The Carlton Hair Creative Team have launched a stunning style collection, Handwerk. 7 Master Stylists including Christilene Erasmus Bush (Creative Director), Alex Mayer, Cindy Gorman, Johan Pretorius, Kim Hickman, Ronel van Vollenhoven and Ryan Bush, from Carlton Hair salons across South Africa, collaborated for this collection inspired by the re-emergence of the artisan and his hand-made craft. “With this collection, we want to pay homage to all handcrafting industries – artisans using skills passed down from generation to generation, keeping the craft alive,” Christilene explains. “The hairstyling industry is one of the very few artisan professions left. Hairstyling can’t be copied or replaced by a machine or a production line, because a machine can’t create what a hairstylist must create each day. It cannot craft a new sculpture each day, with a detailed and personal approach, tailor-making each sculpture as per the individual’s request. This job still lies with the “handwerker”.” Cuts: Comfortable and fuss-free, the tailor made shapes embrace the hair’s natural texture. Colours: Inspired by the concept of warmth and cosiness, a spectrum of shades from golden blondes to fiery reds transform from dark to light, or light to dark. The shades are earthy, moody and iridescent.

This incredible sun-kissed balayage transformation is then turned into a beautiful braided special occasion do. And such a good video, too – from Mark Christopher Salon.

Guy Kleinhaus from Guy’s Chop Shop, Stellenbosch, created the perfect recipe for his blonde client, bringing out the shape of the cut and the strong features and striking eyes of up and coming model Chad Payne. Here’s Guy’s recipe. Chad is naturally on a 9 level so my main aim was to tone his natural colour. I used 10,36 + 8.38 illumina gloss from Wella. 1 part colour, 1 part developer 1 part Wella brilliance mask. I didn't have to lift it, just put in a few foils in the top. Guy’s Chop Shop: 22 Bird Street, Stellenbosch. 021 883 8595

Why is Trevor Sorbie such an incredible icon? Vivienne Mackinder analyses what it takes to become a master. 1. Vivid imagination, he sees beyond the obvious. 2. Trevor’s creativity is combined with curiosity, plus an amazing eye for design always has the Wow factor. 3. Some things are non negotiable, he never compromises beauty for a trend. 4. Trevor has the courage to stand out from the crowd. 5. Trevor is a master of discipline and determination. 6. An ability to push and demand the best from each person that works with him, average is not on his radar. 7. His compassion and wisdom to give back to those less fortunate. 8. Trevor always remains humble and gracious, regardless of his fame and success.

Johan Nortje from Isjon Intercoiffure, Woodmead, accentuates colour and total look by combining cool and warm tones.

Are you ticking all the boxes? Find out by scanning our handy checklist. • Outstanding service means more than a great cut and style... it’s an experience! • Is your salon immaculately clean? Look at it through fresh eyes. • Is your receptionist welcoming and efficient? • What about your tools? Are they in need of an upgrade? • Even the small things... capes, combs, curlers, chair seats... are these all clean and new looking? • Do you answer the phone promptly and have a system when you have more than one incoming call? • Do you receive regular feedback from clients and follow up with them? • Do you offer as much advice as possible to your clients? • Do you offer something unique, consistently, that other salons in your area don’t do?

The latest collection from Mahogany Hairdressing, 'Curve-Linear' is inspired by iconic British names, sculptor Henry Moore and luxury fashion brand Burberry. Celebrating British craftsmanship and remaining absolute to the Mahogany Hairdressing ethos, the Creative Team worked on a concept of rounded lines and internal invisible disconnection. Placement of colouring using an organic fluid motion of expanding shapes, with a palette of ebony, teal, peach and citrine. Sensual fluid silhouettes amalgamate with geometric lines are the key elements of the Mahogany S/S 2018 Curve-Linear Collection." Credits: Hair by: Mahogany Creative Team, London & Oxford Photography by: Nessi Make up by: Claire De-Graft Clothes Styling by: Chloe Holland

Could you take the bold move to start a new salon in a different city? Watch the interview with icon Clinton Valjeaux, where he explains what it took to open a new branch of Jeauval in Somerset West, Cape Town, and why he did it!

How do you create an amazingly iconic and award-winning photo? Sometimes, it’s all to do with rebellion! John Spanton from the Trevor Sorbie art team was recently named international winner in the Behind the Chair Oneshot Hair Awards. The image is from his Study in Black and White collection, which rebelled against all the bright, colourful looks in the industry right now. “As a colourist, I wanted to work on wefts added into the hair and I only wanted to paint freehand, no taping or masking of the hair, so I could keep realism within the work.” John will join Trevor Sorbie on stage at Salon International where the team will launch a whole new collection. See the whole collection below! Credits: Colour: John Spanton @ Trevor Sorbie. Hair Styling: Tom Connell @ Trevor Sorbie. Styling: Clare Frith. Make-up: Karen Lockyer. Photography: Chris Bulezuik for Team:Talent & HairClubLive.com

Can you believe these are the styles that South African salons were proudly creating... and clients proudly wearing... in the 80s? What were we thinking? What lessons can we learn from this? How do we avoid making the same mistake and what on earth happened to shiny hair? Maybe the take home message is that although we have no control over trends, what we can continue to do is make sure clients leave the chair feeling happy with themselves and their hair. After all, the smiles in these photos are what is really important, and they are timeless, if we look beyond the hair!

It’s with a very heavy heart we say goodbye to Dylan Jones and Richard Smorenburg. These two gentlemen who rocked our industry and were legends in their own time are gone but will never be forgotten. There’s a salon up there in salon heaven and it's rocking, tattoos, metal heads, hard rock bikes and music, cold Black Label beer bottles and plenty of smoke (even cigarettes). The legendary 27 club really have a salon to have fun with, with John Streak, Vincent from Maharani, Dylan and Richie at the helm and not to leave out Andre van der Hoogen... the hairdos will be absolutely fabulous. You guys are so missed by so many. With Love, The Gerald Wells crew