Maintaining a suitable image, topped with a good standard of grooming is a self confidence booster, and is certainly top of mind for many. The forgotten question is “how often do we take note of the hygienic processes of getting a haircut or having your hair washed in a so called ‘professional space’ or salon?”.
The boiler question is exactly how knowledgeable is the consumer with the safety and hygiene regulations in the hair and beauty space? Do we ever request the barber to clean the cutting blade before the service? In some cases, a consumer would find comfort in the old methodology (which is not entirely effective) of sterilising using methylated spirits, and is that towel really clean?
The ethnic hair industry is commonly known for the growing number of unregulated service providers, and informal levels of unqualified professionals rendering the service to consumers, placing a high risk for the consumer due to the lack of knowledge and thorough hygienic practices. These fall part of the primary challenges in the industry.
“It is because of all these challenges I observed and the professional service I wanted, which stimulated me to start a training Institute. This was to provide a solution not only to myself but the industry as a whole.” Said Tshidi Molefe (Founder of Enzi Hair & Beauty Institute).
Majority of the unqualified practitioners or service providers is self-taught, as the barriers to entry into the hair and beauty industry are non-existent. There is a perception that anyone who can plait hair or cut ‘chiskop’ is a hairdresser, which is entirely incorrect. The hair and beauty business requires an educational skillset to effectively, professionally and efficiently provide a service.
Enzi Hair & Beauty Institute provides professional training in Hairdressing, Make-up and Beauty Therapy. Study programmes and offerings are aligned to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
The top 3 hygiene tips for the consumer include:
- Brushes and combs need to be sterilized and stored in a disinfectant.
- Razors and scissors must be disinfected after every use with sterilising liquid which is sold at professional beauty suppliers. This will kill bacteria and viruses.
- Every customer has to use a fresh towel.
Things to always take note of when walking into a salon include the cleanliness of the floors, basins and washrooms. A beauty salon should have a first aid kit available in case of emergency. Washrooms must be clean and functional, with hot and cold running water. The entire salon space must also be correctly ventilated to accommodate the use of chemicals and products.
Included in the mandatory health and safety regulations is chemical storage. Many products used in beauty salons are flammable, therefore they must be set aside in a separate storage space which is cool and dry; any spillage must be immediately handled. All supplies must be kept capped or closed between uses.
The Enzi Hair & Beauty Institute is an institution causing a shift in benefit for consumers and tackling unprofessionalism with a lack of educational skillset by sculpting hair & beauty professionals through its accredited qualification offering.
To learn more on the institute, visit www.enziinstitute.com
