With all that’s going on in our country that feels a little too much to bear at times, someone rings the bell of Good Hope, which helps to restore faith within all of us…and this time around it’s L’Oreal Professional, reminding us of the foundation they launched a year ago to benefit underprivileged South African business woman wanting to create a better life for both themselves and their children.

This is huge considering the brand, L’Oreal epitomises…. Let me tell you a little more…

The LPASI (L’Oreal Professional African Salon Institute), opened its doors in Braamfontein Johannesburg, in February 2014. The aim of the LPASI is to contribute to the greater professionalisation of the hair industry in South Africa by enhancing the training methodologies, knowledge and proficiency of students in attending and working with all hair types.

Since its inception, the LPASI has provided an environment where students gain valuable knowledge and practical skills. In the first year of its operation, the LPASI awarded candidates bursaries in collaboration with NGO’s and industry mentors.  This is an initiative that will be continued in the future to recognize brilliance, commitment and dedication to the science of hair.  LPASI also gained recognition as the peoples’ choice award, winning the Best Hair and Beauty Institute/Academy in Africa at the #AIHE Awards.

In the spirit of raising the bar in hair expertise and science, the LPASI will be introducing short courses into its 2015 curriculum whereby allowing individuals in the professional hair industry the opportunity to hone their basic technical skills, or introduce them to universal hair services and business skills.

Charmaine Joubert, Business Unit Manager of the Institute says “We are extremely proud that we have reached this milestone, and remain committed to producing more new generation stylists that are entrepreneurial, highly skilled and passionate about the hair industry, and we want to continue with Eugene Scheuller’s dream -to keep this industry sustainable and alive.

In celebration of its 1^st year, the LPASI is recognizing all the ways in which they have been pioneers in the professional hair industry, namely: being the first L’Oréal Institute in Africa and the one of the first to educate students on all hair types.  The LPASI also reached another important milestone by awarding its first group of certified stylists, with a 100% job placement rate. This theme of “firsts” will carry the LPASI into the coming year.

Well done L’Oreal, we support you in supporting our country and hope to read about many more success stories!