South African cosmetology specialist Amanda Harrod used the recent Skin Care and Wellness Conference to outline a pragmatic vision for Africa’s beauty industry—anchored on inclusivity, education and commercially viable salon models.
Harrod, CEO of Saloncare, said a persistent weakness in the sector is the failure by many therapists to integrate treatment services with in-house retail, limiting revenue potential.
“Therapists often overlook how retail can complement services and strengthen margins. That gap informed my message,” she said in an interview with NewsDay Life & Style.
With more than 20 years in the industry, Harrod has built Saloncare around what she describes as functional essentials: safety, affordability, consistent quality and results-driven formulations.
Built for diverse markets
She stressed that inclusivity is engineered into product development, not used as a marketing label.
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
“Our testing spans different skin types, climates, age groups and genders. Products must perform in real-world conditions,” Harrod said.
That approach has enabled the brand to scale across markets by aligning product design with the operational realities of salons, educators and end users.
Commercial model focus
A key differentiator is Saloncare’s bulk product range, introduced in 2019 to address cost pressures in high-volume salons and training institutions.
“Smaller units erode margins. Bulk sizing supports a model where service delivery and retail reinforce each other,” she said.
Harrod also emphasised industry education as a growth lever, arguing that misinformation undermines client outcomes and business credibility.
“Accurate knowledge builds trust and improves results. That’s non-negotiable,” she said.
Resilience and rebuild
Her leadership of Saloncare has included rebuilding the business after losing core assets in a partnership split—an experience she says sharpened her focus on sustainability and relationships.
“Long-term success is about resilience, humility and trust. Financial discipline matters, but people drive growth,” she said.
Harrod sees the sector moving beyond cosmetic outcomes toward deeper investment in skills development and client understanding.
“The future is education-led. The next generation of practitioners will define standards,” she said.
Saloncare is now targeting expansion into Zimbabwe through distribution partnerships initiated at the conference, with access expected via local training institutions such as the Elite School of Beauty in Harare.
Harrod said the strategy is to localise supply while maintaining product integrity and professional training support.