Motivating Your Team During the Silly Season: A Guide for Hair and Beauty Employers The "silly season" that bustling stretch from mid-November through early January is both the most exciting and the most exhausting time of year in the hairdressing and beauty industry. Clients are booking in for end-of-year transformations, weddings, and festive events. Whilst point-of-sales may be ringing, your team is often running on fumes. Keeping morale high and energy consistent can make

The festive season marks one of the most exciting and profitable times for the beauty and wellness industry. Malls and shopping complexes are filled with shoppers, salons and spas are fully booked, and the energy is high. Yet, this same period brings increased operational risks, safety concerns, and personal security challenges that demand heightened awareness and discipline from both employers and employees. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) measures are not only a legal

It’s not uncommon to hear: “The employee never signed the contract, so it’s not valid.” Yet, this belief couldn’t be further from the truth. The absence of a signature on an employment contract does not mean there is no employment relationship. Both employers and employees often misunderstand the legal implications of unsigned contracts - a costly mistake that can lead to disputes before the Bargaining Council/CCMA or Labour Court. Let’s unpack what South African labour law a

As South Africa’s labour environment continues to evolve, employers are increasingly expected to lead with purpose by balancing operational needs with legal compliance, ethical recruitment and inclusive practices. Recruitment and Advertisement: Recruitment begins with how a role is advertised. Employers should: Clearly state the requirements and responsibilities of the vacant position, avoiding vague or exclusionary language. Disclose salary ranges upfront, as proposed by the

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

"Just five more minutes." "Can you fix this quickly?" "I saw it on Instagram - can you do exactly that?" Operating and working within the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare industry - these phrases don't just sound familiar - they echo through your day, every day. And while your hands are creating art, your mind is managing expectations, soothing anxieties, and absorbing the emotional weight of someone else's self-image. But here's what most people don't see: Behi

This article explains which employee deductions and employer levies salons must collect and pay (PAYE, UIF, SDL, pension & sick-pay fund contributions, bargaining-council levies), and the legal and practical risks of failing to pay them on time — including SARS penalties and interest, civil claims, criminal exposure, personal liability for directors, enforcement by the HCSBC and other bodies, and business reputational/operational harm. It ends with a short, practical complian

As an employer, few situations are more challenging than addressing an employee who simply isn't delivering results. But before you initiate any action, ask yourself this critical question: Is your employee unable to perform, or unwilling? The distinction matters - legally, procedurally, and practically. Misdiagnosing the issue can lead to unfair dismissal claims, CCMA referrals, and unnecessary legal costs. Yet many employers conflate these two very different scenarios, appl

The busy season is an exciting time for salons and spas, bringing an influx of clients, increased revenue, and the opportunity to showcase top-tier service. However, the year-end rush also presents significant risks to both staff and operational efficiency if health and safety measures are not prioritised. Fatigue, stress, long hours, and high client demand can lead to accidents, errors, and decreased performance, making occupational health and safety (OHS) an essential focus

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform the world of work in 2025, the hair and beauty industry is not exempt from this digital shift. From AI-driven booking systems and smart salon management software to predictive analytics for customer trends, technology is redefining how beauty businesses operate. Yet, amid these advancements, one truth stands firm: the wellbeing of people - stylists, therapists, and front-desk professionals - remains the foundation of ever

Once upon a time, communication was deliberate. A phone call meant dialing a rotary line, often through a switchboard operator. Letters were handwritten. Conversations were private. If someone wanted to reach you, they needed your permission and your physical address. As decades passed, technology evolved. Telephones became mobile. Messaging became instant. Social media turned private lives into public timelines. And now, artificial intelligence (AI) allows us to ask question

The personal care industry - made up largely of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) - is calling on the National Minimum Wage Commission...

The festive season, matric farewells, and year-end functions present prime opportunities for businesses in our industry to boost profits...

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

A polygraph test, often called a ‘Lie Detector Test, is a popular tool for employers seeking to verify a person’s truthfulness,...

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

Performance reviews are often misunderstood as tick-box exercises or annual formalities. In reality, when strategically implemented, they...

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

In South Africa’s dynamic labour environment, disputes between employers and employees, ranging from disciplinary warnings to...

The payment of commission remains a cornerstone of the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty and skincare industry. Commission-based...