Industry news

Wella announce their 1st local group of Brand Ambassadors

Please give a virtual round of applause to the 1st local group of Wella Professionals Brand Ambassadors. The Wella Professionals Brand Ambassadors are hairdressing Influencers, chosen for the role because of their craft expertise and their social media industry presence. Wella were very excited to see what these talented people bring to our “screens” over the Next 12 months! FYI: They recently worked on a “top secret” content creation shoot in Cape Town and we are super excited to share all these amazing images! The Wella Company considers ambassadors worldwide based on the criteria mentioned above and are constantly scouting social media pages for potential ambassadors. Stylists are however also able to apply to be in contention and full details will be posted on their website should any of the talented Wella family out there be interested in vying for such a position.

Global hair accessories market set to expand

The global hair accessories market size is expected to reach $31.6 billion by 2028 and is predicted to expand at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2021 to 2028, according to a new study.

Research & Markets attributes this strong market growth to a rising preference for fashionable products that serve the purpose of utility, as well as a desire among consumers to look trendy.

States the Research & Markets report: “Over the past few years, people have been paying significant attention to their hair care and styling routines, as hair plays a crucial role in self-perception. Lately, hair accessories have become popular among all ages and income groups, and styles can range from schoolgirl staples to runway fashion. The availability of both premium and budget-friendly hair accessories has also boosted product demand and uptake.”

The elastics and ties segment led the market and accounted for the leading share of the total revenue in 2020. Hair elastics and ties have always been popular since they serve as a daily essential for women to manage their hair. These products will continue to lead the global market due to their easy availability, relatively lower price, and wide variety.

General stores emerged as the largest segment in 2020 as they are the most popular distribution channels among consumers for the purchase of hair accessories due to the convenience and easy availability of multiple brands. These stores are mostly located in densely populated areas with high footfall and offer a moderate selection of hair-associated products in response to growing consumer demand for products such as hairpins and clips, headbands, and elastics and ties. Asia Pacific dominated the market and generated the highest contribution of sales to the market revenue in 2020. The increasing number of working women, especially in the corporate sector and fashion industry, coupled with the rising spending power of consumers has driven the demand for hair accessories in developing countries across the region, such as India, Indonesia, and China. The market players face stiff competition from each other as some of them are among the top hair accessories manufacturers and have a large customer base.

Photo credit: Candice Thurston

Sorbet Drybar and Biosense in hair colour partnership

The Sorbet Drybar franchise of hair salons will now offer Biosense’s range of Retail and Bar Back, as well as Technical Colour products. At a recent event held at the Twincare International offices in Johannesburg, Candice Thurston, marketing executive for the Sorbet Group and founder of Candi & Co., said: “The Biosense partnership is the result of our quest for the best in colour as Sorbet Drybar continues to find new ways to ensure that our customers step into our stores and strut out looking fabulous. “Biosense’s use of natural ingredients to ensure efficacy and shiny, healthy hair – and the fact that its range has been specifically developed for South African weather and hair types is what sets it apart.” Thurston noted that Biosense is a professional hair care company that has established itself as a household name in the industry for over 20 years. The partnership launch event featured colour panel discussions and before & after hair colour transformations. Guests, including Mrs South Africa and Mrs World 2016, Candice Abrahams, beauty influencer Tshiamo Modisane, and TV personality Gillian Seetso, experienced the latest hair trends, while sipping on Bombay Sapphire cocktails and being pampered at nail, hair and make-up stations.

In addition to hair services, Sorbet Drybar’s 13 stores around the country also offer nail and beauty treatments. “We are proud to offer a variety of services all in one place, making it convenient for today’s woman who has a busy lifestyle but still wants to look good from top to toe,” concluded Thurston.

Styles to die for at E! People’s Choice Awards

One of the most striking hairdos at the recent E! People’s Choice Awards in Hollywood in December was seen on red carpet host and trans actress, Laverne Cox.

She opted for purple and lavender-hued locks (to match her intricate feathered gown) in a glamourous genie ponytail that fell forwards to frame her face.

Regarded as Hollywood’s pop culture event of the year, the E! People’s Choice Awards, which are voted on entirely by the public, was back this time in full swing with live (as opposed to virtual like in 2020) audiences and a plethora of glamorous stars populating the red carpet.

Also sporting similar purple and lavender hues to Cox, but in a structured and braided updo coming off corn rows that were pulled tightly back from her face, was comedienne Leslie Jones.

Oscar winner Halle Berry, who won the People’s Icon Award, rocked a twisted top knot that was complemented by a flattering, long, side-parted fringe swept over one eye. A top knot at the other extreme – as in pulled back severely off the face – was seen on Scarlett Johansson.

Christina Aguilera won the Music Icon Award and her trademark long, platinum blonde hair was in a half ponytail high on the crown of her head, with soft waves cascading down to her waist. But really the hairstyle, pretty though it was, took second place to Aguilera’s bizarre outfit, which took some figuring out – cowboy style cutaway chaps over fishnet stockings!

Singer, model, actress and famous offspring, Paris Jackson’s shoulder-length, messily waved rose gold locks toned in with her brown, grunge-style designer gown.

Latina singer Becky G’s long black waves nearly reached the daringly high, waist level slit of her striking yellow and black dress.

Actress Sydney Sweeney’s long blonde hair was styled in retro waves, circa the 1940s. Social media star, Charli d’Amelio, also went the 1940’s route, with her long, waved black hair falling over one eye, a la Veronica Lake, the famous actress of that era who was known for her iconic hairstyle.

H.E.R. proudly rocked a mass of centre-parted, below-the-shoulder length tight waves, which is becoming a fairly usual look for her, but wonderfully flattering nonetheless.

TV and radio personality, Rocsi Diaz, sported an unforgiving blunt cut, centre-parted, shoulder length bob with no bangs to soften the look.

Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause swopped out her usual long blonde locks for a dark brunette version, while ‘Real Housewife of Beverley Hills’ star and actress, Garcelle Beauvais, went all out glam, with a long, ultra-straight sweep of shiny black hair coming off a very high ponytail.

Dancer, signer and YouTuber, JoJo Siwa, ditched the high, tight, side ponytail and giant fabric bow she was synonymous with for so many years, and replaced it with a fun, bubble braid look on each side of her head, with the braids meeting in the middle and fastened by a sparkly clip. (Report by Joanna Sterkowicz)