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There is a bold new look coming to salon shelves, and it is designed with you and your clients in mind. Sweet Professional has undergone a full brand restage, introducing a cleaner, more modern identity with high impact packaging that gives Sweet Professional stronger visual presence in your salon.   The brand restage simply means Sweet Professional has refreshed the way it presents itself. The formulas you rely on and the treatment results you deliver to your clients remain exactly the same. What Sweet Professional has updated is its visual identity, packaging and overall positioning. The goal is to create a more impactful presence in the professional haircare space and ensure Sweet Professional products stand out clearly in your retail area.     You will begin seeing the new look through a phased roll-out across the product portfolio. Rather than changing every product at once, the updated packaging will gradually replace the existing products on your shelves for a period of time. This allows Sweet Professional to introduce the new visual direction while ensuring you can continue working without interruption.   Some Sweet Professional products with the new branding are already in circulation. These include The First Shampoo, Sweet Lovely Treatment Products, Sweet SOS Products and home maintenance favourites Blend Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner .   At the heart of Sweet Professional are the professional in-salon treatments designed to help you deliver visible, reliable results to your clients. To support those services, Sweet Professional also offers homecare maintenance products. When your clients use these care and styling products at home, they help maintain and prolong the results of the in-salon treatments you perform behind the chair.   Mhb, exclusive distributors of Sweet Professional in South Africa, invites you to experience the range in a fresh new way. To place an order, 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.   FOLLOW SWEET PROFESSIONAL Instagram Facebook   FOLLOW MHB Instagram Facebook Website

In today’s business world, certainty is a luxury few can afford. When COVID-19 reshaped our lives in 2020, many hoped that, that would be the toughest challenge for our generation. Yet, as the dust settled, a new reality emerged: survival was only the beginning. The real test has been finding steady ground in a world that seems to lurch from one global crisis to the next. In the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare Industry, the noise of international unrest, supply chain disruptions, and economic volatility is no longer distant background—it’s part of our daily reality. The recent conflict in the Middle East is a stark reminder of how interconnected our local economy is to global events. South Africa is already feeling the impact: The rand has weakened as investors grow cautious. Oil price volatility is pushing up fuel and distribution costs, straining supply chains. Financial market turbulence is dampening consumer confidence and spending. Load shedding/reduction continues to disrupt trading hours and operations across many sectors, including personal care. Navigating Geopolitical Shipping Risks Together Beyond financial pressures, instability in key maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal has caused significant shipping disruptions. With container shipments through the Suez Canal down over 60% year-on-year, many cargo ships are rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transport times and costs. For our industry, this means ongoing volatility in product availability and pricing—from imported styling tools to skincare products and packaging materials. Practical Strategies for Collective Resilience In these challenging times, resilience is not just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Here are seven strategies to help your business adapt and thrive: Source Locally, Think Globally Support South African suppliers to reduce reliance on vulnerable global supply chains and meet growing consumer demand for local ethical products. Streamline Product Offerings Focus on best-sellers and high-margin services. Pausing slower-moving products helps control costs and manage inventory risk. Build Agile Supplier Relationships Collaborate with suppliers to identify alternatives, adjust order sizes, and prioritise local packaging and ingredients. Embrace Digital Tools Use real-time inventory and appointment systems to respond swiftly to disruptions and keep clients informed. Lock in Smarter Contracts Negotiate long-term pricing agreements to protect your margins from sudden cost hikes. Celebrate Local Identity and Culture Highlight African botanicals and traditional beauty rituals to differentiate your brand and connect deeply with clients. Be Transparent With Clients Honest communication about pricing or service changes builds trust and loyalty. Strengthening Workforce Resilience: A Community Approach Our people are the heart of our industry. Economic pressures can strain your ability to pay salaries and maintain operations, but South African labour laws offers tools to help manage these challenges proactively and fairly. Early Warning Systems:  Monitor client retention and revenue trends closely. Early detection helps you act before problems escalate. Short-Time Work and Temporary Lay-Offs:  These options, permitted under the Labour Relations Act and Main Collective Agreement of the National Bargaining Council for Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare, can reduce costs while preserving jobs. Always consult with employees and communicate clearly to maintain trust. Skills Development and Cross-Training:  Invest in training to increase workforce flexibility, enabling redeployment as business needs shift. Open Communication:  Regularly engage with your team and their representatives, fostering cooperation and easing transitions. Strategic Workforce Planning:  Align your team size and skills with projected needs, and comply with fair retrenchment procedures if necessary. Support Employee Wellbeing:  Financial wellness programs can help staff manage personal finances, reducing pressure and improving morale. By combining these labour strategies with your business resilience plans, you build a stronger, more adaptable enterprise ready to face uncertainty together. Looking Ahead with Confidence The South African government has called for peace and de-escalation in the Middle East, but while international politics remain beyond our control, the choices we make locally are not. Whether you run a high-end urban salon, a township beauty studio, or a mobile service, your adaptability and resilience are your greatest assets. Let’s continue learning from those who have weathered past storms and support each other as we navigate today’s challenges. Together, we’re not just surviving—we’re shaping a future worth standing for. 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

Creative Direction: Dean Gleeson @ dean_gleeson_ Project Leader: Dean Gleeson @ dean_gleeson_ Photographer:  Paul Simmons @happyjack.uk Videographer: Lee Barber @leebarberphotography Stylist: Stephanie Day @sedelizstyles Make-up artist: Lily Winfield @ lilywinfieldmua Hair: Project Men & Media 2025 Tony Hristov @hairby.to Samual Justice @samjusticehair Marcus Hampton @Marcushampton_hair Darcey Clarke @darceymariahair Billy Ryan @billyryanhair Billy Ryan @tribesalons

LESSOAN Thermoplastia  is a professional smoothing and restructuring treatment powered by advanced  nanoplastia technology , enhanced with  built-in violet pigments to counter unwanted yellow tones, and developed with a  formaldehyde-free  formulation for a premium, comfortable salon experience.   It smooths frizz. It restores shine. It cool-tones the hair. What if one in-salon service could smooth, restore, and neutralise yellow tones at the same time?   That’s exactly what  LESSOAN Thermoplastia  delivers. Powered by advanced  nanoplastia technology  and  built-in violet pigments , Thermoplastia works deep within the hair structure while you seal the treatment with heat — leaving hair visibly smoother, intensely glossy, and beautifully cool-toned.   What makes Thermoplastia different? Nanoplastia action  that penetrates and restructures from within Thermal activation  for long-lasting smoothness and shine Violet pigments  that counteract unwanted yellow/brassy tones during the service Results your client can  see  in the mirror before they leave the chair.   No extra toners. No add-ons. No second process.Just one powerful treatment with a dramatic before-and-after.   What your clients experience Frizz transformed into glass-like smoothness Yellow, dull tones neutralised to a cooler, healthier look Hair that feels stronger, softer, and visibly rejuvenated Immediate confidence from instant, visible results   And when clients  see  this level of transformation in your salon, they don’t forget it. They rebook. They recommend. They trust your expertise.   LESSOAN Thermoplastia   isn’t just a smoothing service — it’s a confidence-boosting, chair-side transformation your clients will talk about long after they leave.   And the results last for months. But here’s where the real opportunity lies… Not just in  doing  the treatment. In  showcasing  the fact that you offer a premium Brazilian treatment your competitors don’t, you position your business as a leader in hair health and innovation.   How to Highlight Thermoplastia as a Key Salon Differentiator   Rename the Service on Your Menu This isn’t just a “Brazilian Blow Wave” - list your service as LESSOAN Thermoplastia Nanoplastia Treatment . Make the name part of the value.   Let the Results Lead the Conversation: Nothing sells this service better than visible transformation. Consistently sharing "Before & After" results on social media and within the salon provides authentic proof of the service's impact.   Highlight the Violet Pigment Benefit Most Brazilian treatments smooth hair. Very few neutralise yellow tones at the same time. This dual-action approach serves as a compelling point of interest for blonde and silver-haired clients.   Emphasize Thermoplastia as a Premium, Formaldehyde-Free Experience Clients prioritize wellness and safety. This builds immediate trust and perceived quality, reinforcing the quality of your salon’s standards.   Create a “Thermoplastia Client Journey” Shift the focus from a one-time appointment to a holistic experience: Consultation → In-salon Treatment → LESSOAN Home Care.   This approach nurtures long-term relationships and ensures the longevity of the results for your clients.   Standardise your Team’s Professional Terminology   Encourage your team to utilize precise language such as "nanoplastia technology" and "integrated smoothing and tone correction." Accurate, professional phrasing elevates the client’s perception of the service’s technical complexity.   Showcase Integrated Home Care   Displaying the LESSOAN home care system prominently reinforces that this is a professional regimen. It signals to the client that the treatment is part of a premium, results-oriented ecosystem rather than a standalone service.     Thoughtful positioning establishes Thermoplastia as a premium standard, moving beyond the traditional service comparison. Clients don’t compare you to other salons. They look specifically for the salon that offers  LESSOAN Thermoplastia .   And that salon … is yours. 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

In this podcast, Antony Whitaker from  growmysalonbusiness.com  is joined by Hayley Mears, former hairdresser, branding expert, and the driving force behind Six Underground Media.  We dive deep into what salon owners should expect from Instagram in 2026, why the platform is about to shift in a major way, and how AI is going to become a natural part of your marketing workflow, whether you like it or not.  If you want to stay ahead of the curve, understand what’s changing, and get practical, real-world advice from someone who lives and breathes digital marketing for salons, you’re going to love this conversation. Click the image below to listen.   👉  FOLLOW US! Instagram  |  Facebook  |  Website   👉 FOLLOW HAYLEY MEARS! Instagram  |  Website

Depth, richness and shine in this gorgeous chocolatey brunette from Ezilda Lerm. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Roots: @wellaprofessionals_sa Koleston Perfect 4/0 + 20 vol Rest: @wellaprofessionals_sa Colour Touch 4/0 + 4/77 + 5/5 + 13 vol Shampoo & treatment: @wellaprofessionals_sa Oil Reflections range Styling: blow dried with @ghd_southafrica Duet Blow Dry after prepping with @GHD Rehab Split End Sealer Finishing: @wellaprofessionals_sa Oil reflections oil Stylist: Ezilda Lerm Salon: Alchemy Hair Studio, Somerset West, Cape Town Follow Ezilda on Instagram @ezilda.hairstylist @alchemy_hs 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.

Jim Shaw, Multi Award Winning Men’s Hairdresser and Director at TONI&GUY Billericay Men’s hair has officially entered a new era. In 2026, a good haircut alone isn’t enough, how you care for your hair matters just as much as how it looks. As grooming continues to evolve, more men are realising that updating their hair regime is about a routine that works with their lifestyle, hair type, and long-term hair health. From refreshing your cut to suit modern styles and face shape, to revamping your care routine with smarter washing and scalp care, today’s approach to men’s hair is more intentional than ever. Updating your cut In 2026, updating your haircut is less about following extreme trends and more about choosing a style that looks natural, modern, and easy to maintain. Men’s cuts are shifting towards softer shapes, lived-in texture, and personalised details that work with your hair type rather than against it. Clean fades are still relevant, but they’re more blended and subtle, while longer lengths, movement, and versatility are becoming key. A refreshed cut not only sharpens your overall look but also makes styling simpler and healthier, reducing the need for heavy products or excessive heat. Updating your cut ensures your hair reflects both current style and your individual lifestyle in 2026. Revamp you care routine Revamping your hair care routine in 2026 goes beyond just shampoo and conditioner, it’s about creating a routine that supports healthy, strong, and manageable hair. Modern men are focusing on scalp health, proper hydration, and products tailored to their hair type, whether that’s fine, thick, curly, or straight. Simple upgrades like incorporating a gentle shampoo, a nourishing conditioner, and occasional scalp treatments can make a noticeable difference in texture and shine. Weekly habits, such as scalp massages or deep conditioning, help strengthen follicles and prevent damage, while reducing reliance on heavy styling products. By rethinking your routine, you’re investing in its long-term health and resilience for years to come. Upgrading your products Upgrading your hair products in 2026 is about choosing items that work smarter, not harder. Men are moving away from heavy gels and waxes in favour of lightweight, multifunctional formulas that enhance texture, volume, and shine without weighing hair down. From scalp-boosting treatments and nourishing conditioners to styling creams that provide natural hold, the right products can transform both the look and health of your hair. Incorporating modern, targeted solutions helps protect against environmental damage, strengthens strands, and makes every day styling easier and more efficient. By investing in updated products, you’re not just keeping up with trends, you’re creating a hair care system that supports a polished, healthy, and effortlessly stylish look for 2026.

“Modulux is a collection born from the collision of future-thinking and technical discipline, with every image crafted to reflect a balance of structure and softness. The name is a fusion of modular and luxury, echoing the concept of building progressive, adaptable hair shapes that feel elevated, wearable, and editorially strong.   Inspired by AI-generated concepts, I used technology as a springboard but translated each idea into real-world hair that could move, flow, and hold its form. Every model was prepped with specific textures and tailored placement to create silhouettes that feel modern but not alien, futuristic but still human. Soft peach accents subtly cut through the monochromes, adding warmth without overpowering the purity of the shapes. The contrast of clean lines with undone edges gives the whole collection a sense of tension – as if it could shift at any moment.Modulux challenges the idea that future hair must be cold or robotic. Every look tells a story of evolution, showing what happens when precision meets emotion in hair.” Michelle Summers Davies     Hair by Michelle Summers Davies at Michelle Davies Hair, Goodwick, Pembrokeshire Assisted by  Claire John, Lee Pearce, Georgia Davies, Nia Colella Make-up:  Morgan Defre Styling:  Taheed  Photographs:  Narita Savoor

Goldwell’s Commitment to Color Co-creation: Goldwell’s Color of the Year 2026 - BELLINI   Let’s be honest, our industry has changed. Stylists are expected to do more, faster. Clients are scrolling TikTok and expecting results. And somehow, between trends and rising costs, salons are still supposed to keep the magic alive. At Goldwell, we saw it too, and we didn’t just react. We evolved.   THIS IS NOT JUST A REBRAND. IT’S A RECOMMITMENT. To the artists. To the salons. To the future of color. To you. This moment is about showing up, not with more noise, but with more value and support. Smarter services, stronger tools, and a real partnership that helps stylists and salons grow.   Co-creating the future with Goldwell. Because color isn’t just what we do. It’s how we build the future together. LET’S COLOR THE FUTURE TOGETHER Color CoLAB Heroing co-creation and collaboration   BELLINI: The first co-created Color of the Year   For our first Color CoLAB, we invited colorists Salome De Wet, Zachary Norman, Peter Wu, and Neil Barton to collaborate with us. We shared our vision and aspiration, and asked them to create a color that embodies the new Goldwell to them. The outcome?   Color artistry and excellence at its best: Goldwell’s Color of the Year 2026 - Bellini.   A bold, optimistic, bright, luminous, and head-turning color created with our existing color palette.   With our Color CoLABs, we celebrate our community’s creativity  and talent and create a new way to shape what’s next, with the people who live it every day. In the CoLAB, stylists put our products, services, and tools to the test. They bring the insight. We bring the opportunity. Together, we build what works. The result: beautiful color campaigns, new products, and services - created by colorists for colorists. It is the living proof of what People Powered Color really means.   When Hans Erich Dotter started Goldwell in 1948, his vision was to create a company focused on the professional hairdressing industry, and to rebuild a feeling of beauty in the people around him. Honoring our founder’s vision, we invited our global community of stylists to help us define the new Goldwell. The result takes our stylist-centric mindset one step further, by putting color creators at the center of everything — from color curation to product innovation and education.   With the help of our Color CoLABs , we will foster this co-creation approach and will invest in truly meaningful activities to support salons and stylists to flourish. We’ll lead by listening, to build the most collaborative, most relatable, and highest-performance color brand, because we believe a brand powered by our people is the future.   Our commitment We’ve listened to and heard salon owners and stylists around the globe. A true partnership is about relevance, simplicity, clarity, and support.   WITH THE GOLDWELL GLOW UP, YOU CAN EXPECT: High-performance products and innovations, co-created with and for stylists. High-frequency, high-margin services that drive repeat business and are relevant in today’s fast-paced world. Support that drives salon and stylist visibility, booking, and loyalty. Education that grows careers, not just techniques — with a focus on retention, relevance, and results.   A strategic partner, not just a product provider, focused on your growth, not just your inventory. Because we believe success is a journey — one that is best travelled together.   GOLDWELL - COLOR THE FUTURE Click the button below to book your tickets now! Pre-launch Tickets: SOLD OUT Phase 1 Tickets: SOLD OUT Phase 2 Tickets: R500 (LIMITED) TICKET PRICE: R1000 Follow the movement: #GoldwellGlowUp #NewGoldwellEra #GoldwellSouthAfrica Follow Goldwell on Instagram @goldwellsouthafrica

milk_shake incredible : The haircare line that harnesses the nourishing power of milk & fruit vitamins in three signature products, all delivering strength and vitality.   Your clients will be amazed: They can now experience a soothing scalp and hair routine for instant softness, increased strength and a radiant shine that gets better every day. 1. incredible milk   -  leave-in 12 effects 2. incredible oil   – illuminating & protecting oil 3. incredible serum   – fortifying serum   The core of the milk_shake®️ incredible range , is the nourishing balance of the most harmonious blend of milk and fruit:   Milk proteins deeply condition and revitalise the hair   Fruit vitamins provide antioxidant power and a brightening effect, making them beneficial for treating dull and damaged hair.   The perfect balance of these two elements infuses essential nourishment, protection, and lustre into your hair. All with milk_shake’s signature fragrance! sweet, delicate, and creamy, the fragrance of our top-selling incredible milk is now infused into all products in the line, creating an irresistible scent trail that exudes happiness.   Three Signature Products for Your Clients’ Delight: incredible milk 12 effects leave-in for all hair types Soft and lightweight milk cream delicately envelops the hair, providing protection, nourishment, and incredible softness.   1. Repairs all hair types 2. Tames frizz 3. Prevents split ends 4. Protects from heat 5. Ensures long-lasting hairstyles 6. Provides effortless detangling 7. Gives extreme shine 8. Adds body and volume 9. Facilitates styling with straighteners and/or curling irons 10. Protects and maintains colour 11. Repairs from UV rays 12. Seals the cuticles.   Easy to use: Apply to towel-dried hair, massage in, and proceed with desired styling. incredible oil illuminating and protective oil Infused with argan and sunflower oils and enriched with papaya extract, it creates a protective film that perfectly seals the cuticles.   It prevents hair breakage and provides extraordinary shine, for incredibly soft, weightless and radiant hair.   Easy to use: For pre-styling, spray evenly on washed and towel-dried hair. Comb to distribute; do not rinse, then proceed with drying. As a finishing product, apply to your hands and distribute evenly throughout the mid-lengths and ends of the hair.  incredible serum fortifying serum Enriched with milk proteins and fruit extracts, this product works on the scalp to strengthen hair from the roots, ensuring exceptionally resilient and shiny lengths.   It is quickly absorbed, providing a pleasant sensation of freshness and scalp protection, all while maintaining the ideal conditions for shiny hair.   Easy to use: Divide the hair into sections and apply 1-2 full droppers daily to towel-dried hair or dry scalp. Gently massage and distribute. Do not rinse. milk_shake incredible : This is the fan-favourite and all-time bestseller haircare your clients will love for the fantastic silky, smooth look they want. 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 yo ur 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, a nd everything that. makes our hairdressing world so dynamic.

Werner Botha at Wernology Hair Design transformed this look with a rich dimensional copper balayage, soft golden ribbons for brightness and a fresh layered cut to create movement and bounce . Click image below to view the Instagram post. Hair: Werner Botha Salon: Wernology Hair Design, Terenzo Suites, Dunkeld, JHB Follow Werner on Instagram @wernology.hairdesign @werner_terenzo 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.