Legendary hairdresser

MASHUDU Netshidzivhani started his first salon under a tree in his mother’s yard in Sibasa, Venda, many years ago.

Eventually, he began his professional hairdressing career as a shampooist and went on to become head stylist and the owner of several successful salons.

He describes his formula for success as “unparalleled enthusiasm, raw ambition, and old-fashioned hard work”.

The stylist has collected numerous accolades and awards, with his proudest moment being voted “Emerging Entrepreneur of The Year” in 1997 by the Limpopo Economic Development Agency.

Netshidzivhani went on to become a radio host, then a technical educator at a Chicago-based multi-national, Luster Products. This new career path led him to work with other brands, including Ladine and L’Oréal.

“I value independence in my work. Being a hairdresser provides immense scope for unleashing my creativity without being stifled by the bureaucracy of the traditional workforce,” he said.

Today, Mashudu heads up Afro Specialist Education for L’Oréal SA-Mizani.

“I’m an educator who still firmly believes in the basics. Hairdressing is an immensely satisfying and emotionally rewarding profession. I have the ability to touch and change lives at an intimate level, to influence client motivations and to deliver services that are valued by clients. Many other professions may be financially rewarding, but may not provide the opportunity to make me happy.”

Netshidzivhani draws inspiration from his peers and hairstylists, as he interacts with them daily through various platforms, including social media.

His weekly educational series on Facebook and Instagram inspires and

helps many through interviews on a range of topical issues that affect the industry, with local and international industry giants.

With 30 years of experience, Netshdzivhani has seen many trends take shape.

“Hairstyles are changing constantly, as you look at the different styles, you’ll notice a transformation. Should you look at a photograph, a hairstyle can help you determine what year it was taken.

“I’ve witnessed a lot of trends since the beginning of the 1990s including relaxers (straight, blowouts, s’curls), high braids, high ponytails, crimped hair, bob cuts, thin braids, braids with curly ends, wigs, spiky pixies, colourful highlights (streaky, chunky) and weaves.

“For many of us, we want what doesn’t come naturally to us – and this goes mostly for hairstyles. Those with thin hair long for the looks of thick hair, folks with straight hair often daydream about what it might be like to have curly hair.

“Speaking for those with naturally curly hair, styling it in a way that works for your mood, wants, and needs can be cumbersome. Other days, you wish we could just run your fingers through without it getting trapped on a curl.”

Netshidzivhani said more women

were keeping their hair in its natural state than ever before.

“If you’ve decided you want to go natural, I say do your best to stay true to you. For decades, many women looked to chemicals to straighten their hair. But these days, an increasing number of women are omitting the chemicals in favour of a more natural approach.

“Women who’ve joined the natural hair movement will tell you that working with their newfound natural hair didn’t exactly come naturally. Cost is another factor, because wearing your hair in its natural state may seem to be the most cost-effective hair care option, but that isn’t exactly true. Natural hair care products are pricey in comparison to the general hair care products one might buy to maintain chemically-processed hair.

“The crowning issue in the natural hair movement, as it turns out, is that relatively few salons understand all there is to know about natural hair. Before you plunge into it, I recommend you learn the type and texture of your hair. It’s important because it dictates how often you should clean your hair, what products to use, how often and what styles will work best for you.”

Netshidzivhani was recently part of the L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod 3.0 launch team that hosted an intimate event to officially launch and celebrate their newest innovation.

The SteamPod 3.0 is equipped to encourage healthier hair and debunk challenges around using hair straighteners. It is also suitable for all hair types and hairstyles, he said.

“I’d like to see all practitioners in the hair world pursuing a cosmetology education. However, attending beauty school involves a lot more than just learning to cut hair, do make-up and paint nails. Beauty is an art that requires dedication, patience and attention to detail.

“In beauty school, people have a hands-on, interactive experience and this realistic experience allows them to learn about basic chemistry through hair chemicals and develop their customer service skills, which are of high importance to satisfy the client’s needs. Whether you’re a fulltime or part-time student, through constant education you can possess a unique and dynamic edge.”