Glenvista curl specialist shines at prestigious awards

Irene da Fonseca, a mother of three, wife, and internationally certified curl specialist from Glenvista, has become a recognised name in the world of hair care.

As the owner of Zhoosh, an internationally-certified curly hair salon, Irene has transformed her passion into a thriving career.

Her expertise has now earned her a place among the top stylists in the world, including being honoured as one of the top five finalists in the natural texture category at the One Shot Hair Awards.

From local to global recognition

Irene, originally from the Free State, moved to Johannesburg at age 20, where she discovered her passion for hair care.

Her recent top-five recognition is notable because she competed against some of the best hairstylists globally.

“It’s humbling and an incredible honour to be recognised among the best in the industry, especially when considering the calibre of talent from around the world,” shared Irene.

“To be honest, it’s still a bit surreal to see my name alongside some of the most renowned natural texture hairstylists globally, like Nubia Rëzo and Hairbyreema.”

An unforgettable experience at the awards

The One Shot Hair Awards is a global platform that celebrates exceptional talent in the hairstyling industry.

The curl expert was a finalist in the natural texture category and the only stylist in the long cut category to achieve a top-five spot, showcasing her curly hair styling and precision cutting talents.

“It was a challenge but a rewarding one. The judges were looking for exceptional skill, creativity and attention to detail in cutting and styling hair that celebrates its natural texture,” explained Irene.

The judging for the awards was rigorous and multi-round.

“Out of thousands of entries, the judges first selected the top 100 based on the image submissions and then narrowed it down to the top 25 and, finally, the top five,” she emphasised.

In the natural texture category, Irene had to showcase the beauty of curly, coily and wavy hair. Rather than altering or hiding the natural texture, Irene aimed to enhance and celebrate its beauty.

She worked closely with her clients to understand their hair goals and preferences, using her knowledge of curl patterns, texture and porosity to create looks highlighting their unique features.

A commitment to excellence and continued learning

Irene credits her success to practice and education.

“I worked on perfecting my cutting and styling techniques and experimented with different products and tools to achieve the best results,” said the curl expert.

“The judging process was rigorous and I knew it would take more than just technical skills to succeed. It would take passion, creativity and my commitment to this craft.”

Through this process, Irene’s work has significantly impacted her clients, many of whom were looking for guidance on how to embrace their natural textures.

“I’ve seen an increase in inquiries and bookings from clients seeking guidance and education on how to care for their curly hair,” she added.

“Many of them have struggled to find the right products and techniques and it is rewarding to provide them with the support they need.”

Celebrating the curly hair community

For Irene, being part of the curly hair community goes beyond hairstyling. Her work has helped empower many to embrace their natural texture and feel confident in their curls.

She is passionate about this empowerment and believes it is part of the larger movement toward inclusivity and diversity in the beauty industry.

“I’ve seen firsthand the transformative power of embracing one’s natural texture. When people learn to love and care for their curls, they are confident. It’s incredible to see them embrace their unique beauty,” she said.

A bright future for Zhoosh and the curly-haired community

The recognition Irene received from the One Shot Hair Awards has already profoundly impacted her business, leading to growth in clientele and expanding the brand’s reach.

She has noticed a surge in clients seeking personalised curly hair education and restoration services, especially those transitioning back to their natural textures.

Looking ahead, Irene will continue to empower the curly-haired community by collaborating with other experts, creating content and advocating for greater diversity in the beauty industry.

“My goal is to create a world where people with curly hair feel seen, heard and celebrated.

“For aspiring stylists, educate yourself on the unique characteristics and needs of natural textures. You must understand curl patterns, techniques and products to use but beyond education, passion and dedication are essential for success in this field,” she advised.

She also encouraged up-and-coming stylists to be patient and persistent because building a reputation for excellence takes time.

Irene’s journey and recognition as a top stylist celebrate her skills and highlight the growing community of natural texture hair.

As she continues to teach, inspire and support the curly-haired community, she remains committed to her craft, always striving to improve the industry and break barriers for curly-haired individuals everywhere.