Behind the Chair

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The 10 Celebrity Haircuts Everyone Is Asking For — and Which One to Actually Get

The 10 Celebrity Haircuts Everyone Is Asking For — and Which One to Actually Get

Lewis Thomas, 40 years behind the chair, on the ten celebrity haircuts everyone is asking for — what each one is, who it suits, exactly what to say to your stylist, and how it survives Cape Town humidity. With his video breakdown.

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Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil: How to Use It, How Much, and What It Actually Does

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil: How to Use It, How Much, and What It Actually Does

Olaplex No.7 is a styling oil with bond-building actives and heat protection — not a treatment. A hair revival specialist on how many drops, when to apply it, who it suits, and how it fits with No.3 and No.6.

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The Five-Minute Morning Routine for Men: A Barber's Version

The Five-Minute Morning Routine for Men: A Barber's Version

A working barber's morning routine for men — how often to wash, what to put in your hair and how, by hair type, plus the cut cycle that makes the whole thing easier. Reviewed by an 18-year Partners Men barber.

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Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector — the iconic at-home bond-building treatment, stocked at Partners Hair Cape Town

Olaplex South Africa: The Complete Beginner's Guide to Bond Building

Complete Olaplex guide for South Africa — every product explained, how to build a routine, Cape Town humidity tips, and how to avoid counterfeit Olaplex. Authorised stockist at Partners Hair.

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Modern textured short hairstyle with gel, mousse and wax textures

Hair Gel vs Mousse vs Wax: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?

TL;DR: Hair gel holds without adding volume — it flattens and defines. Mousse adds volume and body while the hair dries. Wax adds texture and separation with a matte finish Each product has a different job: gel for sleek or...

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Woman comparing a curling iron and curling wand with defined curls

Curling Iron vs Curling Wand: What’s the Difference?

TL;DR: A curling iron has a clamp — it holds the hair while it wraps. A curling wand has no clamp — you wrap the hair around it manually Irons are easier to use and more forgiving for beginners. Wands...

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Hair mousse being dispensed before styling soft voluminous waves

Hair Mousse: What It Does, How to Use It and Which to Choose

TL;DR: Hair mousse adds volume and hold while the hair dries — it’s the pre-styling product, not the finishing product Apply to soaking-wet hair for maximum effect — mousse applied to hair that’s already 50% dry does very little It...

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Stylist blow-drying long smooth hair in a modern salon

Best Hair Dryer in South Africa 2026: Salon Expert Guide

TL;DR: AC motors outlast DC motors significantly and deliver consistent airflow — the most important spec to check 2,000W minimum for professional home use; below that, thick or long hair overheats trying to dry Ionic technology reduces frizz and drying...

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Woman washing long dark hair with a rich shampoo lather in natural light

Sulfate-Free Shampoo: Cutting Through the Marketing Hype

Honest truth about sulfate-free shampoo - what it actually does, who needs it, how to adjust, and why it's not just marketing hype for colored or damaged hair.

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