Your Legal Duties and Partnership Responsibilities Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, ensuring safety for employees, learners, and clients. Recognise that hosting learners under occupational qualifications adds responsibility to provide a safe learning environment aligned with skills development providers, the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and SETA standards. Understand the requirements for workplace approval through the relevant SETA, which includes compliance with OHS and other workplace criteria. 2. Set Up Your OHS Management System Think of this as your salon/spa’s safety blueprint for hosting learners: Identify potential risks specific to your salon/spa environment (e.g., chemicals, sharp tools, electrical hazards). Develop safety policies and emergency procedures that include learner supervision and training. Train all staff and learners on health and safety protocols. Install clear safety signage and maintain thorough records of safety measures and incidents. 3. Enter Into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with an Accredited Skills Development Provider A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is a formal agreement between your salon/spa (the host workplace) and an accredited skills development provider. This document outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties regarding the practical training and supervision of learners during their placement at your salon/spa. Why the MOU is Important: It is a mandatory requirement by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), such as Services SETA (Personal Care Sector SETA), to ensure that learners are placed at approved workplaces that meet all legal and educational standards. The MOU serves as official validation that your salon/spa is an approved and compliant workplace training site, allowing learners to complete their practical workplace components under proper and qualified supervision. It protects both the salon/spa and the learners by clearly defining responsibilities related to safety, training, and workplace compliance including, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Who is Involved: The host salon/spa workplace providing the practical workplace training environment. The accredited skills development provider responsible for the learner’s occupational qualification or skills programme. The SETA or QCTO may be involved in overseeing or auditing the agreement. Where to Obtain the MOU: The accredited skills development provider will typically initiate and provide the MOU for signing. If you are not yet partnered with a provider, contact your relevant SETA (e.g., Services SETA) or local accredited training institutions to start the process. It is essential to have this agreement in place before learners begin their practical workplace training at your salon/spa. In Summary: The MOU is a critical document that formalises your salon/spa’s role as a training workplace. It ensures compliance with QCTO and SETA requirements, validates learner placements, and supports a safe, structured learning environment. Without this agreement, learners cannot be officially recognised as completing their practical workplace training at your salon/spa. 4. Partner with Accredited OHS Experts Work with registered OHS service providers who understand workplace approval and SETA compliance requirements. Trusted providers include: Absolute Health Services – absolutehealth.co.za Hesscon (Pty) Ltd – hesscon.co.za NOSA, WESBRON, Frontline SHEQ, AFMS Group 5. Schedule a Health and Safety Audit An OHS practitioner will inspect your salon/spa to verify compliance with labour law in so far as the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), SETA, and accredited skills development provider standards, including: Fire safety and evacuation readiness Condition and safe setup of equipment Proper handling and storage of chemicals Staff and learner training records and documentation 6. Receive Your OHS Certificate and Workplace Approval Upon meeting all requirements, your salon/spa will be issued an OHS Certificate valid for 12 months. Your workplace will receive formal approval through the relevant SETA, enabling you to host learners for occupational qualifications and skills programmes. Renewal and ongoing compliance are required to maintain approval and certification. 7. Maintain Ongoing Compliance and Collaboration Continuously train staff and learners on safety procedures. Regularly update your OHS policies and conduct safety drills. Collaborate closely with the skills development provider and SETA to ensure ongoing alignment with workplace approval standards. Health and Safety Risk Assessment Plan for Salon/Spa's Hosting Learners Building a risk-aware culture is vital when learners are gaining practical experience in your salon. 1. Identify Key Hazards Chemical Hazards: Hair dyes, bleaches, chemical peel solutions, nail systems, disinfectants Physical Hazards: Wet floors, hot styling tools, sharp instruments, wax pots, hot stones, lasers Biological Hazards: Infection risks, allergic reactions, skin burns Ergonomic Hazards: Prolonged standing, repetitive motions Fire & Electrical Hazards: Faulty wiring, flammable products 2. Assess Risks and Prioritise Hazard Type Likelihood Severity Overall Risk Chemical Exposure Medium High High Slips and Trips High Medium High Burns from Tools Medium Medium Medium Infection Risk Low Medium Low–Medium Ergonomic Strain Medium Medium Medium Fire/Electrical Low High Medium 3. Existing Controls Use of PPE (gloves, aprons, masks) by staff and learners Spill cleanup procedures and proper ventilation Clear safety signage and accessible fire extinguishers Regular inspection of tools and electrical cords Scheduled breaks and ergonomic workstations 4. Areas for Improvement Enforce consistent PPE use among all staff and learners Implement formal electrical safety checks Increase frequency of fire drills, including learner participation Install non-slip mats in wet areas such as wash stations 5. Recommended Actions Conduct monthly safety inspections Hold biannual fire drills with staff and learners Schedule annual electrical audits Provide refresher training focused on learner safety and ergonomics 6. Monitor and Review Review risk assessments after incidents or changes in salon/spa services Collect feedback from staff and learners on safety concerns Update safety plans at least annually in collaboration with the skills development provider and SETA 7. Documentation and Communication Keep written records of risk assessments, incidents, and training sessions Share safety updates in regular team and learner meetings Ensure all safety materials are accessible to staff and learners Quick Action Plan Summary for Salons/Spas Hosting Learners: Task Action Find an OHS service provider Contact Absolute Health, Hesscon, or similar experts Conduct risk assessment Use the tailored risk plan above to guide your process Enter into an MOU with accredited skills provider Formalise partnership and workplace responsibilities Book an audit Prepare your salon/spa for inspection by an OHS practitioner Obtain certification and workplace approval Receive your OHS Certificate and SETA workplace approval Maintain compliance Run regular safety checks, drills, and training refreshers Grow Your In-House Capacity Consider training yourself or a staff member as a certified Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner. These courses typically take 15-18 months and build your salon/spa’s long-term ability to maintain compliance and provide a safe learning environment for learners. By following this toolkit, salon/spas can confidently meet legal OHS standards and fulfil the workplace approval requirements of accredited skills development providers, and SETAs. This ensures a safe, supportive environment for learners, staff, and clients alike, strengthening partnerships and fostering growth across all occupational qualifications and skills programmes. For support or further information, please contact your local accredited OHS service providers, SETA representatives or EOHCB representative. 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