Written by Phumzile Eliya When Life Changes, So Does the Employer's Responsibility Every employer hopes their workplace will run smoothly. Employees arrive on time, clients leave satisfied, appointments run according to schedule, and the business continues to grow. Yet, despite careful planning, life has a way of presenting circumstances that no employer or employee can anticipate. A stylist may be involved in a motor vehicle accident and return to work with permanent restric

Written by Dineo Sedibeng When Personal Hardship Meets Professional Responsibility South Africans across every industry are feeling the weight of a difficult economy. Rising transport costs, household expenses and unexpected emergencies place real pressure on employees, including those in the hair, cosmetology and beauty sector, where staff often work closely with cash, clients and trust-based systems every single day. This pressure is real, and it deserves compassion. But it

Written by Phumzile Eliya Every employer hopes to build a team of skilled, motivated and dependable employees. In the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare Industry, the success of an establishment depends heavily on the people who interact with clients every day. A talented stylist builds client loyalty, a professional beauty therapist creates memorable experiences, and an organised receptionist keeps the business running smoothly. Yet there comes a point in almost

The EOHCB is pleased to introduce Khayelihle Malizo “Errel” Mbuyisa, who has joined the organisation as the Industrial Relations and Business Development Consultant for KwaZulu-Natal, situated in Durban. We are grateful to have him as part of our team and look forward to the value he will bring to our members, prospective members and the wider hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty and skincare industry. Errel is an industrial relations and labour law practitioner with a strong in

Written by Njabulo Thabethe Every salon/spa owner wants to create a workplace where employees feel respected, valued, and safe. A positive working environment not only improves staff morale but also builds trust with clients and strengthens the reputation of the business. Unfortunately, sexual harassment can destroy that environment if it is not dealt with properly. Many employers believe sexual harassment is only their problem if they are personally involved. This is not tru

Written by Jana Ferreira The Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare Industry is built on relationships between stylist and client, senior therapist and junior, salon owner and team. This closeness is a strength, but it also creates fertile ground for power imbalances that, left unmanaged, quietly erode trust and morale. Favouritism in shift allocation, client books, commission opportunities, training, or simple day-to-day recognition is one of the most common (and mos

Written by Melissa Eales It is the start of a fully booked day: six colour appointments, two keratin treatments, and a bridal trial at noon. At 09:15, a municipal Environmental Health Practitioner walks in with a clipboard. She does not only ask for the certificate on the wall. She asks for the full compliance file: the business licence, municipal health certificate, fire clearance certificate, and sterilisation records for the pedicure basins. The framed business licence is

Written by Choert Maartens The morning rush at Bella Bliss Hair & Beauty Studio looked, at first glance, like the picture of a thriving business. Hairdryers hummed, coffee cups moved from station to station, clients streamed through the doors, and the team worked with the easy familiarity of people who had spent years side by side. Owner Samantha had always wanted that warmth. Her employees celebrated birthdays together, attended weddings together, supported one another throu