Written by Phumzile Eliya Monday morning, and the establishment is fully booked. The appointment book is packed from opening to closing. One stylist is on annual leave, and another has a family emergency. Then the WhatsApp message arrives: “Morning, I am not feeling well. I won’t be coming to work today.” The manager sighs. This is not the first time. Over the past few months, the same employee has been absent again and again. Sometimes there is a medical certificate, sometim

Written by Jaco Parkin You have prepared your file, your witnesses are ready, and the concilliation/ arbitration is under way. Then something shifts. The person who is supposed to be neutral starts pressing your witness harder than the other side’s, or seems to be building the employee’s case for them. Whether your dispute is before the National Bargaining Council for the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare Industry or the CCMA, that is the moment when what you do

Written by Limya Kamaldien The short answer Yes, AI may be used during a disciplinary hearing, but only in a limited and controlled manner. It should assist with administration or an unexpected issue; it should not replace preparation, generate evidence, coach witnesses or decide the outcome. The use of AI should be managed by the chairperson and must not compromise procedural fairness, confidentiality or the parties’ opportunity to respond. The question employers are asking

Written by Nkosana Mazibuko A small hairdressing establishment dismisses a stylist for repeated stock theft. The owner feels the matter is closed; the evidence was clear, and the sanction was fair. Ten days later, a referral notice arrives from the HCSBC, and the owner is caught flat-footed. A guilty finding is never the final word. A dismissal remains open until the internal appeal window has closed, or a referral has run its course. For small establishments, understanding t

Annual leave is a fundamental right for all employees in South Africa, including those who earn commission. This FAQ addresses common questions that employers in the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry face regarding annual leave entitlements under South African labour law and the National Bargaining Council for Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare Industry (HCSBC) Main Collective Agreement. Q1: Are commission earners considered employees under

In Terms of the Sick Pay Fund (SPF) Rules in the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare Industry The Big Question “My employee has just been booked off for three months! What do I do? What do I pay? How does this even work?” The alarm bells are ringing, the waves are crashing, and the ship feels like it is tilting. Every employer knows this panic stations moment. One day it is business as usual, the next you are staring at a medical certificate that stretches weeks in

In the dynamic and client-focused world of South Africa's beauty industry, salon owners, spa managers, and cosmetology businesses often face important questions about hiring practices, particularly regarding applicants or employees with criminal records. Whilst protecting your business, clients, and staff is essential, South African labour law including the Labour Relations Act (LRA), the Employment Equity Act (EEA), and the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) requ

Zero-tolerance policies have become increasingly common in South African salons, spas, and beauty businesses as employers seek to maintain high standards of professionalism and client safety. However, there's often confusion about what these policies actually mean in practice. Does zero-tolerance automatically mean instant dismissal? Can employers ever show flexibility? And how do you ensure your policy is both firm and fair? This guide addresses these crucial questions for b

One of the most frequently asked questions by salon owners and beauty practitioners alike is: "Should I hire employees or rent out...

In the Hair and Beauty industry, transferring employees from one branch to another under the same employer is a common occurrence,...

The hairdressing and beauty industry thrives on trust, professionalism, and the relationship between client and stylist. These...

The hair and beauty industry is experiencing significant challenges with staff turnover and workforce stability. Many salon and spa...

In any workplace, maintaining a professional and respectful environment is essential to achieving collective goals. To ensure this, most...

This FAQ article provides clarity on how the Employment Equity Act (EEA) applies to businesses operating across multiple establishments...

In South Africa’s hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, fair and equal treatment of foreign nationals in the...

When employees resign, it’s more than just a farewell. In South Africa’s Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare industry, strict...

When a business is sold, it often raises questions for owners and employees about what happens to existing employment contracts and what...

Managing workplace disagreements requires a steady hand and impartial approach, ensuring all staff members feel heard whilst maintaining...

The South African hair and beauty industry is known for its vibrant culture, creativity, and personal connection with clients. However,...

Dealing with a bad attitude from an employee during their resignation period requires a balance of professionalism, clear communication,...