Dynamic hairstylist Connie de Sousa of Makhado (Louis Trichardt) received three accolades over the past two months.

Connie won the black-and-white photo competition of Intercoiffure Mondial’s Oceana region with the fuzzy hairstyle of her beautiful local young hair model, Lize Simon (17). The theme for the photo was “Celebration” and the winning photo was taken by Madeleen van den Berg of Maya-Lee Photography, also based in Makhado (Louis Trichardt).

The Oceana regional hair congress took place in Cape Town from 12 to 14 October. South Africa, Australia and Nieu Zealand form the Oceana region of Intercoiffure Mondial, one of the most influential organizations in hairdressing in the world. A hairstylist becomes a member of Intercoiffure by invitation.

“With over 4 000 innovative stylists in 55 countries worldwide, the culture of Intercoiffure is as diverse as it is vibrant. Founded in Paris more than 80 years ago, Intercoiffure Mondial continues to elevate the industry to greater standards with their genuine love of the craft and their dedication as educators,” says Jas Jhally, Australian fashion director of Intercoiffure Mondial Oceana.

Connie did not attend the Oceana hair congress expecting to win anything. She was just enjoying herself. Just before the awards function commenced, she was still styling the hair of an editor of a hairdresser magazine who forgot to bring her hairbrush along. “We are such a lovely family, we keep connected all the time. When they suddenly read my name, I was stunned and tears flowed, all the more because my hair model’s mum had recently passed away. I always told her mum we should use her daughter as a hair model. I am so glad I asked Madeleen to give her mom the photo in time for her to see it,” said Connie, who received a glass trophy as overall winner.

Connie realized later that the judges had something in mind when they judged the photos. “The fluffy, frizzy trend is very much in at the moment. You could see that at the show, where a lot of hairstyles were not smooth. The style I did on Lize happened to be just that,” said Connie.

Overwhelmed by the first accolade, Connie did not quite realize that she was being called to the stage a second time and received a framed certificate, indicating that she had won a prestigious award. There are four categories of excellence in these “Hall of fame” awards: the new generation award, a fellowship award, the salon of the year award and the hall of fame award. Connie received a fellowship award.

In the meantime, another glass trophy arrived at Connie’s salon, C Jay's. That was for a second place in Goldwell’s global Colorzoom Challenge 13 with the theme “Beautify,” where Connie used soft pastel shades on blonde hair model Cherise Muller. The photo was also taken by Maya-Lee Photography.

“Wow! I also won a scooter from Wella, but that was in a lucky draw!” says Connie.