Meet the Experts Behind the 2026 Hairnews Industry Awards Judges

Choosing the best in the business is no easy job. We’ve brought together six talented industry professionals with years of experience, competition success, education and creative expertise.

From award-winning hairstylists and internationally recognised competitors to leading barbers and educators, our 2026 judging panel brings a wealth of knowledge and a seriously sharp eye for great hair.

Meet the six industry experts who will be putting this year’s finalists to the test!

Chrislene Marais

Independent hairstylist Chrislene brings 16 years of experience in the hair industry with extensive expertise in blondes, colour transformations, extensions and creative colour. We welcome her to the Hairnews Awards judging panel!

A Blonde Specialist of the Year winner, Chrislene has also achieved strong results at the Hairnews Awards, taking Gold for Best Red Carpet Glamour Look and Bronze for Best Balayage.

Her career built around colour, creativity and transformation brings both competition experience and a strong technical eye to this year’s judging panel.

• • • • • • •

Jason Versfeld

Jason, owner and barber at Mason Barbershop, has established himself over his 11 years in the industry as an experienced professional with a strong passion for the growth of the hair and barbering industry.

His competition achievements include winning Perfect Cut in 2018 and 2019, followed by being crowned Barber of the Year in 2020.

With his combination of hands-on industry experience, competition success and passion for barbering, Jason brings a strong professional eye to the Hairnews Awards judging panel.

• • • • • • •

Jeanine Bezuidenhout

Jeanine Bezuidenhout has turned her 10-year career in the hair industry into a true passion for creating beautiful hair and helping others grow within the profession.

As co-owner of Her Salon, Jeanine has established her signature in balayage, focusing on mentoring and inspiring fellow stylists.

Jeanine is no stranger to the Hairnews Awards herself, having proudly taken home first place in a Hairnews Industry Award. Her experience as both a successful stylist and previous Hairnews Awards winner gives her a valuable perspective as she steps onto the other side of the judging table this year!

• • • • • • •

Kierann “KC” Bekker

Kierann “KC” Bekker has already built a strong reputation in men’s grooming in his 8 years in the hair industry. A graduate of The Hair Academy of South Africa (THASA), Kierann was awarded Top Practical Student in his final year of college.

His 2025 achievement as Barber of the Year cemented his position as one of the rising talents in South African men’s grooming.

Kierann is not only a top talent in barbering technique and creativity, he is passionate about education and regularly participates in industry seminars, sharing his knowledge of modern, trending hairstyles and grooming techniques with fellow barbers and hairstylists.

• • • • • • •

Lelanie de Jager

With more than 25 years of experience in the professional barbering and education industry, Lelanie de Jager brings an exceptional depth of knowledge and international experience to the Hairnews Awards judging panel.

Lelanie began her career with an apprenticeship at Hair Associates in Knightsbridge, London, before gaining experience in barbershops across the UK, Ireland and South Africa. Her international career included working at The Merchant Barbers in Dublin, where she represented a seven-time All-Ireland Barber of the Year and competed in the National Irish Hairdressing Championships, achieving 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes across cutting, artistic blow-drying, styling and photography.

Her competition career includes holding the Northern Ireland Barber of the Year title, winning two Golds and a Silver at the Northern Ireland Hairdressing Federation Gents Championships, and representing Ireland at the World Hairdressing Championships in Las Vegas in the Men’s category.

Lelanie holds an IHF Masters in Hairdressing and has dedicated much of her career to developing barbering skills in South Africa. As an educator for Sorbet Man Academy, she developed its Skills Development course and barber curriculum, was involved in 13 store openings nationwide, and trained and upskilled more than 120 barbers over three years.

Today, Lelanie is the National Grooming Educator for Wahl Academy South Africa, continuing to educate and develop aspiring barbers. Her extensive competition, education and international experience make her a valuable addition to this year’s judging panel.

• • • • • • •

Mia Crous

Mia Crous is an award-winning South African hairstylist with 14 years of industry experience and an impressive record of national and international recognition.

As a three-time Goldwell Global Creative Awards winner, Mia claimed Goldwell Global Creative Awards titles in 2018, 2021 and 2024. She has had the further exciting accomplishment of representing South Africa at WorldSkills in Brazil, where she received her Springbok colours, and is an Industry Award Gold winner and Haircutter of the Year.

An experienced competition judge, Mia has been invited to the prestigious Goldwell Global Creative Awards in Milan, and brings extensive experience across creative cutting, colour and avant-garde styling.

Her combination of competition success, international experience and creative expertise makes Mia a natural choice for the Hairnews Awards judging panel.

A BIG HAIRNEWS THANK YOU!

A huge thank you to all six of our judges for taking the time to be part of the 2026 Hairnews Industry Awards.

We know that judging is no small responsibility, and we’re incredibly grateful to have such an experienced and talented group of industry professionals giving their time, expertise and honest opinions to help us recognise the very best in the business.

From all of us at Hairnews – thank you for being part of the 2026 Awards!