“They’re So Amazed”: Woman’s Afro Poses Challenge for Stylists in China, SA Entertained

• A South African woman's experience getting her afro washed at a salon abroad has become a viral sensation
• A humorous video detailing a unique salon visit was shared on TikTok, showcasing a cultural and hair care difference
• Social media users were highly entertained by the clip, finding the salon staff's reactions particularly amusing and relatable
• Briefly News spoke with Lusanda Tyawana, a renowned stylist and salon owner, about the local woman's afro wash experience in a Hong Kong salon

A delightful and amusing incident involving a South African woman at a hair salon in Hong Kong recently brought smiles to many online users.

A captivating video clip, uploaded by TikTok user @thembi_tshabalala, quickly gained significant attention, with many viewers finding it incredibly funny and engaging.

The video begins with the woman explaining her appointment for an afro was confirming beforehand whether the salon could handle her hair type. Upon arrival, the staff appeared visibly confused. One stylist began washing her hair with shampoo, repeating the process four times until the woman intervened and asked her to stop. She was then reassigned to a male stylist. This stylist attempted to blow-dry her hair for a few seconds before stopping, seemingly confused and hesitant to pull at it.

Soon, a crowd of five salon staff gathered around, all fascinated and attempting to help comb her afro. The woman eventually instructed them to dry her hair more thoroughly and not be afraid to comb it, assuring them it wasn't painful. Realising their struggle, she directly asked if it was their first encounter with African hair, which they admitted.

Afro hair care and handling

The Briefly News team had the pleasure of discussing the viral salon experience with salon owner Lusanda Tyawana.

As a stylist specialising in diverse hair types, we asked what her reaction was to seeing the cultural and hair care differences play out. She said:

"I reacted with a mix of amusement and a little bit of concern, but mostly understanding. The video highlights a common reality: that hair textures like afros are not universally understood or encountered in all parts of the world. It's amusing because you can see their genuine surprise and almost nervous approach, but it also shows a lack of education and experience in handling our unique hair."

We asked her for professional advice to stylists, both locally and internationally, who might encounter a hair type they are unfamiliar with. The stylist shared:

"My advice is always to be honest and humble. If you're unfamiliar with a hair type, the best approach is to admit it and, if possible, politely decline the service or ask if you can learn. For textured hair like afros, it's crucial to understand that it needs specific products, a gentle approach, and knowledge of its curl pattern and thickness. You can't treat it like straight hair; it requires different techniques for washing, detangling, and drying to avoid damage.

When asked how important communication is between a client and a stylist, especially when dealing with unique or sensitive hair care needs. Lusanda responded:

"Communication is extremely important, especially with unique or sensitive hair needs. The clients know their hair best, having lived with it. In this scenario, the client stepping in was necessary to prevent damage and to ensure she got the service she needed. Stylists should always listen actively to their clients, ask clarifying questions, and be open to learning from them. It's a partnership, especially when cultural or hair texture differences come into play."

SA is entertained by the salon experience

The clip had social media users in stitches, finding the entire group project scenario highly entertaining. Many commented on how much they enjoyed watching the video, especially the collective effort and the stylists' cautious approach.

Some pointed out the salon staff's gentle handling of her hair, appreciating their carefulness. Humorous users jokingly suggested that the staff were mesmerised by the unique texture of her afro, pretending to help while genuinely fascinated by holding and touching it.

User @MotsoM🇿🇦 said:

"Thank you for being so kind to them, sis,i you represented us well💪❤️

User @MaDanca 🇿🇦 added:

"Kodwa ke this was fun🤣🤣😂, they tried and gave no attitude 🥰."

User @Lindani Ndu Khoza commented:

"You made their day yazi😂😂 Big up to you for your patience and kindness. Please go back again, they have experience now."

User @SyphonLogic🇿🇦 said:

"He took the video of you drying, you know, he's going home to study how to. They're so sweet."

User @natty_wawamakie added:

"Oh, sis, thank you for not being harsh on them & they are not used to our hair texture, but they tried their best, and loved the vlog 😊your laughs."

User @sassy c 1456000320 shared:

"😂They are so amazed."

Watch the TikTok video below:

3 Briefly News articles about hair

• A woman shared her hair growth journey using minoxidil 10% from January, and by April, she grew thick hair with a full hairline, but her facial hair had also started growing long.
• A woman showed her healthy, long hair and revealed that she used popular items such as Amla oil, hair fertiliser, wild growth hair oil, tea tree oil, sulphur8 hair fertiliser, cloves and others.
• A local woman applied a blow-out relaxer to her three-year-old afro to soften it for easy combing, but Mzansi preferred the natural look.

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

Source: Briefly News