In South Africa’s ever-evolving beauty landscape, few names shimmer quite like Paballo M — the model, actor, creative director, and digital storyteller rewriting what beauty, identity, and artistry look like in the digital age. Rooted in Pretoria and Limpopo, his rise has been nothing short of cinematic. With brand collaborations spanning Garnier, Benefit Cosmetics, MAC, L’Oréal, Maybelline, and Revlon, he’s quickly become one of the continent’s most compelling new voices.
He’s the face of Look At Hair, the country’s undisputed Queen of Transitions, and a creator whose work feels more like short films than content. Blending technical precision with soul, Paballo uses beauty as a language — a way to tell stories, challenge norms, and celebrate self-expression, especially as a proudly queer creative carving space for himself and others.
But beyond the glamour, Paballo is building something bigger: a global brand rooted in authenticity, excellence, and transformation. In this exclusive conversation, he opens up about the rituals behind his signature polish, the evolution of his craft, and the future he’s creating — one cinematic transition at a time.
Your beauty content feels intentional and expressive. What inspired you to start creating, and when did you realise this could become a career?
I’ve always known I’m ethereal — that beauty is more than what we apply on our skin. It’s a presence. A confidence. A feeling that starts inside before it ever shows outside. Makeup became the place where my inner and outer worlds finally met. Every look I created felt like stepping into a more powerful, expressive version of myself. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, beauty gave me room to be loud, soft, unreal, and fully myself. At some point, I realised this wasn’t just content — it was purpose. And that purpose became my career.
What’s been the biggest shift in your creative approach since you started?
I’ve moved from “posting content” to crafting narratives.In the beginning, I was experimenting with what was trending. Today, everything is intentional, polished, and editorial. I’ve developed a signature style — clean, bold, expressive — paired with transitions that people instantly recognise as mine. I’m no longer just creating videos; I’m creating cinematic experiences.
Another major shift was choosing to work with professional makeup artists for bigger shoots and events. Having experts glam me allows me to focus fully on directing and building the bigger vision. That evolution — from relatable to aspirational — is the reason global brands started knocking.
What does a typical content-creation day look like for you?
A content day is structured, creative, and very intentional. I start with planning — mapping out the story, the angles, the transitions, the energy of the look. Filming is all about precision. Lighting, pacing, framing — every shot must feel like “Paballo M.” Then comes editing, which is where the magic truly happens. That’s where every clip becomes seamless, elevated, and cinematic. And whenever I have an important event, I let professional makeup artists do my glam. Excellence is my standard, and trusting experts helps me show up polished and camera-ready every time.
What beauty rituals do you swear by to maintain your signature polished look?
Skin prep is everything.
A flawless beat doesn’t come from the foundation — it comes from hydrated, cared-for skin. Facials, deep hydration, proper prepping… that’s how I achieve my silky, skin-like finish.
I also never skip:
• a clean, structured brow
• a glazed lip moment
• sunscreen, with or without makeup
When your skin is healthy, your makeup speaks louder.
What hair-care practices do you recommend for maintaining flawless wigs and styles?
My hair is my crown. My long, silky Vietnamese wigs complete my looks, but they require intentional care — gentle cleansing, deep conditioning, minimal heat, and proper storage.
And if there’s one universal tip I swear by:
Brush your hair properly. That’s the secret to avoiding shedding, tangling, and shortening the lifespan of any wig.
With so many products on the market, how do you decide which ones are worth sharing?
Two rules:
It must work for real people — not just in a campaign.
It must make me feel beautiful. Truly beautiful.
My audience trusts me, and I protect that trust. If a product doesn’t elevate confidence or align with my aesthetic, I won’t share it. Quality over everything.
What early lessons shaped your journey in beauty and content creation?
My biggest mistake was thinking I needed to be around people with bigger platforms or “better” looks to succeed. I thought proximity equalled purpose. But comparison steals creativity.
My growth came when I stepped into my own lane and embraced my own voice. I didn’t need to be in someone else’s shadow — I needed to build my own light. That understanding changed everything.
What can your audience expect from you as your brand continues to grow?
Expect expansion. Expect elevation. Expect global impact. My journey is not confined to the room I create in. I’m building a brand that travels, that resonates, that inspires others to believe in their own potential.
With God’s grace, the future I’m stepping into is bigger than anything I imagined. I want people to look at my journey and say: “If Paballo can do it, I can do it too.” And trust me — we’re only getting started.
