Crowning the best hairstylist of them all

Hosted by the incomparable Somizi Mhlongo, stylists and fashionistas will dress in their ultimate best for the grand finale of the Sofn’free HairXperts Masters Challenge 2017 taking place tonight at Kyalami Business Park in Midrand.

The theme is “urban revolutionary”, so some fabulous outfits are to be expected.

Now in its third year, this nationwide hair competition is about finding extraordinary talent in the South African black hair industry.

The competition started out with more than 500 contestants, which were then whittled down to 18 semifinalists last month.

Tonight, the top eight finalists will compete for a R250 000 prize.

The eight finalists are Khonaye Nkohla from Cape Town, Vuyokazi Mangali from King Williams Town, Khe Zondi from Pietermaritzburg, Abner Hlatshwayo from Newcastle, Treavor Mokoaleli from Bethlehem, Makhethi from Sharpville, Doctor Sithole from Vosloorus and Tony Masangu from Soweto.

The talented hairstylists will go head-to-head and are expected to create hair masterpieces that defy the norm and take hairstyling to the next level.

Head judge Sipho Nzuza, who has been a judge on the challenge several times and has more than 25 years of experience in the business of cosmetology, says this is a unique competition.

“I’ve seen the happiness in the eyes of the stylists as they go through this competition. I’ve seen hair companies make a lot of money in this industry, but not put back into it.

“This competition has put a lot of money and effort into this – they are marketing small businesses and giving talented stylists massive exposure.”

The competitors get the whole day to work on their styles, and the final touches are done on stage in front of the crowd.

“On Sunday I’m expecting to see consistency, and that finalists have planned well,” says Nzuza.

“I want to be able to see your point of view by just looking at the hair.”

Performing tonight will be the multiple award-winning Amanda Black and Kwesta.

. The show starts at 6.30pm at Theatre On The Track, 4A Kyalami Boulevard, Kyalami Business Park.

. Tickets are R150 each.