Kao Salon Global Creative Awards 2025: Finalist Focus

Brad de Waal
Jul 14
2 min read

With the announcement of our local finalists in the Kao Salon Global Creative Awards, we’re excited to showcase over the next few weeks, a series of stunning colour styles from each of our finalists, and the inspiration behind their finished look.

This week we focus on Bernadine Bennie from Berni @the Muse and Lourens van Dyk from scar hair.

Each post will feature two incredible stylists — one from the Creative Colorist category and one from the New Talent Colorist category — highlighting their standout work side by side. With six posts in total, we’ll be celebrating the talent and creativity of all 12 finalists. Stay tuned for weekly inspiration!

CREATIVE COLORIST

This year, my creative journey began with a return to the basics—a bold exploration of primary colours and geometric shapes, inspired by the iconic works of Piet Mondrian. I found myself captivated by the simplicity and power of his art, and wanted to reflect that same intentionality and structure in my colour work.

At the same time, I couldn’t ignore the rise of AI-generated hair imagery—flawless, futuristic, and often seemingly impossible. That challenge excited me. I wanted to create something that felt just as refined and surreal, but entirely real and tangible. Coupled with the resurgence of 60s design influences in fashion houses like Valentino, Gucci, and Courrèges, my vision became clear: modern, clean, mod-inspired colour and styling that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.

Goldwell was my first and only choice to bring this vision to life. Their Elumen range makes any colour possible - it gives me the freedom to push creative boundaries without compromise. The StyleSign range, equally powerful, allows me to sculpt, shape, and polish styles with precision and longevity. As a creative medium, Goldwell is unmatched.

Bernadine Bennie | Berni @the Muse

NEW TALENT COLORIST

Orange Glow, This year’s colour of the year. My concept was inspired by the warmth, rebellion, and radiance of the orange spectrum, I wanted to create a look that feels both nostalgic and futuristic.

Goldwell allows me to bring this concept to life because of its performance and precision releasing me from limitations and allowing for unrestricted creative expression.

Lourens van Dyk | scar hair