Hairnews Report Back - Inside the QiQi Masterclass with Global Education Director Sophia Montalbano
- Feb 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 26
On 16 and 17 February 2026, QiQi held its first Masterclass sessions in Cape Town and Johannesburg respectively.
Cape Town's session was held at the incredible scar hair studio, while Hairnews had the privilege of attending the JHB session, held at mhb Studio in Capital Hill, Midrand, which played host to an inspiring day of education, innovation, and hands-on discovery, as hair professionals gathered for the highly anticipated QiQi Masterclass, led by Global Director of Education, Sophia Montalbano.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. Stylists were welcomed with freshly brewed coffee and thoughtfully prepared goodie bags waiting at their seats, setting the tone for a day dedicated entirely to growth, learning, and connection.
The morning began with opening remarks from Andrew Guilfoyle (Running With Scissors, scar hair), who introduced the purpose and vision behind the session, followed by a warm welcome from mhb Managing Director Chris Stofberg. Chris shared his excitement about bringing a brand as forward-thinking as QiQi to the professional community, reinforcing mhb’s commitment to providing stylists with access to world-class innovation.
Sophia Montalbano then took to the stage, immediately capturing the room with her depth of knowledge and passion for the QiQi brand. Her presentation went far beyond product introduction—it was a deep dive into the science, philosophy, and technology behind what QiQi calls “Hair Control.”
Often described as the “Tesla of haircare,” QiQi's technology focuses on working with the hair’s disulphide bonds, giving stylists unprecedented control over the hair’s structure. Rather than simply straightening or styling, QiQi empowers professionals to reshape and refine hair with precision, confidence, and versatility.
Through detailed slides and clear explanations, Sophia ensured stylists fully understood not only how the products work, but why they work. She also shared insights into the evolution of the brand, including how packaging and formulations have been refined in response to real stylist feedback—demonstrating QiQi’s commitment to listening, adapting, and continuously improving.
One of the most valuable aspects of the day was the open and interactive environment. Stylists were encouraged to ask questions freely, turning the session into an engaging dialogue rather than a one-way presentation. Sophia, alongside Andrew, provided practical solutions, technical clarity, and real-world application advice, ensuring attendees walked away with both knowledge and confidence.
The learning extended beyond theory. Guests were given hands-on exposure to the products, guided by Corinne Macchia (Shag), allowing them to feel and experience firsthand how QiQi performs on hair. This tactile experience helped bridge the gap between education and practical salon application.
Following a break for light snacks, refreshments, and networking, the focus shifted to live demonstrations. Models were prepared to showcase the transformative capabilities of the QiQi range, including the professional ProCtrl system and the SelfCtrl home care maintenance line.
The afternoon session explored deeper technical application techniques, culminating in the live reveal of three models. The before-and-after transformations spoke volumes. From thick, coarse textures to defined, controlled curls, the results highlighted the versatility and power of the system, reinforcing QiQi’s core philosophy—control without compromise.
More than just a product showcase, the QiQi Masterclass delivered a full day of meaningful education, hands-on experience, and genuine connection among like-minded professionals. It reinforced the importance of understanding the science behind the tools stylists use and demonstrated how innovation, when paired with education, can unlock entirely new creative possibilities behind the chair.
As the day concluded, attendees left not only with new knowledge, but with a renewed sense of inspiration—equipped with the confidence to embrace a new era of hair control.
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