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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

Lessoan Thermoplastia is the formaldehyde-free, single- step straightening treatment redefining smooth, silky, healthy hair - powered by rosehip, acai, avocado and aloe vera for long-lasting straightening, deep reconstruction and 100% anti-frizz. Then send your clients home with the Lessoan Home Care range - Shampoo, Conditioner and Hydrating Mask, enriched with buriti oil, murumuru butter, hydrolyzed collagen and keratin - to protect the result and keep them coming back for their next appointment. ONE TREATMENT. ONE RETAIL RANGE. ONE LOYAL CLIENT. Enquire about becoming a LESSOAN salon today! Contact details: Tel: 021 552 2369 Email: georg@z-one.co.za marku@z-one.co.za Take Note Trading 188cc (Distributor of LESSOAN Cosmetique) 1 Indwe Road, Milnerton, Cape Town

From a slightly warmer, toned-out blonde to a fresh, seamless, icy blonde, from Suzel at Suzel Oosthuizen Hair. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Stylist: Suzel Oosthuizen Salon: Suzel Oosthuizen Hair Follow Suzel on Instagram @suzel.in.studio 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 are incredibly proud to announce the nominees for the 2026 Best Hairnews Supporter Brand Award. This year’s award is particularly special to us. Hairnews is proud to remain South Africa’s no.1 dedicated professional hairdressing trade media outlet, created specifically for the people working in the industry. And while we love bringing you the latest trends, launches, education, events, competitions and industry news, we simply couldn’t do what we do without the brands that continue to support professional trade media, we see you, we appreciate you and we are incredibly grateful for your support. ❤️ So, this award is our way of saying THANK YOU! AND NOW… IT’S YOUR TURN! From Thursday, 1 October, voting will officially open and you’ll get the opportunity to show some love to the brand that rocks your professional world! Whether it’s the brand you reach for behind the chair, the one that keeps you inspired, the one that invests in education, the one bringing you the products you love - or simply the brand that you feel deserves a little recognition - this is your chance to make your voice heard. Your favourite brand needs YOUR vote! OUR 2026 NOMINEES When the voting links go live, don’t just scroll past - VOTE! And if you have a favourite nominee, share the voting link and encourage your fellow industry professionals to get involved too. To all of our 2026 nominees - congratulations and thank you for being part of the Hairnews journey. And to everyone in the industry: get involved, have your say and support the brand that means the most to you! The Hairnews Team wishes every nominee the very best of luck in the voting round! 🏆

Hairnews is thrilled to announce that Salon Centric is coming on board as one of our official sponsors of the Hairnews Industry Awards 2026. We are excited to welcome Salon Centric to this year’s awards and to have the brand supporting our celebration of the creativity, talent, technical skill and passion that continue to drive South Africa’s professional hair industry forward. Supporting The Professionals Behind The Chair Kevin Tabilo writes... For too long, professional tools have been overlooked in the South African hair industry. Look at other markets around the world and you’ll find businesses dedicated entirely to professional salon tools and equipment, as well as stores built specifically for the barbering community. In South Africa, tools have traditionally been an add-on to businesses primarily focused on haircare. Salon Centric was created because we believe they deserve more attention than that. We know we’re a niche business, but that focus is exactly what allows us to take professional tools seriously. We get to obsess over scissors, brushes, electrical tools and everything in between, understand what makes them different and, most importantly, get them into hairdressers’ hands. It’s probably why we’ve been told more than once that we sell “hairdresser candy.” We quite like that description. As one of the official South African distributors of JAGUAR and TONDEO, we’re incredibly proud to bring some of the best professional tools in the market to South African hairdressers. But Salon Centric was never meant to be purely about selling products. We believe the right tools, combined with education and the opportunity to actually experience them, can help hairdressers build confidence in their craft. So when we had the opportunity to support the Hairnews Industry Awards 2026, we wanted to do more than put our logo on the event. We wanted to put some seriously good tools into the hands of the people doing the work. We’ve specially selected six prizes across the Men’s and Ladies’ competitions. We wanted each prize to be something a hairdresser could genuinely put to work behind the chair and, where possible, we’ve left some choice in the hands of the winners because tools are personal. MEN’S COMPETITION Gold Winner Prize: Jaguar Fade X Clipper Control you can see. Precision you can feel. For our Men’s first prize, we wanted something built for the kind of precision modern barbering demands. The J-CUT FADE X has a powerful 7,000 RPM motor combined with a FADE BLADE manufactured using MIM technology, giving you the power and control needed for clean blends, fades and transitions, even when you’re working through thicker hair. It comes with six guards ranging from 1.5 mm to 13 mm, including that all-important half guard, while the adjustable blade gives you another level of control when you’re working through a fade. Old school is always just way cooler. It’s cordless, well balanced, light and gives you up to 180 minutes of runtime, so this is a machine designed to actually work. A proper professional clipper for someone who takes fading seriously. Silver Winner Prize: Jaguar J-ANGO 7.0” A 7-inch barbering scissor with a micro-serrated cutting edge designed to give you control when working on fades, contours and detailed scissor work. We particularly like the stability of the wider dagger-style blade and the 7-inch length for barbering. But scissors are personal. If 7 inches isn’t your thing, we’ll happily work with the winner to swap it for a JAGUAR scissor of similar quality in a size that suits them better. And we don’t discriminate against lefties. If our winner is left-handed, we’ll make sure we find the right tool for you too. Bronze Winner Prize: Jaguar Professional Cape & Cutting Combs Something every barber and hairdresser actually uses. The black JAGUAR professional cape is suitable for both cutting and colouring, made from breathable polyester with an adjustable press-stud closure. Simple, useful and something that will earn its place behind the chair. We’ll also add a short and long JAGUAR cutting comb to complete the prize. LADIES’ COMPETITION Gold Winner Prize: Jaguar Diamond E, Gold Line This is a special one. The DIAMOND E sits within JAGUAR’s premium GOLD LINE and is one of our favourite all-round cutting scissors. Its convex blade and fully integrated cutting edge make it exceptionally versatile. Whether you love slicing, blunt cutting, point cutting or moving between different techniques throughout the day, this is the kind of scissor that can become a genuine workhorse. And because the best scissor isn’t necessarily the same size for everyone, our winner can choose their DIAMOND E from 5.0” all the way through to 7.0”. Choose the size that feels right for you and the way you cut. Silver Winner Prize: Jaguar T-Series Flashy Brush Set Now we’re getting into proper hairdresser candy. The T-Series FLASHY set includes four professional round brushes in 25 mm, 33 mm, 43 mm and 53 mm, each in its own colour. The ceramic-coated aluminium barrels distribute heat evenly to help speed up drying, while ionic technology helps reduce static and frizz and improve shine. From getting into shorter hair with the 25 mm to creating movement, volume and big polished blow-dries with the larger sizes, you’ve got a complete professional brush set in one seriously good-looking set. Bronze Winner Prize: Jaguar A-Line Comb Set Nine professional combs. One complete set. And this time, you choose the colour. Choose from Black, Violet, Pink, Rosé, Teal or Smaragd, subject to stock availability. The A-Line range is designed for professional salon use, with different combs covering cutting, sectioning and styling, so this isn’t a pouch containing nine versions of essentially the same thing. It’s the sort of set you don’t necessarily think you need until you have the whole thing sitting at your station. And yes, this probably qualifies as hairdresser candy too. WHY WE’RE DOING IT The hair industry has given me a career, friendships, opportunities and ultimately the chance to build Salon Centric. So being able to support the Hairnews Industry Awards and put professional tools into the hands of talented South African hairdressers means something to us. Salon Centric exists because we believe professional tools deserve the same focus, expertise and respect as the craft they serve. These awards celebrate that craft. We’re very happy to play a small part in it. Good luck to everyone entering. We can’t wait to see what you create. Salon Centric South Africa Obsessed with the tools of the craft. Contact Details: Cell: 082 560 9688 Email: kevintabilo@icloud.com Website: saloncentric.co.za Socials: Salon Centric Facebook: @Salon Centric South Africa Salon Centric Instagram: @saloncentricsa Jaguar Instagram: @jaguarsolingen Tondeo Instagram: @tondeosolingen

You don't just colour hair. You shape how she feels when she leaves your chair. RICH is our permanent colour system - 80 shades, 4 developers, PPD free and vegan - built with biomimetic protection, lipid balance and colour-stabilising antioxidants for predictable coverage and healthy-looking hair. Paired with a lightening system that matches protection to every level of lift, powered by Fermented Hyaluronic Acid - from gentle blonding to 9+ levels. 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

Michele worked her magic on this stunning wolf cut, creating all the right layers and texture for that effortlessly cool, lived-in finish. Click the image below to see the Instagram post. Stylist: Michele Salon: Style Cafe Hair Design Follow Michele on Instagram @style.bymichele @stylecafehairdesign 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.

Hairnews is thrilled to announce that PHOERA is coming on board as one of our official sponsors of the Hairnews Industry Awards 2026. We are excited to welcome PHOERA to this year’s awards and to have the brand supporting our celebration of the creativity, talent, technical skill and passion that continue to drive South Africa’s professional beauty and hair industry forward. Beauty, Creativity & Education PHOERA is a brand that understands that great beauty looks are about more than just the finished result - they are about creativity, technique and having the right knowledge and products to bring an idea to life. As part of its commitment to education and supporting the beauty industry, PHOERA holds a makeup workshop every month at its offices in Pretoria, giving beauty professionals and enthusiasts an opportunity to learn, experiment and develop their makeup skills. This focus on creativity and education makes PHOERA a fantastic fit for the Hairnews Industry Awards, where we celebrate the talented individuals who continue to push boundaries and raise the standard of our industry. PHOERA Prizes For Our Winners As part of its sponsorship, PHOERA will be rewarding our Gold, Silver and Bronze winners with PHOERA shopping vouchers, that can be used on fragrances, make-up and skincare, for both male and female. Gold Winner: R1,000 PHOERA voucher Silver Winner: R800 PHOERA voucher Bronze Winner: R500 PHOERA voucher Whether you're taking home Gold, Silver or Bronze, there will be a little something from PHOERA waiting for you to add to your beauty collection. We are proud to have PHOERA join our growing group of official Hairnews Industry Awards sponsors, helping us make the 2026 awards a special celebration of the people, brands and businesses that contribute to our incredible professional industry. A huge thank you to PHOERA, for coming on board and supporting this year's awards. We are thrilled to have PHOERA as part of the Hairnews Industry Awards 2026. For more information about PHOERA and its products, visit the PHOERA website or social media channels below, or chat with Phoera's own AI assistant BLOOM by clicking HERE. Contact Details: Store Address: Plot 70 Tian St, Rynoue AH, Pretoria Email: pretoria@phoeracosmetics.co.za Tel: 012 942 6115 Website: phoeracosmetics.co.za Socials: Phoera Instagram: @phoeracosmeticssa Phoera Facebook: @Phoera Cosmetics