First Africa hair week cuts it with exhibitors
TRENDING hairstyles and beauty tips were shared by some of the gurus of the industry at the inaugural Africa hair and beauty week held at Buffalo Toyota last week and wrapping up over the weekend.
Organiser Lwandy Ngebe said overall, the event had been a huge success.
“Considering this was the first time this event has ever been held and that I have never organised an event of this kind before, I am very happy with how it all came together and how it turned out,” Ngebe said.
“The turnout was great and people came out in their numbers. For me the highlight of the event was having both African and Caucasian stylists coming together under one roof, which is something you don’t always see.
“I am definitely keen to host something like this again next year.”
Although the event got off to a slow start, with people trickling in during the first day on Thursday, the weekend was much busier.
Experts in their field brought their A-game to create hairstyles and promote their products.
Interviewed on Friday, African locks guru Jabu Stone said he had jumped at the opportunity to be part of the Africa hair week.
“This is the first event of this kind, and for a first, it’s doing exceptionally well; all the sponsors have done a good job and the co-ordinator has managed to pull off a quality show.
“I am very impressed with how they have incorporated hair, beauty and culture and also using the opportunity to raise awareness about violence against women and xenophobia, which are things that affect us all.”
Asli managing director Ashanti McFadden, a premium cosmetics company from Johannesburg, said she was excited to be part of the week.
“Anything that is boosting and promoting growth in the industry and creating job opportunity for the unemployed, I support,” said McFadden.
“I came here to network, expand my brand and to support the Eastern Cape initiative which is doing a good job creating a platform for hair and beauty in the region.”
Ladine education officer Bongani Mabunda on Friday said it was up to the exhibitors to attract attendees.
“We need to give people that ‘ wow’ factor that will make them want to come back and share with their friends.
“So far it’s been wonderful interacting and engaging with some of the stylists who have come to visit our stalls and ask questions about some of our products,” he said.
East London hairstylist, Sinesipho Jobodwana said she had learnt a lot about the industry in such a short period.
“It’s been worth the time out of the salon to be here. We are learning some essential tips here, from saving products and using them sparingly, but effectively.
“The professionalism of running a salon too has also been exhibited here. You need to sell cleanliness and good service, not just the hair products,” she said. —