fbpx

Hair Salons And Barbershops Are Booming In South African Townships

Hair Salons And Barbershops Are Booming In South African Townships

1 of 9

South African townships are the sites of a thriving informal economy. On some blocks, you’ll find multiple salons and barbershops, each with its own unique fingerprint of an entrepreneurial owner — few if any big name brands here. Many serve as gathering places for the community. Here’s a look at the barber shop and hair salon industry in South African townships.

Source: Ewn.co.za

Township barber shop. Photo: Martinmeyer-safaris.com
Township barber shop. Photo: Martinmeyer-safaris.com

Their unique structures

Many salons and barbershops are popping up in mobile containers–the kind you see on large shipping vessels. Some salon owners have cut windows in the walls to let in light and simply applied tape to hold down the glass panes. They’ll also cut doors in the walls and attach hinges.

Source: Africanlens.com

South African township barber. Photo: Semesteratsea.org
South African township barber. Photo: Semesteratsea.org

The potential for income

Christine, a hair stylist in Khayelitsha, said she earns enough to feed and educate her three children–one of whom attends university. She said she earns enough not to stress about money on a block where there are six other salons.

Source: Ewn.co.za

Salon in South African township. Photo: Creativeroots.org
Salon in South African township. Photo: Creativeroots.org

They’re an integral part of the informal economy

Along with liquor stores, child care businesses, street vendors, healers and micro-manufacturers, salons make up 75 percent of all of the micro enterprises found in South African townships. This informal economy also makes up around 5 percent of the country’s gross domestic product — some say more.

Source: Ventureburn.com

South African township barber shop. Photo: Pinterest
South African township barber shop. Photo: Pinterest

The economy is hurting the industry

Vuyos Hair recently posted on its Facebook page, “The economy got the best of us. There will be a slight price increase on all our hair styles.”

Source: Facebook.com

South African township barber shop prices. Photo: Nowherelimited.com
South African township barber shop prices. Photo: Nowherelimited.com

Prices

Here’s one reason townships salons and barber shops are doing well: the prices are relatively low. One barbershop in Soshanguve, Gauteng, charges barely $1 for a cut and half that for a trim. The shop names its different styles after famous American artists like R. Kelly. There is even a kids’ R. Kelly cut.

Source: Africanlens.com

Hairstyle in South African barber shop. Photo: Theatlantic.com
A hairstyle in South African barber shop. Photo: Theatlantic.com

The popular looks

Not many of the township salons or barbershops are on Facebook, but those that are have posted pictures. Tembisa Supreme Touch hair salon in the township of Tembisa, Johannesburg, depicts almost all short hairstyles on women. A look at Legends Barbershop in Eldorado Park in Johannesburg shows a lot of buzz cuts with fades and lines.

Source: Imgrum.net, Facebook.com

George's hair salon in South African township. Photo: Pinterest
George’s hair salon in South African township. Photo: Pinterest

They serve as a community center

These salons and barbershops offer more than just a place to freshen one’s look. They’re a gathering place for the community. The shops are a place where locals can share the latest gossip, soccer game recaps and such. Photographer and author Simon Weller made them the subject of a book, “South African Township Barbershops & Salons.”

Source: Anotherafrica.net

Barber shop in South African township. Photo: Creativeroots.org
Barber shop in South African township. Photo: Creativeroots.org

Popular decor

Images of Tupac Shakur, R. Kelly, P. Diddy, Will Smith and Beyonce are often found painted on the walls of South African barber shops, or in magazine clippings hung up. Township residents look at America as a place of success stories for black people. Their haircuts feel in a way like a step in that direction, Weller said.

Source: Anotherafrica.net