RESILIENCE IN AN UNSTEADY WORLD - STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE

In today’s business world, certainty is a luxury few can afford. When COVID-19 reshaped our lives in 2020, many hoped that, that would be the toughest challenge for our generation. Yet, as the dust settled, a new reality emerged: survival was only the beginning. The real test has been finding steady ground in a world that seems to lurch from one global crisis to the next.

In the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare Industry, the noise of international unrest, supply chain disruptions, and economic volatility is no longer distant background—it’s part of our daily reality. The recent conflict in the Middle East is a stark reminder of how interconnected our local economy is to global events.

South Africa is already feeling the impact:

• The rand has weakened as investors grow cautious.

• Oil price volatility is pushing up fuel and distribution costs, straining supply chains.

• Financial market turbulence is dampening consumer confidence and spending.

• Load shedding/reduction continues to disrupt trading hours and operations across many sectors, including personal care.

Navigating Geopolitical Shipping Risks Together

Beyond financial pressures, instability in key maritime routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Suez Canal has caused significant shipping disruptions. With container shipments through the Suez Canal down over 60% year-on-year, many cargo ships are rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing transport times and costs.

For our industry, this means ongoing volatility in product availability and pricing—from imported styling tools to skincare products and packaging materials.

Practical Strategies for Collective Resilience

In these challenging times, resilience is not just a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Here are seven strategies to help your business adapt and thrive:

1. Source Locally, Think Globally

Support South African suppliers to reduce reliance on vulnerable global supply chains and meet growing consumer demand for local ethical products.

2. Streamline Product Offerings

Focus on best-sellers and high-margin services. Pausing slower-moving products helps control costs and manage inventory risk.

3. Build Agile Supplier Relationships

Collaborate with suppliers to identify alternatives, adjust order sizes, and prioritise local packaging and ingredients.

4. Embrace Digital Tools

Use real-time inventory and appointment systems to respond swiftly to disruptions and keep clients informed.

5. Lock in Smarter Contracts

Negotiate long-term pricing agreements to protect your margins from sudden cost hikes.

6. Celebrate Local Identity and Culture

Highlight African botanicals and traditional beauty rituals to differentiate your brand and connect deeply with clients.

7. Be Transparent With Clients

Honest communication about pricing or service changes builds trust and loyalty.

Strengthening Workforce Resilience: A Community Approach

Our people are the heart of our industry. Economic pressures can strain your ability to pay salaries and maintain operations, but South African labour laws offers tools to help manage these challenges proactively and fairly.

• Early Warning Systems: Monitor client retention and revenue trends closely. Early detection helps you act before problems escalate.

• Short-Time Work and Temporary Lay-Offs: These options, permitted under the Labour Relations Act and Main Collective Agreement of the National Bargaining Council for Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare, can reduce costs while preserving jobs. Always consult with employees and communicate clearly to maintain trust.

• Skills Development and Cross-Training: Invest in training to increase workforce flexibility, enabling redeployment as business needs shift.

• Open Communication: Regularly engage with your team and their representatives, fostering cooperation and easing transitions.

• Strategic Workforce Planning: Align your team size and skills with projected needs, and comply with fair retrenchment procedures if necessary.

• Support Employee Wellbeing: Financial wellness programs can help staff manage personal finances, reducing pressure and improving morale.

By combining these labour strategies with your business resilience plans, you build a stronger, more adaptable enterprise ready to face uncertainty together.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

The South African government has called for peace and de-escalation in the Middle East, but while international politics remain beyond our control, the choices we make locally are not.

Whether you run a high-end urban salon, a township beauty studio, or a mobile service, your adaptability and resilience are your greatest assets. Let’s continue learning from those who have weathered past storms and support each other as we navigate today’s challenges.

Together, we’re not just surviving—we’re shaping a future worth standing for.