Hairstylists show skills in Mthatha

THE Sofn’free HairXperts Masters Challenge 2016-17 regional stage competition hit the ground running in the Eastern Cape this weekend as hairstylists from all over the province showed off their skills at an event in Mthatha.

Hairstylists Vuyokazi Mangali and Arthur Tlhalatsi will represent the province in the national Style-Off challenges that will take place next year.

Winner Mangali, who works for Victory Hair Salon in King William’s Town, said she was both nervous and excited about competing on the national stage.

“I love what I do. It’s not only a job but my talent as well and I actually want to further my studies in this profession, so this competition is the first step towards my goals,” Mangali said.

Set to discover extraordinary talent in the South African black hair industry, the Sofn’free HairXperts Masters Challenge is open to stylists from all walks of life.

Now in its third year, the competition drew an entry of about 5 000 stylists this year, brand manager Noeleen Burger said.

A national panel of judges will comb through the finest hairstylists across the country, identifying the top 10 in each of nine selected regions who will battle it out for a place in the top 16 nationally.

Sixteen stylists will be put through their paces, enduring seven weeks of intense challenges in the Style-Off phase, which will take place early next year.

Eight stylists will compete in the grand final for the title of Sofn’free HairXpert, with the winner taking home a cash prize of R250 000.

Other prizes will be awarded for Technical Excellence, a Viewers Choice Award, and a YoungXpert Award for student stylists.