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A beautiful blow-dry should feel as good as it looks. With L’ANZA Scalp Therapy Balancing Scrub, Shampoo, Conditioner and Balancing Leave-On Serum, salons can bring targeted scalp care into a ritual clients experience in the chair and continue at home. Your client loves her colour. Her hair looks polished. Yet between appointments, her scalp feels oily, tight or uncomfortable, and visible flakes leave her feeling self-conscious. One thoughtful question can open a valuable conversation: “How does your scalp feel between washes?” Why the scalp deserves a place in every consultation Dryness, excess oil, visible flakes and product buildup each call for individual attention. Dry shampoo can help refresh a style, but it absorbs oil rather than cleansing the scalp. Regular washing remains essential to remove residue and accumulated oil. For stylists, the opportunity begins with listening. Ask about the client’s cleansing routine and the products the client uses, then assess whether a cosmetic scalp ritual is appropriate. Persistent irritation, sores or unexplained hair loss warrant medical assessment. Balancing Scrub: a fresh beginning L’ANZA Scalp Therapy Balancing Scrub transforms into a creamy lather, gently lifting away excess oil, buildup and visible flakes for a cleaner, refreshed scalp. Its ingredient story brings sophisticated science and botanical care to the basin. Papaya enzymes help exfoliate unwanted flakes, while coconut water supports the scalp’s natural moisture barrier. Natural sea salt helps lift dirt, oil and residue. Lactic acid combines gentle exfoliation with moisture retention, and green microalgae and red seaweed provide antioxidant care to help comfort and balance the scalp. For the client, this is a cleansing step she can experience as part of a considered, professional service. Balancing Leave-On Serum: comfort that continues Complete the ritual with L’ANZA Scalp Therapy Balancing Leave-On Serum, a lightweight treatment that hydrates and helps soothe dryness and discomfort. Its quickly absorbing texture leaves no residue, making scalp care easy to incorporate into a polished finish. Alongside the Papaya Soothing Complex, hyaluronic acid attracts and binds moisture. Microalgae supports scalp balance and barrier health, while aloe vera and licorice root extract help soothe irritation. Meadowfoam seed oil adds nourishing moisture. For a client hesitant about applying products at the roots, demonstrate the texture and placement. Understanding how a scalp serum feels can make the recommendation much more reassuring. Build the experience around the client Introduce the ritual during consultation, explain its purpose and agree the service before moving to the basin. Refresh. Apply Balancing Scrub to the damp scalp in sections. Gently massage to lather and exfoliate, then rinse thoroughly. Cleanse. The scrub can be used alone or before Balancing Shampoo when a deeper cleanse is appropriate. Replenish. Follow with Balancing Conditioner to restore moisture and soften the hair. Comfort. Apply Balancing Leave-On Serum directly to the towel-dried scalp in sections. Massage gently and leave on before styling. A calm explanation and an unhurried massage give the service its sense of luxury. Let the client know what each step is doing, so the client leaves with both a cared-for scalp and greater confidence in their routine. One ritual, two opportunities for salon growth A dedicated scalp ritual creates a paid service opportunity alongside a cut or blow-dry, or as a standalone appointment. Give it a clear place on the treatment menu and recommend it where the consultation identifies a genuine need. The retail conversation then has a natural starting point: the client has experienced the products and understands their purpose. Explain the home routine simply. Balancing Scrub provides weekly exfoliating cleansing, or use as needed according to scalp needs and directions. Balancing Leave-On Serum provides lightweight hydration and comfort after washing. Recommend the products that suit the individual, and show them exactly how to apply them. “This is the scalp care we used today. Here is how you can continue it at home.” Home care gives clients practical support between appointments while creating an additional source of retail margin for the salon. Reviewing the routine at their next visit also creates opportunities for replenishment sales and repeat treatments where appropriate. The result is a service clients can understand, a home routine they can follow, and a stronger reason to trust your professional advice. Bring L’ANZA Scalp Therapy to your salon Discover how Balancing Scrub, Shampoo, Conditioner and Balancing Leave-On Serum can become part of your salon’s signature scalp ritual. Contact Blume Distributions for product information, education and stocking enquiries. Email: hello@blumebrands.co WhatsApp: 083 697 3040 About L’ANZA Color & Care: From care to color, L’ANZA heals, seals and protects hair around the world utilizing the latest technology available for award-winning product performance. L’ANZA is the only brand that heals the hair, delivering maximum shine & color that lasts. They maintain a green commitment by ensuring all products & actions support a healthy & sustainable Earth. L’ANZA is proud to be a professional, diversion-free brand, creating the finest haircare products, tools, and education in the world.

Alex Thaddeus stylist and owner of Alex Thaddeus Hairdressing The best hair colour for your client is completely unique to the client you have sitting in the chair in front of you. To achieve good results and happy customers on a consistent level it is important to have a solid structure throughout the appointment from a clear consultation process to communication throughout the appointment and always asking for feedback after their hair transformation. Complete an in-depth consultation process Always start with an in-depth consultation, this will be the backbone of your appointment and determine how the process unfolds. You want to understand your client as an individual as well as their hair. Ask about their lifestyle, washing frequency, even how they wear their hair daily. This could affect how much colour you apply. As well as this, understanding your clients skin tones and natural hair colour is important to identify within the consultation. This will then help you to interpret what undertones will complement their complexion, your colour formula and everything that will go into the overall appointment. You may additionally want to offer them restorative hair masks and deep conditioning treatments that you can apply within the appointment so always ask what struggles they face with their hair day to day. I always reach for the Goldwell Kerasilk “Repower” recovery mask when my clients are looking to revive any dull hair as it is great for restoring volume and strengthening hair. Create a relaxing and enjoyable appointment Once you have ticked all the boxes from your consultation you can move on to creating the perfect colour to suit the individual. A top tip I have for identifying the right tones to include in your colouring is to check the colours of their veins, purple and blue coloured veins indicate that your client will suit cooler tones while green veins indicate that your client will suit warmer tones. Once you have customised the colour, I strongly suggest that you complete a test strand before committing fully to application. This is a really great way to predict how the final result will look before making any errors, check in with your client to see if they are happy with the test strand before you continue. Throughout the appointment keep your client updated with what you’re doing and ask them for their input for example ask how they want their hair styled towards the end of the appointment, or checking they are ok with you using a smoothing serum. This will ensure the client is happy, relaxed and comfortable in your chair. Aftercare for the client Once the appointment has come to an end make sure that you inform the client of the best aftercare procedure that will keep their hair looking vibrant and fresh. Share product recommendation, the most beneficial washing routines for them as well as when to schedule their touch up appointment. As well as this don’t be afraid to ask them for verbal feedback or leave an online review on the salon’s website, this will also help you to build a relationship with your client and encourage them to come back to your salon.

Future Nomad, dystopian times arid hot and futuristic. Modern cyborg glamour amazons of the future embrace a new world. Drawing inspiration from movies such as Fifth Element, Mad Max and Blade Runner and more, I was inspired to create a collection that had one foot into the future. What would the world look like if it was paired back and stripped down. I wanted my models to look lost and between two world but at the same time empowered, enlightened standing their ground and holding space. Future Nomad is about empowerment strength and resilience of the day-to-day growth of the modern woman as she navigates new territory how would that feel and what would it look like? Where would we live in a bare igloo type establishment or caves would the end of this world breath new life into another world as we balance between dimensions having one foot in one world and one foot in an alternate world? The desert is vast and the landscape harsh we need to evolve and reinvent ourselves to make way in this new world. Collection: Future Nomad Hairdresser: Dani Blakeley @dani_yoshiko_hair Colourist: Dani Blakeley Salon: Yoshiko Hair @yoshiko_hair Photographer: Annis and Barton Stylist: Renee Lamb Make up: Shev Kelly

One mist. A whole new mood. Four fine, weightless hair-and-body mists that scent skin and hair in one spritz, leaving hair soft, smooth and lightly conditioned, never weighed down. Beautifully packaged and instantly giftable, they're the easiest add-on sale at your till. feel good • feel confident • feel magnetic • feel empowered Ready to stock the mood? Get in touch for pricing, ranges & in-salon displays. Contact details: Take Note Trading 188cc Tel: 021 552 2369 Email: georg@z-one.co.za

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

Sitting in Riki's chair, gets you results like these! Click the image below to view the Instagram post. Hair: Riki-Jay Salon: That Hair Girl Follow Riki-Jay on Instagram @thathairgirl_rikijay @thathairgirl_salon 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.

My name is Juanay Muller and I am a first-year hair apprentice at The Moulin Rouge Hair Studio, while also studying at THASA Alberton. This year, I entered my very first hairstyling competition — the THASA Alberton's Beyond the Chair Avant Garde Competition — and to my disbelief and excitement, I won. What drew me into the hair industry was the way you can enhance someone's inner beauty with just a few techniques and styles. I love that everyone’s hair is different — from hair colour and texture to thickness and curl pattern — and that you can take all of these qualities and create something magnificent that is completely suited to the individual. One of my favourite moments is watching someone look into the mirror once their service is complete and do a double take at themselves. Seeing the confidence that comes from enhancing what they already have is something I find incredibly rewarding, working with what they already have to help them see themselves in a different way. The industry is shaping me differently every day. It has pushed me out of my little bubble and taught me how to adapt and communicate with multiple different people and personalities all in a single day. Every client, colleague and experience teaches me something new. It has also encouraged me to challenge myself creatively, which is where the Goldwell Avant Garde Competition has played such an important role for me. It has encouraged me to think outside the box, experiment with different techniques and do things that I would normally feel uncomfortable doing. Entering this competition was something I knew I wanted to do almost instantly when my instructor, Carmen, first mentioned it to me. It wasn't because I thought I was particularly good at avant garde hair — in fact, it was almost the opposite. It was something completely new to me. I saw the competition as an opportunity to challenge myself, learn new styling techniques and push myself towards something I would normally shy away from. I wanted to create something that would make people stop, look twice and wonder how it had been created. More than anything, I wanted to see what I was capable of. One of the biggest challenges for me was learning not to overthink what I was doing. When I first saw my inspiration photo, I knew that the final look needed to feel almost like organised chaos. The problem was that I am anything but chaotic. I like everything to be neat, structured and to have its own place. I had to learn to become more free with my craft and reach almost a flow-like state, where I wasn't constantly overthinking what my next move should be. Instead, I had to trust the process, move with the hairstyle and allow the strands of hair to guide me. My process itself was chaotic. There was hair, glue, wire and hairspray everywhere. I started the hairstyle by creating my triangular structure using lightweight, flexible wire. Once the wire structure was complete, I cut pieces of foam and cable-tied them all around it. There were hundreds of cable ties involved! At this stage, the structure looked very questionable, but I had to tell myself to trust the process. Once the structure was complete, I could finally get to the exciting part — the hair. I started by matting a large section of the hair to create a “hair blanket". This would cover the foam and give me a solid base to build my texture onto. There was just one small problem that I hadn't considered: synthetic hair does not curl! I was completely stumped. Then, while I was at work one day, one of our operators had her braids done and was curling the ends of the braids around a foam roller before soaking them in hot water. It was a brilliant idea, and I immediately realised that I could use the same technique with my synthetic hair. I rolled sections of the hair onto foam rollers and used hot water to create the curls. I alternated between drying the hair around the rollers using our Climazone and using my hairdryer with a diffuser attachment so that the air could be distributed evenly. It took forever! I then started experimenting with thicker sections of hair by moulding them into the shapes I wanted on the counter and completely saturated them with hairspray to help them hold their form. I used these thicker pieces first, pinning them onto my hair blanket to create the basic shape and curled texture. I then used the smaller curled strands that I had created with the hot water and rollers to add definition. Finally, I used hairspray and my hairdryer to secure each curl and wave before removing all of the pins. It was messy, time-consuming and definitely not the neatest process — but slowly, the vision started becoming a reality. Once I had completed the entire look, I stepped back and experienced a moment of doubt. Don't get me wrong — I thought it looked amazing. But it wasn't my usual style at all. I was unsure whether I had managed to capture exactly what I had imagined when I first started. I was proud of myself for creating something that I never would have thought I was capable of doing, but a part of me still wondered whether anyone else would feel the same way. I have never felt as much pride in myself as I did when I heard that I had won. Winning gave me a confidence I never realised I needed. More importantly, it reassured me that I should continue pursuing the creative side of hairdressing. It showed me that even though I am still early in my career, I don't have to wait until I have years of experience before challenging myself or trying something completely outside of my comfort zone. Being recognised for something I had never done before was incredibly rewarding. It taught me to trust myself, to problem-solve when things don't go according to plan and, most importantly, to let go of the need for everything to be perfect. I am still at the very beginning of my career, and I don't know exactly where the hair industry will take me. What I do know is that I want to continue exploring the creative side of hairdressing and continue challenging myself to create things that are different. I want to keep learning new techniques, experimenting with different styles and throw myself into uncomfortable situations as that is usually where we learn the most. The industry is constantly changing, and I want to change with it. I want to remain curious, keep learning from the stylists around me and take every opportunity to grow. This competition has given me a glimpse of what I might be capable of, and I am excited to see where that takes me next. I am truly grateful for all of the support I received throughout this experience. A huge thank you to my instructor, for encouraging me to enter the competition in the first place and for supporting me throughout the process. Thank you to every single person at my salon who encouraged me, listened to me talk about my ideas, helped me when I doubted myself and just stood and stared at my work for minutes just processing everything and also celebrated the achievement with me. Thank you to the clients who cheered me on, asked about my creation. And lastly thank you to my family and amazing boyfriend who kept encouraging me to carry on and do my best. Follow THASA Alberton in Instagram @thasaalberton

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

This blonde hair is brought to life using the polychrome technique giving the perfect shimmer of pinks lilacs and peaches. Click the image below to view the Instagram post. Stylist: Jules Cruz Salon: Pasquale Hairstylists Follow Jules on Instagram @julescruz_pasqualehair @pasqualehair 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.

This collection is a true collaboration of skills, personalities and artists of the Smartest73 Artistic Team and photographer Jamie Blanshard. The vision, born from the concept of Japanese street culture fused with manga influences, was a collective decision to explore. We all share a passion and fascination for the history behind this culture, so all relished the opportunity to create our interpretation of it. Originally shot in colour, our Synergy collection was changed to black and white to give a darker, moodier atmosphere. Contrasting darks to ultra lights enhance the strong undone textures of big, soft curls, brushed out dishevelled waves to the clean, blunt lines and smooth shine. Steven Smart Hair by Smartest 73 Artistic Team – Steven Smart, Debra Smart, Jo Lomax, Weston-Super-Mare @smartest73 @smartest73_hairsalon Art director: Steven Smart Make-up: Debra Smart Styling: Ginder Ninja Photographs: Jamie Blanshard @jamieblanshardphoto

This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and to show some love to the brand that bringing you the products you love, the one that keeps you inspired and rocks your professional world! Below are the lists and links to vote for your favourite Hairnews Supporter Brands in our two categories. • Best Hairnews Supporter Brand Product Finalist • Best Hairnews Supporter Brand Equipment Finalist Voting Closes 15th November 2026 Note: only one vote per device/IP address will be counted. OUR 2026 NOMINEES The Hairnews Team wishes each nominee all the best for the voting round!

Written by Choert Maartens The hairdressing and beauty industry is built on creativity, technical skill, and strong client relationships. However, behind every successful establishment lies another critical element that is often overlooked: emotional management. Establishments are unique environments where clients place a great deal of trust in professionals who influence their appearance and self-confidence. At the same time, employees operate in a fast-paced, service-driven environment where expectations are high, and emotions can easily run strong. Unlike many other industries, professionals in the hairdressing and beauty sector work in close personal interaction with clients for extended periods of time. These interactions often involve conversations about personal experiences, lifestyle, and self-image. As a result, establishments naturally become spaces where emotions, both positive and negative, are expressed openly. A client may arrive feeling excited about a transformation, nervous about a new look, or anxious about an important event. When services meet or exceed expectations, the result can be immense satisfaction and loyalty. However, when expectations are not met, even small misunderstandings can lead to strong emotional reactions. Employees, on the other hand, are expected to maintain professionalism, creativity, and attentive service throughout the working day. Long hours, demanding schedules, and the pressure to consistently deliver high-quality results can create a challenging working environment. When these pressures combine with personal stress or difficult client interactions, emotions can quickly escalate if not managed effectively. For employers in the sector, the ability to manage emotionally charged situations both with staff and clients is not simply a soft skill; it is an essential leadership competency that contributes directly to workplace harmony, service quality, and long-term business sustainability. Employers who understand the emotional dynamics of the industry are far better positioned to build resilient teams, support their employees, and maintain positive client relationships even when challenges arise. Understanding the Emotional Nature of the Industry Hair and beauty services are deeply personal experiences. A haircut, colour treatment, skincare service, or beauty procedure often carries emotional significance for clients. These services influence how individuals see themselves and how they present themselves to the world. When expectations are not met, whether due to miscommunication, unrealistic expectations, or simple misunderstandings, clients may react emotionally. Disappointment can quickly escalate into frustration or confrontation if not managed professionally. Employees within establishments face similar emotional pressures. Many professionals work long hours while maintaining a high standard of personal interaction and customer service. The need to remain attentive, creative, and precise throughout the day can become mentally and emotionally demanding. When personal stress, fatigue, or workplace pressure combine with client expectations, emotional responses may arise. Employers who recognise this emotional dynamic are better positioned to manage challenges constructively and maintain a healthy working environment. Supporting Employees During Emotional Moments When an employee becomes upset, frustrated, or overwhelmed, the employer’s first response should always be understanding rather than immediate correction. Employees who feel supported by management are more likely to regain composure quickly and return to delivering professional service. Employers can manage these situations effectively by adopting several practical approaches. Listening first is often the most powerful tool. Allow the employee to explain what happened before offering solutions or feedback. Feeling heard and understood can significantly reduce emotional tension and restore trust between employer and employee. Providing a short pause can also be beneficial. Allowing an employee a few minutes away from the client area to regain composure can prevent mistakes and help them return to their duties with greater confidence. Maintaining private conversations is equally important. Emotional situations should always be addressed away from clients and colleagues to protect the employee’s dignity and confidence. Public criticism can damage morale and undermine professional relationships within the establishment. Offering guidance rather than criticism ensures that employees feel supported while still learning from the experience. Once emotions have settled, employers can provide constructive advice on how similar situations may be managed in the future. Leadership research from the Center for Creative Leadership emphasises that effective managers address emotional workplace challenges through active listening, calm communication, and constructive feedback. These approaches strengthen trust while still maintaining professional standards. A supportive workplace culture encourages employees to remain professional even during challenging interactions. Managing Emotional Clients Dissatisfied clients can quickly affect the atmosphere within an establishment if their concerns are not addressed appropriately. When a client becomes upset, employers should intervene calmly and professionally while ensuring that both the client and employee feel respected. Several strategies can help de-escalate emotionally charged client situations. Acknowledging the client’s feelings is often the first step toward resolving conflict. Clients want to feel that their concerns are taken seriously. Statements such as *“I understand why you feel disappointed, let’s see how we can resolve this together” can immediately reduce tension. Avoiding immediate defensiveness is equally important. Responding with explanations or justifications before fully listening to the client may intensify frustration. Allowing the client to express their concerns demonstrates respect and professionalism. Finding a constructive solution helps restore the client’s confidence in the establishment. Solutions may include adjusting the service, offering a correction appointment, or scheduling a follow-up consultation. The goal should always be to resolve the issue while maintaining professional integrity. Protecting the employee remains critical. Employers should never undermine employees in front of clients or colleagues. While client concerns must be addressed, it is equally important to maintain staff morale and confidence. When handled effectively, a complaint can become an opportunity to strengthen client loyalty rather than damage it. The Role of the Employer During emotionally charged situations, the employer sets the tone for the entire workplace. Staff members look to management for stability, fairness, and guidance when tensions arise. Strong employers consistently demonstrate three key leadership qualities. Calm leadership Remaining composed during conflict reassures both employees and clients that the situation is under control. Empathy Understanding both the employee’s and the client’s perspectives allows employers to create balanced solutions that protect relationships. Professional boundaries While emotions should always be acknowledged, workplace decisions must remain fair, objective, and consistent. These qualities not only resolve immediate conflicts but also reinforce a culture of professionalism throughout the establishment. Building a Resilient Establishment Culture Managing emotions effectively should not occur only during difficult moments. Employers can significantly reduce workplace tension by proactively building a resilient and supportive environment. Regular team discussions can provide employees with a safe space to share experiences and challenges. These conversations encourage communication and help employees learn from one another’s experiences. Clear client service policies can also prevent misunderstandings before they escalate into complaints. When employees understand how to respond to difficult situations, they feel more confident and prepared. Training employees in communication skills, particularly how to manage dissatisfied clients, can strengthen professionalism across the entire team. Ultimately, when employees feel respected and supported, they are more likely to deliver exceptional service to clients. A Practical Example from the Industry Consider the experience of an establishment owner who noticed rising tension between staff and clients during peak holiday periods. Employees were working long hours, and minor client complaints were quickly turning into emotional disputes. Instead of responding with strict disciplinary measures, the employer introduced short weekly team meetings where employees could discuss challenges openly. Staff were also trained on techniques for managing difficult client interactions, including listening strategies and calm communication. Within a few months, the atmosphere within the establishment changed noticeably. Employees felt supported, clients experienced more consistent service, and complaints decreased significantly. By addressing the emotional realities of the workplace, the employer strengthened both team morale and client satisfaction. Final Thoughts In the hairdressing and beauty industry, employers manage far more than appointments and services. They manage relationships, expectations, and emotions every day. Emotionally charged situations are inevitable in any people-focused profession. What distinguishes successful establishments from struggling ones is not the absence of conflict, but the quality of leadership applied when challenges arise. Employers who lead with empathy, maintain professionalism, and actively support their teams create workplaces where employees feel valued, and clients feel respected. These environments naturally foster trust, loyalty, and long-term success. For employers in the sector, a few practical steps can make a significant difference: Encourage open communication among employees Address emotional situations calmly and privately Provide staff with guidance and conflict-management training Maintain consistent service standards when resolving client complaints Promote a culture of respect and professionalism within the establishment In addition, employers should recognise that emotional intelligence is becoming an increasingly valuable leadership skill within service industries. Establishments that invest time in developing strong communication practices, supportive management structures, and clear expectations often experience improved staff retention, stronger client relationships, and a more positive workplace atmosphere. When employees feel supported by their employer, they are more confident in handling challenging client interactions. Similarly, when clients experience calm and professional problem-solving, their trust in the establishment grows. These positive experiences often translate into repeat visits, referrals, and long-term loyalty. Ultimately, successful establishments are not defined only by the quality of the services they provide, but by the strength of the leadership guiding the people behind the chair. Employers who understand and effectively manage the emotional dynamics of the workplace are far better positioned to build resilient teams, satisfied clients, and businesses that continue to thrive in a competitive and people-driven industry. 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