Meet the Judges of our Creative Categories
We’re delighted to introduce the expert judges who are busy assessing all the entries into the Creative categories of the Hairnews Industry Awards. It’s a privilege to have their time and professional input, and we value this immensely. Thank you, judges!
Congratulations again to all our longlisted finalists.
Introducing Our Judges for the 2023 Hairnews Awards Creative Categories!
Best Dramatic Makeover - Before & After
Ezra Isaacs - Ezra Coiffure & Vice-President of Intercoiffure SA
Henry E Wakefield - Henry E Hair
Best Hand-Painted Color Technique
Bernadine Bennie - Beauty on First
Casey-Leigh Theron - Casey-Leigh Stylist Salon
Best Men’s Trendy Cut, Colour & Style
Eric Way Lovemore - Head Quarters Barbering Academy, UK
Suzette Coetzee - Wahl Clippers SA
Best Red-Carpet Glamour Look
Anel Cloete - C Connoisseurs Studio & President of Intercoiffure SA
Lizel Comfort - Zephyr Hair Design
Best Dramatic Makeover - Before & After
Ezra Isaacs of Ezra Coiffure & current Vice-President of Intercoiffure SA
I have been a salon owner and working hairstylist for more than thirty years. I started my apprenticeship at Salon Emile in 1977, thereafter I qualified as a hairstylist and later did my Masters certificate in hairdressing. I have also trained and qualified as a beautician, bio-sculpt nails and make- up artist. In addition, I studied with Vivienne McKinder in Long Island, USA. I specialize in weddings and am a specialist in hair extensions.
I am currently serving as the Vice-President of Intercoiffure SA of which I was the vice president (2011-2015) and president (2016-2019). This global hairdressing institution is based in Paris. I travel abroad annually to keep up with the current fashion trends and hair developments.
Education
Training and education are essential tools and my passion in assisting all hairdressing students remains unconditional. I am an external assessor for the hairdressing industry.
I’m also the Education for Life Ambassador since 2013 for the project at Christel House based in Ottery, Western Cape, which offers hairdressing as a skill to Grade 9 -11 students. These students are all from vulnerable communities and all equipment and products are, provided by our generous donors. Their invaluable support assists in making the project sustainable and successful.
Henry E Wakefield of Henry E Haır
Henry E Wakefield is a world-renowned, sought-after hair and make-up artist. He regularly offers educational courses, stages fashion shows, offers public lectures and advice in several publications, and is a spokesperson for the latest international trends in hair fashion - all this in addition to satisfying his very discerning salon clientele.
Henry broadens his knowledge and experience in the industry with annual visits to international hair and fashion shows to keep himself on the cutting edge and able to offer and apply the latest trends to his clients.
Below are some of the Competitions that Henry has won:
• Hair Stylist of the Year 2000
• Men's Hair Stylist of the Year 2003
• Achiever Award 2005
• Avant Garde Hair Stylist of the Year 2006
• Afro Chic Hair Stylist of the Year 2008
• National Cut and Colour, Goldwell winner 2010
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Best Hand-Painted Color Technique
Bernadine Bennie of Beauty on First
I have been in the industry since 2011. I have always been passionate about competitions and, more specifically, hair colour. I have had the honour of representing Goldwell South Africa internationally four times in their global hair colouring event, including winning Gold in the SA National Division of the 2022 Global Creative Awards as Creative Colorist of the Year.
I am also a super passionate educator and guest artist for Goldwell. I’m currently working at Beauty on First in Edenvale.
Casey-Leigh Theron, Casey-Leigh Stylist Salon
I'm Casey-Leigh Theron, the owner of Casey-Leigh Stylist Salon in Cape Town. With a passion for all things hair, I specialize in blonding and hair extensions. I am also honoured to be a part of the prestigious Schwarzkopf ProTeam South Africa. With 10 years of experience in the industry, I have developed an uncompromising dedication to delivering flawless hair colour and maintaining the health of the hair. For me, there's nothing more important than ensuring my client's hair looks incredible and feels truly nourished. At my salon, excellence and care are always top priorities.
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Best Men’s Trendy Cut, Colour & Style
Eric Way Lovemore of Head Quarters Barbering Academy, UK
Eric Lovemore is a renowned figure in the world of barbering, boasting a multitude of prestigious awards that showcase his exceptional skills and dedication. As the Principal of the Head Quarters Barbering Academy, he imparts his vast knowledge to aspiring barbers, shaping the future of the industry. Eric's influence extends globally as he serves as Artero's Global Educator and Ambassador, solidifying his position as a true luminary. Hailing from South Africa, Eric Lovemore has left an indelible mark through his ownership of the Groomed Barbering Academy and several Groomed Men and Ladies Salons in the Western Cape. His insights are widely sought after, evident in his role as a columnist for the esteemed International Hair and Barbering Magazine, “Barber Evo”. Eric's artistic flair and penchant for pushing the boundaries in men's hairstyles make him an iconic figure in the world of hairdressing and barbering.
Suzette Coetzee - Wahl Clippers SA
For more than 33 years, Suzette has striven to provide ultimate creativity and excellence for the hairdressing industry worldwide. She has approached each and every client/company with a particular emphasis on creativity, efficiency, and quality. Her international footprint includes training in countries such as South Africa, Singapore, Switzerland, UK, Germany, USA, and training for the World Skills Olympics.
With a full career in salon ownership and entrepreneurship with her own Hairdressing Academy in Mossel Bay, Suzette thoroughly enjoys the training side of the industry, and her dedication and motivation are well known within the hairdressing industry, including being the driving force behind the Young Intercoiffure team, and having served as Vice President of Intercoiffure South Africa and enjoyed the company of world-class hairstylists.
20 Years ago, Suzette's journey started with WAHL Clipper when Simon Shaw trained her to be part of the WAHL artistic Team South Africa. She became the Artistic Director for Wahl SA and has had great success with shows and seminar work. Not only demonstrating to the industry but also presenting to consumer audiences. Over the last 22 years, training for various companies, hair shows, and exhibitions has been a big part of Suzette's career. In 2009 she was elected as one of the top 10 trainers worldwide under the Wahl banner. Publications such as Hairdressers Journal, Drum Magazine, Vibrant Living, Keur, Sarie, Image, and City Life Magazine have featured Suzette's work.
Entrepreneur
Wahl Academy SA
Wahl SA National Educator
Qualified Hair Stylist
Qualified Barber
Founder - neohair.co.za
Co-Founder - @blueprint_of_hairdressing
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Best Red Carpet Glamour Look
Anel Cloete of C Connoisseurs Studio & current President of Intercoiffure South Africa
My passion for this industry lies in education. Both educating myself - a little addicted to education, if I may say, and education of others. For me the only way to stay on top is to grow yourself and stay relevant. Being part of Schwarzkopf Professionals Pro Team has been one of my highlights that has assisted me in growing and pushing boundaries. Intercoiffure has grown me equally as much and connected me to a global network of hairstylist, creating opportunities for me to be on stage in Australia, judging competitions for Intercoiffure, and allowing me to travel.
Lizel Comfort of Zephyr Hair Design
I am the owner of Zephyr Hair Design for 31 years now – which is an achievement on its own through the recent trying times!
I have been developing my reputation as a leading stylist, business owner and mentor in the industry as evidence by my achievements too many to mention.
I am constantly educating myself and surrounding myself with like-minded people in our industry. I love what I do, staying humble and being grateful for my health everyday.
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A huge thank you to our industry celebrity judges!
The Shortlist finalists in the Creative categories will be published in Hairnews early next week and the Final results of the Judging Categories will be published in Hairnews on Saturday 30th September.
The Hairnews Team wishes each entrant all the best for the judging round!