Our hair can make or break our moods — hence, we love our hairstylists. Four celebs tell us about the special people who take care of their dresses.

DJ Zinhle

What inspires your hairstyles?

My industry gives me a lot of creative freedom. Also, my team is always asking me what I want to do next, which keeps me on my toes.

What’s your favorite and worst hair memory?

I loved the mohawk I had a few years ago. It made me a trendsetter. Then some time ago, I cut my hair short at a Durban salon that I’d never been to before. The hairstylelist cut off so much of my hair, it looked like I had no hairline! That disaster made me go back to wigs.

How did your relationship with Xola Madube begin?

I had a shoot and my hairstylelist at the time canceled at the last minute. I went online and discovered The San Hair. They arrived at the shoot on time — I was impressed by their professionalism and styling techniques.

What’s your go-to hair care tip?

Pearl Thusi encouraged me to always moisturize my natural hair under my wigs, which has become a habit.

Xola Madube, DJ Zinhle’s Hairstylist:

@xola_madube/Instagram

What’s your hair specialty?

Our specialty is weaves, wig installation and hair color treatments.

What do you enjoy most about styling DJ Zinhle’s hair?

Zinhle is always willing to try new and vibrant colors that many people are afraid of. She’s a true trendsetter.

What hair care tips do you share with Zinhle?

She has a busy schedule so we step in to help maintain her wigs, but we always encourage her to look after her own natural hair by moisturizing and treating it regularly.

Which hair products do you recommend for maintaining healthy hair?

We always encourage our customers to invest in good quality conditioners, shampoos and brushes to help care for their wigs. For Zinhle’s hair, we use natural oils, shampoos and moisturizing conditioners so the weaves retain their color and silkiness.

Ayanda Thabethe

@kudatot_hair/Instagram

What inspires your hairstyles?

I’m inspired by the different seasons, my mood, and how I wish to express myself in that moment.

What’s your favorite and worst hair memory?

Growing up, my mom used to do my hair. Spending quality time with her was priceless. I shaved off all of my hair in my first year of varsity and remember begging my hair to grow back faster [chuckles].

How did your relationship with your hairdresser, Kudakwashe Magora, begin?

I’d been struggling to find someone who could cater to my ever-changing hair needs. I asked a colleague to refer me to her hairstylelist, and I’ve never looked back. She’s versatile and always willing to try something new.

What’s your go-to hair product?

I prefer Mizani products. I love their Miracle Milk conditioner, which I use to soften and detangle my hair before taking out braids or weaves.

Kudakwashe Magora, Ayanda Thabethe’s Hairdresser:

@kudatot_hair/Instagram

What’s your hair specialty?

My specialty is braids, natural hair and weaves. My salon, Kudatot Hair & Beauty Salon, is based in Joburg.

What do you enjoy the most about working with Ayanda’s hair?

She’s very refreshing and fun to style. She always has creative ideas, and we often collaborate to come up with hairstyles that complement her work outfits.

What hair care tips do you give to Ayanda?

Because she travels often, I always encourage her to nourish her hair by treating, conditioning and moisturizing often.

Which hair products do you recommend?

Ayanda has thick natural hair and a very healthy hairline. We use Mizani products to keep her scalp and hair nourished. The ORS Fortifying Hair Oil is great for strengthening the hair. If you wear wigs or weaves, condition your hair regularly so it stays in mint condition.

READ MORE | Use heat protection plus 6 other tips to keep your hair growing

Gugu Gumede

@lelisonene/Instagram

What inspires your hairstyles?

I didn’t want to conform to society’s beauty standards so, I transitioned from relaxed to natural hair.

What’s your favorite and worst hair memory?

While relaxing my hair (and burning my scalp), [my mom would] say: ‘You must suffer for beauty’. The pain was unbearable, but we bonded immensely.

How did your relationship with your hairdresser, Leliso Nene, begin?

Leliso found me on Instagram and asked if he could do my hair. I gave him an opportunity and we completely gelled.

What’s your go-to hair care tip?

Rocking my natural hair has been so fulfilling, but you have to arm yourself with lots of information on how to take care of it.

Leliso Nene, Gugu Gumede’s Hairstylist:

@lelisonene/Instagram

What’s your hair specialty?

I specialize in weaves and natural hair. I’m based in Durban.

What do you enjoy about styling Gugu’s hair?

I love that with Gugu, each hairstyle has a story behind it. Her hair is healthy and rich, which allows me to play around with different styles.

What hair care tips do you share with Gugu?

I always advise her to base her scalp thrice a week with hair food, treat her hair every fortnight, and her weave twice a month.

Which hair products do you recommend for her hair texture?

For natural 4C curls, I recommend Cantu hair products, as well as Jamaican castor oil, and the L’Oréal hair range.

Michelle Mosalakae

@melforddivashair/Instagram

What inspires your hairstyles?

I love to experiment. What inspires me the most is how I feel and the hairstyles I see around me.

What’s your favorite and worst hair memory?

My grandmother used to twist and dye my hair for me. I treasure those moments to this day because we’d laugh and bond, while she made me look fabulous for school. Thankfully, I haven’t had any hair disasters.

How did your relationship with your hairdresser, Melford Hlabola, begin?

Melford and I met on the set of a cover shoot. He’s the Mario to my Kim Kardashian!

What’s your go-to hair care tip?

I moisturize my hair with shea butter and Jamaican castor oil, and use a wide-tooth comb, which is gentler.

READ MORE | Michelle Mosalakae on what inspires her vibrant hair color choices

Melford Hlabola, Michelle Mosalakae’s Hairdresser:

@melforddivashair/Instagram

What’s your hair specialty?

Anything hair-related is my forte — be it relaxed or natural hair, weaves or extensions. My salon, Melford Divas Hair & Beauty Studio, is based in Alberton.

What do you enjoy the most about styling Michelle’s hair?

I love that Michelle always takes good care of her hair. She washes and moisturizes it regularly, which keeps it soft and healthy. She’s generally a pleasure to work with, especially when trying different styles.

Any hair tips you’d like to impart?

Wash your hair with anti-dandruff shampoo, and use moisturizers with nourishing oils like almond, coconut, jojoba, tea tree and avocado. Minimise hair drying as this can compromise the volume of your hair.

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