Kao Salon Global Creative Awards 2025: Finalist Focus

Brad de Waal
Jul 17
3 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 Yvette de Beer from The Hare, and Waliyya Rosenberg from Beauty on First.

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

I entered the Global Creative Awards to push my creative limits and continue evolving as a hair artist. I always strive to create something truly unique—something that hasn’t been done before. For me, it’s all about bringing a vision to life and telling a story through colour.

This year, that story was inspired by the bold beauty of South Africa’s national flower – the King Protea. A symbol of strength, resilience, and transformation, the Protea became the foundation for a colour journey that celebrates identity and artistry.

Each shade in the look was carefully crafted with meaning: Protea Pink – Making a statement with its strong and vibrant intensity. African Sunset – symbolising strength, energy, and natural beauty. Djembe Shine – Simulating the reflective, silver shine of polished metal on traditional African drums. We are dancing to our own rhythm!

I chose Goldwell because their bleach keeps the hair healthy and strong, and their colour range offers endless creative possibilities. I love their styling aids too—they give me the freedom to sculpt and finish every look with precision and artistry. On top of that, I truly value the incredible support and education they provide to help stylists grow and refine their craft. I’m proud to present my vision—and my heritage—on a global stage.

Yvette de Beer | The Hare

NEW TALENT COLORIST

This look began with a moment of inspiration on Instagram a post that caught my eye and sparked an idea with its bold use of color. But it was a shoot with Cardi B that truly lit the creative fire. She wore a structured, futuristic bob, and the moment I saw it, I thought, “this belongs on a competition stage.”

The real magic came in the process playing with color placement, building something unique from what was originally a simple image. I added sharp structure, vibrant transitions, and a small personal twist with the final detail on top.

This was my first time entering a competition like this, and truthfully, I wouldn’t have taken that step without my mentor. She helped me see that this journey this world of high-level color work and artistic risk is not only worth it, it’s joyful.

Goldwell gave me the confidence and tools to turn an idea into art. It helped me discover how far I could go with vision, color, and boldness. That’s what this entry represents not just a hairstyle, but a breakthrough. And that’s why Goldwell is part of my why.

Waliyya Rosenberg | Beauty on First