Written by Phumzile Eliya In many establishments, particularly within the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is often treated as a compliance checklist rather than a behavioural standard. Policies are drafted, rules are posted, and registers are signed, yet when employees fail to follow safety procedures, management in establishments are often left asking: At what point does a safety breach become misconduct? Equally

Written by Dane Frost Scenario: A junior stylist at your establishment notices that a senior colleague has been mixing colour incorrectly, a mistake that could seriously damage a client's hair. She knows it. She can see it. But she says nothing. Not because she doesn't care. Not because she is trying to protect anyone. But because the last time someone raised a concern in that establishment, it did not end well. There were whispers. There was awkwardness. And the person who s

Written by Choert Maartens Jane breathed in the familiar smell of shampoo and hairspray as she unlocked the establishment at 7:30 a.m. The morning light pooled across the polished floor, and the row of colour swatches glinted like a small, ordered world. For the first hour, everything hummed along: a steady trickle of regulars, the kettle on, music at a comfortable level. Then Lindiwe arrived again late. This was the third time in a month. Clients had been kept waiting, appoi

Written by Nkosana Mazibuko The ripple nobody talks about - For many establishment owners across South Africa, the impact of rising fuel prices is not always immediately visible, yet it is felt in the daily cost of operating. From increased delivery charges to rising transport costs for employees, these pressures accumulate quietly, often before the month has properly begun. What appears to be a normal start to the week can already reflect the growing strain of a changing eco

Written by Jaco Parkin The culture behind the chair: How workplace values shape staff retention and client loyalty in the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare Industry - There’s something that separates a thriving establishment from one that’s constantly hiring and losing clients; it’s rarely the products on the shelf or the price list on the wall. More often than not, it comes down to culture. In the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, cultur

Written by Melissa Eales Navigating Procedural and Substantive Fairness in the workplace with the new Code of Good Practice on Dismissal (2025) - In a hair and or beauty establishment, an employee's repeated misconduct triggers a formal investigation. Whether the employer handles this process fairly, both procedurally and substantively, will determine whether any eventual dismissal can be defended at the National Bargaining Council for the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty an

Written by Limya Kamaldien In South Africa’s hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, qualifications are no longer optional. They are essential for compliance, professionalism, and sustainable business growth. For employers, the challenge is practical: how do you ensure that both you and your staff meet the requirements of the Main Collective Agreement of the National Bargaining Council for Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare Industry, while mainta

Written by Janine van Eck In many establishments within the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, the phrase “we are like family” is often used to describe the workplace. For example, in a small team where employees work closely together, share personal experiences, and support one another through busy periods, this sentiment may feel both natural and positive. While this may reflect a supportive and close-knit environment, it can unintentionally create ch

Written by Mamotuku Khaole In South African labour law, fairness is the cornerstone of any disciplinary action, particularly where dismissal is contemplated. The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA), read together with the Code of Good Practice: Dismissal (Schedule 8), establishes that a dismissal will only be considered fair if it satisfies two essential requirements: substantive fairness and procedural fairness. For small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the hairdressing,

Written by Phumzile Eliya The hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry thrives on creativity, client satisfaction, and close-knit working relationships. Yet these very dynamics can also create fertile ground for misunderstandings and workplace conflict. When employees raise grievances against employers, whether about pay, working hours, or management practices, how those issues are handled can determine whether the establishment remains stable or faces costly

Written by Dineo Sedibeng In the ecosystem of a workplace in the hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry, the atmosphere is everything. It is a sensory environment full of noise, chemicals, and close physical proximity, but it is also an emotional one. Clients arrive seeking transformation, often carrying stress, insecurity, or unrealistic expectations. Professionals work on their feet for hours, balancing artistry with administrative demands. In this pressur

Written by Siphesihle Mthombeni The hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry is a dynamic and service-driven sector that contributes significantly to both personal care and the broader economy. While technical skills and client satisfaction are often prioritised, understanding financial aspects such as payslips, deductions, and remuneration is equally important. These elements determine how employees are compensated and whether labour practices are fair, trans

Written by Hulisani Ravhudzulo The hairdressing, cosmetology, beauty, and skincare industry in South Africa is a highly people-driven sector, characterised by small establishments, client-facing services, and performance-based work. Managing dismissals in this environment requires a careful balance between operational needs and compliance with labour legislation. Dismissals in South Africa are governed primarily by the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) and guided by the C

Written by Megan Griffiths Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace. Differences in opinions, work styles, personalities, and pressures can all lead to tension between colleagues or clients. While conflict itself is not inherently negative, how it is managed can significantly impact team morale, guest loyalty, and brand reputation. One of the most effective approaches to managing workplace conflict is the use of de-escalation skills. Conflict in public-facing establish

Written by Jana Ferreira If you operate an establishment in the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty, and Skincare Industry, Public Holidays, Sundays, and Night Work are not just scheduling issues; they are regulatory focus areas. Employers are required to comply with both the Main Collective Agreement for the Hairdressing, Cosmetology, Beauty and Skincare Industry, including any area-specific provisions, and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) when managing working ho

Written by Choert Maartens The hairdressing and beauty industry is built on creativity, technical skill, and strong client relationships. However, behind every successful establishment lies another critical element that is often overlooked: emotional management. Establishments are unique environments where clients place a great deal of trust in professionals who influence their appearance and self-confidence. At the same time, employees operate in a fast-paced, service-driven

Written by Carina Goncalves In many workplaces across South Africa, leave is still quietly treated as something that an employer “allows” rather than something employees are legally entitled to. In small businesses, especially, leave is often negotiated informally, postponed when the business gets busy, or handled according to what seems practical at the time. Yet the reality is very different. Leave is not a favour, but it is a statutory right. In South Africa, employee leav

Written by Dane Frost Setting the Scene: A Story Many Salon/Spa Owners Know Picture this: It is a busy Saturday morning at your establishment. The receptionist pulls you aside and quietly tells you that one of your hairdressers seems “off” today - their speech is a little slurred, their movements slightly unsteady, and there is a faint smell of alcohol. They have two clients booked back-to-back, one of whom is here for a full bleach and colour treatment. What do you do? This

Written by Jaco Parkin Workplace discipline is a necessary component of organisational governance. However, when misconduct is alleged, the employer is not at liberty to act arbitrarily. Disciplinary action - particularly where dismissal is a possible outcome - must comply with the principles of substantive and procedural fairness as required by section 188 of the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 (LRA) and the Code of Good Practice on Dismissal. A disciplinary hearing is there

Written by Melissa Eales In the hair and beauty industry, technical skill will always be essential. Precision cutting, advanced colour techniques, skin knowledge, and product expertise form the backbone of professional credibility. However, in a client-facing industry such as ours, emotional intelligence (EQ) is often the true differentiator between a one-off appointment and a long-term, loyal client relationship. Emotional intelligence is not simply a buzzword or a “soft ski