Enhle Mbali’s Carlton Hair Partnership Tanks Following Model’s Apology for Using K-word

• Enhle Mbali recently shared her response after receiving backlash for a speech she made in partnership with Carlton Hair
• The media personality left South African women unimpressed when she described her hair using a slur
• Enhle Mbali received more criticism after posting her explanation for using the k-word, and Carlton Hair addressed the controversy
• Briefly News asked professional hairstylist Lazaros Sumbane for his views on the backlash Enhle Mbali faced after referring to her hair with the k-word

Enhle Mbali took to Instagram to address the feedback she received after using a negative stereotype when talking about her hair. The actress was announced as the brand ambassador for Carlton Hair to promote the fact that they cater to "ethnic" hair.

Enhle Mbali made statements about her hair that rubbed people the wrong way when she got a chance to talk about the products by Carlton Hair. The Carlton Hair ambassador released a short note following the backlash over her speech.

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Model Enhle Mbali apologised on her Instagram stories and with a reel for referring to her hair as "k-word hare (hair)." She also described her hair as steel wool hair that you use to scrub pots. Enhle Mbali made her statements while trying to emphasise that Carlton Hair’s treatments work well on her hair.

In her apology, she said her use of the k-word was because she grew up hearing the k-word in the same way as the n-word. Enhle Mbali added that she had no malicious intent with her words.

Briefly News asked professional hairstylist Lazaros Sumbane what he thought about the backlash against Enhle Mbali for using the k-word to describe her hair, which ultimately ended her partnership with Carlton Hair. He explained:

"The backlash shows how sensitive language around identity remains in South Africa. The k-word carries deep historical wounds, and using it in any context risks reopening those scars.

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Carlton Hair’s decision was about more than PR—it was about protecting values of inclusivity. Public figures must be very mindful of the language they use, especially in conversations about beauty and culture."

Carlton Hair cancels Enhle Mbali collab

Carlton Hair later acknowledged Enhle's questionable sentiments about her hair. The brand apologised to those with textured hair. In a statement, Carlton Hair distanced itself from Enhle and declared:

"We have immediately paused all related promotional content featuring the ambassador... moving forward, we will prioritise collaborations with voices that authentically amplify empowerment and cultural pride."

Enhle Mbali bashed over apology

The actress’s apology did not sit well with some people. A woman @highdensityafro posted a TikTok video admonishing Enhle’s response. Watch the video of a woman discussing Enhle’s apology below:

✨️StarLight✨️ declared:

"Apology DECLINED. We are tired of being taken for a ride by public figures."

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Krissy 🦋 wrote:

"She did what Clicks did to us in 2020, Sana."

ocean_gem added:

"As a black girl that loves her hair the way it is, I don’t forgive her 🚶‍♂"

moonlit wrote:

"Unprepared speech, then she improvised. At our expense. Unforgettable."

Hope Mbalati delcared:

"They definitely chose the wrong person!"

Basi-Girl commented:

"They didn't do their homework when choosing an ambassador because she is always wearing wigs. They needed to get someone who loves her Afro even a he."

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Enhle Mbali looks back on Nigeria trip

Briefly News previously reported that South African fashion entrepreneur and media personality Enhle Mbali left her fans rolling on the floor with laughter after she shared her experience during an event in Nigeria.

The Home Wrecker actress is in the habit of updating her fans on the goings-on in her life, and this time she shared a hilarious story about her time in Nigeria. Taking to her Instagram account on Monday, 2 June 2025, Enhle Mbali recounted her experience in Nigeria when she attended the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs).

She shared pictures of herself clad in a bold, form-fitting latex gown by Essie Couture. Enhle revealed that the photos popped up on her Apple Photos and brought back hilarious memories.

Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.

Source: Briefly News