Euné le Roux – Hair Inc

Euné studied at Carlton Hair Academy in Greenside, Johannesburg, and has been part of the hair industry since 2006. At just 23 years old, she opened Hair Inc in Klerksdorp, North West, in 2010, and has now been successfully operating for 14 years. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, she made the decision to terminate her lease and move her salon to a rent-a-chair facility, where she works alongside four other stylists. Euné focuses exclusively on hair services and doesn’t offer ancillary services like beauty or nails.

When asked what she loves most about running and working in a salon, she shared, “I love what I do and can’t see myself doing anything else.” Over the years, her clients have become like family, and she enjoys seeing them regularly.

In addition to being a dedicated stylist, Euné is the proud mother of four boys. When she’s not working, her boys keep her busy, so being self-employed allows her to balance her family commitments with her professional life. She strongly recommends rent-a-chair arrangements or salon ownership to newly-qualified stylists, particularly for those needing flexibility to juggle work and family responsibilities. “Working for yourself definitely offers that flexibility,” she says.

One of the challenges she faces is the current economic climate. “If you don’t have clients coming in, you don’t have money coming in. You don’t have the security of a monthly salary. However, working solo makes it easier to keep overheads and costs down. With staff come salaries, council fees, stock purchases, and other expenses. Rent-a-chair works well because you share facility costs without bearing the full burden of the salon’s lease. You buy your own stock, and there are no employee costs.”

Euné emphasizes the importance of using high-quality products in her work. She started purchasing from Nebeau in early 2014 because of their wide range of high-quality products, allowing her to get everything she needs from a single supplier without having to source from multiple vendors.

She uses all three of Nebeau’s color ranges to meet different client needs. “The Megix 10-minute color is perfect for clients who want a quick color during their lunch break or when my schedule is very full. The Inebrya color range provides excellent grey coverage and vibrant reds that last, while the Bionic color range is ideal for clients with sensitive scalps.”

When it comes to bleach, Euné appreciates the variety Nebeau offers, allowing her to provide customized solutions for each client. For example, when lifting a red or dark color, she uses Blondesse Color Reduct. However, her favorite is the Megix Lift 9 Charcoal Bleach, which she pairs with the Megix Lift+ additive.

At her backbar, she always keeps Blondesse No Yellow Shampoo on hand, as well as a salt-free shampoo for clients who receive Brazilian treatments. She also loves using the Megix Color Saver range.

Since she does a lot of blow-drys for club clients, she keeps the Duo Style and Volume Spray at her station. For gentlemen and clients with shorter hair, she relies on XFLEX Strongly Wax. Additionally, she’s a big fan of serums and uses many of them. In summer, she prefers the Argan Pro Age Treatment because it contains a UV filter, and she always recommends home care based on each client’s specific needs.

“After working with Nebeau for so long, they feel like family. The reps are incredibly helpful, and if any issues arise, they’re quick to assist in finding solutions.” She appreciates that Nebeau provides samples of new product ranges and offers training—whether in person, online, or via their website. “If you’re unsure about anything, you can easily find the information you need on their website.”

Yolande Macaskill & Jeanne Smith

Landé does not like to change brands, especially if the brand is satisfying her needs.  However, she was struggling to neutralise underlying red pigment in some of her clients’ hair and received advice from a stylist friend to try the matt family from the Inebrya permanent hair colour range.  When she tried it, she was astonished by the result and decided to try other nuances from the range.  She was so happy with the results, that she decided to change to Inebrya for her hair colouring needs.  She has been using it for over 8 years and says she will never look back.  She has been a vocal supporter of the brand and has recommended it to several other stylists, thus slowly “inebriating” the industry.  “If someone tries it for the first time, they fall in love with it and easily change from their current brand.”

Lande completed her studies at Vuselela College in Klerksdorp in 1996, so she’s been in the industry for 28 years.  Jeanne also qualified from Vuselela College in 2016, both under the capable hands of Ms. Hendrien Olivier.  Little would they know that their paths would cross years later to form a beautiful and harmonious salon partnership.  Landé starting out as a home-based salon but moved to rent-a-chair after COVID.  This is where she met Jeanne.  Jeanne just returned to SA after 3 years in China.  They decided to open up their own salon at Beauty Vibrations in Pretoria East 2 years ago.  “We just clicked from the start!  We make such a great team.  We both work for ourselves but will always jump in and help out where needed.” 

They focus on hair services.  Jeanne also specialises in hair replacement systems and medical wigs.  “I get to change people’s lives one head at a time.”   She is fluent in Mandarin which helps with the importation of the medical pieces from her Chinese suppliers.

When I asked them why they decided to become hairdressers, they both reacted: “Ons love ons werk, want ons werk nie ‘n dag nie!”  Jeanne says:  “I was born to do this! I’ve been playing with hair before I could talk and used to sneak out of the house to sit and watch the hairstylist at the salon down the road.  To me it looked like the perfect job:  Playing with hair the whole day.” They have this theme song:  “A-a-ayy, I’m on vacation. Every single day ‘cause I love my occupation”  They have a true passion for their work, and gets so much satisfaction from making people beautiful, and to help them feel better about themselves. “Sometimes people can feel so down and depressed, and a simple thing like a new look or hairstyle can help people feel better about themselves.”

They agree that the biggest challenge is clients with unreasonable expectations.  Some clients expect radical changes, e.g. going from box colour to platinum blonde in one sitting, not understanding the complexities and risks involved.  So they really have to put a lot of effort into educating clients on hair colour chemistry and to ensure that clients trust in their professional expertise and knowledge.  Clients will easily go to a stylist that can perform their required service for as cheap as possible, not taking into consideration what effect it could have on the integrity of their hair.  They believe in offering a specialised service, maintaining the integrity of the hair and ensuring that clients are satisfied, will come back and that will speak highly of the professional service that they received.

Landé recently got married, so when she is not working, she spends time with her family.  Jeanne is a social butterfly always looking for the next adventure.

Landé loves the Onlys Brazilian system because it is formaldehyde free, without compromising on the result.  “We do a lot of brazilians, and it does not only affect the health of our clients, but our health also.  The Onlys is safe and can be used in a multi-chair salon as it does not pose a risk for a client that might be expecting, sitting in the next chair under the hands of a fellow stylist.  It does not make fumes thus making the experience for the clients that much safer and enjoyable.”

They prefer the Megix bleach.  “It gives great lift and leaves the hair in great condition.”  For backbar they use the Megix color saver range, and also retails this range to clients. For damaged hair they recommend the Shecare repair or the Keratin restructuring.  Landé’s favourite styling aid is the StyleIN Thermo Spray.  “It gives great protection but does not make the hair sticky.  It is very soft and silky.”  The Crystal Beauty and Illuminator are also great favourites on the trolleys.

Lande gave great praise to Nebeau for always being willing to help out with urgent orders.  “I always leave orders until #99 and then have to rush to get it for next day delivery.  My rep is always willing to help.”

Sunét Hairstylist

Sunét het al op skool ‘n salon oorkant die pad by die ouetehuis gehelp vir ekstra sakgeld.  Na skool was sy nie seker wat sy wil doen nie maar het toe besluit om ‘n haarkursus te voltooi.  En nou, 20 jaar later, is dit haar lewe.  “Ek het per ongeluk daarin beland, en ek love dit! Ek sal dit weer kies!”

Sy het haar studies by Serwalo Hair Academy deeltyds voltooi terwyl sy haar vakleeringskap by Hair & Beauty Masters in Menlyn gedoen het.  Sy het by ‘n paar salonne voltyds gewerk maar uiteindelik in 2015 besluit om vir haarself te begin werk op ‘n rent-a-chair basis.  In 2019, 6 maande voor COVID lockdown, het sy besluit om ‘n salon by haar huis in te rig, en sy is steeds daar.

Volgens Sunét is die voordeel van rent-a-chair dat daar ‘n klankbord is waar jy nuwe idees en probleme kan bespreek – wat jy nie het as jy alleen van die huis af werk nie. “Ek wou ‘n veilige en huislike atmosfeer vir my kliente skep, waar hulle spesiaal voel en kwaliteit professional diens ontvang.”  Haar huis salon bied vir haar die vryheid om self te kan bepaal hoe sy dit wil bereik.  Vir haar is die persoonlike verhouding wat sy met elke kliënt bou, kosbaar en onvervangbaar.

Haar advies aan nuweling stileerders is:  “Kliënte is jou brood en botter: Show up on time, look the part and respect their time.”  Sy benadruk ook hoe belangrik dit is om op hoogte te bly van nuwe tegnologie en mode-giere en adviseer styliste om gereeld webinars en in-persoon opleiding by te woon.  “Goeie opleiding in die basiese kleur-beginsels is krities.  Jy moet die reeks waarmee jy werk 100% ken en verstaan.”  Sunét noem dat dit moeilik is om goeie kwaliteit verdere opleidingskursusse plaaslik te vind, en doen meeste van haar opleiding oorsee, wat baie duur is en somtyds op onmoontlike tye aangebied word.

Sunét doen ook weft-extensions, maar kleur is haar passie.  Sy gebruik uitsluitlik die Inebrya permanente kleur.  Sy het onlangs die Megix morph probeer:  “Dit is fabulous!”

Sy gebruik die Black Shine bleach.  Hy wend vir haar ongelooklik maklik en egalig aan en sy kan die mengverhouding aanpas na aanleiding van die gebruik sonder dat dit die eindresultaat nadelig beïnvloed.

Haar gunsteling retail reekse is die Blondesse Blonde Miracle en die No Yellow.  “Die No Yellow is die beste waarmee ek nog gewerk het van al die reekse.”  Die nuwe Shecare Glazed reeks is ook nou ‘n gunsteling op haar rak.  Sy verkies om nie ‘n te groot verskeidenheid reekse aan te hou nie, maar eerder te spesialiseer op reekse wat sy weet die werk kan doen.  Dit maak dit makliker om die produkte te bemark en te verkoop.

Sunét gebruik nie graag styling aids nie, maar verkies om haar stilering af te rond met die Sakura oil, die Blonde miracle drops of die STYLE-IN Crystal Beauty.

Sunét is verblydend oor die vordering in tegnologie wat die industrie bring.  Die eindverbruiker vereis Vegan, Paraben-vry en Sulfaat-vrye produkte wat nie skadelik is vir die omgewing nie, en Nebeau se produkreekse bied verbruikers genoegsame opsies om hulle vereistes te voldoen.

Natasha Singh – Paul James Hairdressing Brackenhurst

Paul James Hairdressing was established in 1998 by Mr Paul Fox, which has only grown and has become one of the biggest brands in Gauteng, having many other branches open around the south of Gauteng. With a lot of hard work, sweat and tears creating this brand, he was able to create job opportunities, and an establishment whereby you could show your talent in hairdressing, teaching up-and-coming stylists, and giving opportunities to stylists to become partners, managers or even owners.

“Working beside Mr Fox showed me his passion, skills and dedication to the brand itself, which in turn inspired me to become an owner of a salon as well as learn the ins and outs of running a salon. So I kept the brand name as it has grown significantly and to carry on the legacy that Mr Fox had created. I’m extremely passionate about the brand and its history, and a proud owner of the Paul James Bracken city branch.”

They offer a wide range of services that includes hair, hair extensions and wigs, nails, waxing, make-up, and the fully trained operators offer back, neck and shoulder massages which also gives them the opportunity to earn commission. “I like to believe that we have created a salon where clients can be pampered and relaxed.

She has the most incredible team working with her . There are 5 stylists, a receptionist, nail tech and 4 operators. She also has an up-and-coming apprentice that started as an operator with PJH and is now working through the ranks to get qualified.  “They are all incredibly passionate, dedicated and energetic. If I did not have this team, I wouldn’t have the salon that I have. Everybody pitches in and does what needs to be done. Having stylists and operators that have a strong passion for hairdressing makes a huge difference and a great impact on the salon. We are not just a team but a family who is always there for each other.”

Natasha believes that they are successful because the brand itself has a good reputation in their community.  And they strive to offer a service that is different, consistent and of high quality.  “We give exceptional client service with a welcoming atmosphere and a clean sanitised environment.  Once you treat everyone equally with the same level of service, they know they are getting value for money.  Motivated and engaged team members makes clients happy – only then are you guaranteed that clients will come back.  My team and I have the same  vision and goals in the salon and the main target is to give high quality service.

For her it is of utmost importance to have a well-trained team. “Every Thursday I have a salon meeting where I include product training. We pick a product range of the week and get trained on it. We research the brand, request information from our rep, get information from the internet and the Nebeau guide book and use this research to get our training. We also do a lot of touch-and-feel training in addition to the research. Every team member also gets the opportunity to train the other stylists, thus giving us all the opportunity to grow and learn together.”

For Natasha, hairdressing is a passion and not just a job. “Running a salon has many benefits: you get to see clients happy and more confident; you create job opportunities and help other families. We get to do various charity work and outreach projects which I would not be able to do as much if I did not have the salon and my team. Having this business helps me help other people. We can make people look and feel beautiful and also be part of so many lives and go through everyone’s journey together.  Operating a salon is not an easy task but the joys, smiles and warmth you receive makes everything better and easier.”

For her, one of the biggest challenges is stock control. “If this is not under control then you tend to have leakages in the business creating a huge impact in loss of the business which can lead to salon closure. So to avoid this we do stock takes everyday and keep stock at bay. I am unable to be in the salon 24/7 to check stock therefore I created a culture of trust in the team for them to know what needs to be done and how it needs to be implemented.”

The salon mostly uses Inebrya colour.  The Bionic colour is a smaller range and the Oxycream is very thick, so they find that they waste more. “I keep Bionic for clients that are allergic and who doesn’t want that heavy chemical.  I also keep it for toners, like the 11/7.  From the Megix range we keep the toners and the naturals for the clients that want a quick in and out colour.  I get more usage out of the Inebrya colour tube.  It gives 100% coverage, and we get that perfect colour.  We very seldom have comebacks.  Transition was very easy.  The colour chart is very self-explanatory, so it was very easy to match colours to my previous brand.”

“We use a variety of bleaches, from the Ultra-fast 9-level lift, the Black Shine bleach, the Blondesse Miracle Gentle and the Reduct Colour.  Previously it was one bleach for everybody.  Now I can adjust the bleach to cater for the client’s hair texture and needs.  I can choose what I want to use.  For me as I stylist the condition of the hair is priority.  So I know I can protect the integrity of the hair without any breakage.”

The salon also uses the Ammonia free Ondesse perm and the Ogenex.  “I love the Ogenex! We’ve had great results in repairing severe damage.”

“I love the new packaging – it is very aesthetically pleasing – and I love the variety because I can help any client with any problem. It is like using something new every day and I can help everybody.”  Her favourite retail range is the Blondesse No Yellow.  “I’ve tried a lot of no-yellow products. The Blondesse No Yellow is by far the best.”  Depending on the condition of the client’s hair they will recommend either the shampoo or the mask; the mask for more damaged hair. 

For Tash it was difficult to decide on her favourite styling aid.  “I love all of them!”

On the service that Nebeau offers, Tash had to following to say:  “It should not be a mission to order, or to receive stock.  With Nebeau it is smooth sailing.  That makes my life easier.  I think you guys are amazing with your service.”

Natasha has been in the industry for about 22 years.  She studied in Durban where she also did her apprenticeship.  In 2011 she relocated to Gauteng. When she’s not working, she spends time with her family.  “I’m a mother of two amazing kids and have a supportive husband. My family is my motivation and my strength. My parents are my role models and my greatest blessings. My dad is my pillar of strength and my guiding hand who helps me every day, coaching and teaching me how to be the best version of myself.  When running a salon, you need good support and the best advice to help you lead an incredibly strong team.  That’s what I take from my dad.”

Candice Osborne – A Cut Above

Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way

Candice is an inspiration to other stylists, a living example that what you believe, you can achieve.

As a child, Candice struggled in school, especially during a time when schools didn’t know how to accommodate children with ADHD. Each time she faced difficulties, she was transferred to a different school. Eventually, she left school at the age of 13. To support herself, she took a job as a teller at SPAR during the day.

But Candice had a plan. She dreamt of studying hairdressing and becoming a hairstylist, but there was no money to pay the deposit for college. Determined, she took on three jobs to save up: during the day, she worked in the canteen of the very college she wanted to attend, washing floors and prepping food. At night, she worked as a runner and cleaned tables at Milano’s restaurant, and on weekends, she cared for children at Kidz Kazoo.

Three months after saving enough for the deposit, Candice enrolled in college. Shortly after, she was invited for an interview at Headgames in Comaro Crossing and began working there just 20 days before her 15th birthday. This opportunity allowed her to focus on her apprenticeship and trade test, and she remained with Headgames for 10 years.

Throughout it all, Candice never gave up on her dream of becoming a successful hairstylist. “I was so obsessed with hair from a very young age,” she recalls. Scissors seemed to fit perfectly in her hands, even as a child.

Candice’s rock and biggest supporter throughout her journey has been Gareth, whom she’s known since Grade 1. They married when she was 21, and she fondly says, “He’s my best friend.” The couple has now been together for 22 years.

Candice has always had a nurturing nature. From the age of 9, she helped care for her younger brothers, cleaning and cooking to support her mother, who was a single parent and the sole breadwinner. At 14, she became a part of her stepdaughter Hope’s life, and Dré, her 16-year-old son, was later diagnosed with autism and sensory processing disorder. Dré has been a joy and a blessing in their lives, and they were also blessed to adopt Jenna when she was an infant.

Now, with 26 years of experience in the industry, Candice is the proud owner of A Cut Above in Glenanda. Her salon currently has four stylists and two operators. They offer a range of services, including a treatment room, nail bar, and lash bar, to provide clients with a holistic experience.

“Running a business isn’t for everyone,” Candice says. “There’s so much more to running a salon than just doing hair. It can be very stressful. You need to understand the administration side of things. I believe stylists should take a course in business administration before opening a salon, or hire qualified people to handle it for you.”

For Candice, the biggest reward of owning a salon is living her passion every day. “We get to make people beautiful. What could be better than that? It’s emotional, spiritual, and physical.”

She also enjoys having the decision-making power. “I get to choose which color lines we use and which products we stock,” she says, allowing her to maintain control over the quality of services provided.

Candice points out that one of the biggest challenges in the industry is price wars. “Stylists compromise quality for quantity, using inferior products to offer cheaper services, which can compromise the integrity of the hair.”

Candice first heard about Nebeau from one of her clients and met them at the Hair & Beauty Expo at Gallagher Estate, Johannesburg, in 2014. Since then, she has been a loyal customer. “The first time I tried the Inebrya color, I was amazed. It was brilliant!” She uses all three Inebrya color ranges, depending on the client’s needs, but admits, “Inebrya is my favorite! It gives the best coverage.”

She also stocks a variety of bleaches. “The bleach we use depends on the specific needs of the client in the chair.”

In addition, the salon uses the Onlys smoothing system. “We made the decision to go non-toxic, so since introducing Onlys, we no longer use any products containing formaldehyde. We love Onlys because it allows clients to embrace their curls without frizz, or go smooth with added heat.”

Candice’s favorite retail range is the Keratin range, and her favorite styling product is the Style-IN Thermo Spray. “I use it on all my clients. I apply it before styling and post-styling as an anti-frizz and illuminating spray.”

Potential cancer-causing ingredients commonly found in haircare products

Cancer is a complex disease, and its exact causes are not fully understood.  One of the potential risk factors identified, is the exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs).

So, what are endocrine disruptors?  EDCs are substances that can interfere with the body’s endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating hormones.  EDCs can mimic, block or interfere with the body’s natural hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, leading to various adverse health effects, including reproductive issues, metabolic disruptions, infertility and certain hormone-related cancers.  Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells are dependent on hormones like estrogen and progesterone for growth.  EDC’s can cause a prolonged exposure to estrogen that can increase the risk of HR-positive breast cancer.

Potential EDCs that are found in personal care products include:

  • Parabens, such as methylparaben and propylparaben, are preservatives used in many personal care products to prolong the shelf life of products.
  • Silicones, derived from Silozanes, are often used in serums and leave-in conditioners.
  • Ethanolamines, such as DEA and TEA, are used in shampoos as emulsifiers or pH adjusters.
  • Phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP) is commonly used in fragrances found in shampoos, conditioners and other hair products.
  • Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that has been used in some haircare products to prevent fungal growth in formulations.
  • Oxybenzone is often found in hair products with sun protection properties.

Other potential carcinogens (substances known to cause cancer) that are commonly found in haircare products include:

  • Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen, and exposure to formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing ingredients can cause various health problems, including skin irritation and respiratory issues.  As a result, several countries have restricted or banned the use thereof in cosmetics and personal care products, including hair straightening and hair smoothing products such as “keratin treatments”.
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are sometimes included in hair dyes and colorants.
  • Lead Acetate was historically used in some hair dyes to darken hair color.
  • Coal tar or often used in anti-dandruff shampoos.

It is important to understand the ingredients contained in your haircare products.  Regulatory agencies have specific rules and regulations regarding the use and disclosure of ingredients in personal care products.  If you cannot read the fine print of the ingredients on the bottle, choose haircare products from reputable brands with a good safety record that adhere to the stringent regulations as set by e.g. the European Union or the FDA.   And be on the look-out for products labelled as “paraben free”, “silicone free” and “formaldehyde free” to ensure that you use safe products that do not contribute to your risk of getting cancer.