One of a woman’s greatest strengths is her ability to command a room. A true superpower? Doing so without saying a word. I can’t recall the exact moment I first met Lisa Madibe, however, I’ll never forget the feeling she brings into every space she enters. Lisa Madibe is a woman who draws attention effortlessly; not just for her striking presence, but for the quiet power and purpose she carries with her. Today, she stands as the founder of Hairlo, a proudly South African bespoke wigs and extensions brand rooted in heritage, luxury, and innovation. Through Hairlo, Lisa Madibe is redefining what beauty means for a new generation of Black women.
In our inaugural Previdar Hair issue, we go beyond the surface to meet the woman behind the brand. From her personal journey and entrepreneurial spark to the expansive vision she’s building, Lisa Madibe opens up about identity, culture, and what it truly takes to thrive in the ever-evolving beauty industry. As Hairlo turns one, we’re honoured to mark this moment with her — and to launch this powerful new chapter of our publication in celebration of her milestone.
THE WOMAN BEHIND THE BRAND
Who is Lisa Madibe, and how would you describe your personal evolution before launching Hairlo?
I was born with a creative soul and a deep, abiding love for the transformative power of hair. From the time I could hold a comb, I understood that hair wasn’t just about beauty — it was about identity, self-expression, and light. I always dreamed of creating a brand that would empower women to feel beautiful not just on the outside, but at the very core of who they are.
Hair is our crown — or in my language, our halo — radiating brilliance, strength, and grace. Launching Hairlo was never a business decision; it was a destiny unfolding. I wanted every woman to remember the inner light she carries, and Hairlo — pronounced like ‘halo’ — is a daily reminder of that divine, radiant energy.
Why hair? What drew you to this space?
My journey with hair began in childhood — a tomboy with unruly hair, a mother who tried to tame it, and a little girl who cried when her crown was cut away. That heartbreak ignited a lifelong passion.
I was the child who styled dolls for hours, who cut and braided and imagined a world where hair could be art. In university, I used my final PR project to sketch the first blueprint for what would become Hairlo. Even then, the seed was planted: hair would be the language through which I would speak to the world.
What sparked the idea for Hairlo?
It was the women who stopped me in university corridors, the stylists who thanked me for sending clients their way, the friends who said, ‘Lisa, you should be selling this!’
One day, a stylist called me to say: ‘Thank you for changing my month.’ I realised then that I wasn’t just wearing good hair— I was inspiring possibilities. That was the moment I knew I couldn’t wait for the ‘perfect time.’ I had to answer the call.
Before Hairlo, did you see yourself as an entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurship wasn’t in my bloodline; it was a fire I had to build myself. I had no blueprint, no guidebook, just a relentless passion and a stubborn dream.
The fear of failure loomed large, but the fear of living a life unlived loomed even larger. Hairlo is the manifestation of what happens when you choose courage over comfort — when you dare to bet on yourself.
How has being a Black woman shaped your approach to beauty and hair care?
Black beauty is revolutionary. Our hair has been policed, politicised, and yet — it remains our most powerful symbol of pride, resilience, and creativity.
Growing up, wigs and weaves weren’t just adornments; they were armour, expressions of possibility, tools for survival and self-definition. Today, I wear wigs and extensions not to hide who I am but to celebrate every version of myself.
Globally, Black women are no longer asking for seats at the table — we’re building our own tables. Hairlo exists in that spirit: honouring tradition, igniting innovation, and giving Black women the freedom to show up however they choose.
THE BUSINESS OF HAIR
What does running Hairlo look like on a day to day basis?
I wear many crowns — CEO, creative director, stylist, administrator, strategist. I’m at the centre of everything because Hairlo is my heartbeat.
I personally pack orders with care, style wigs, brainstorm content, oversee production — every strand, every stitch is touched with my hands and my heart. When you receive a Hairlo product, you’re receiving a piece of me.
What have been some of your biggest wins thus far?
Within the first week of launching, we sold out one of our key styles. I cried tears of disbelief and gratitude.
Since then, I’ve collaborated with extraordinary local and global brands, stepped onto magazine covers, and watched doors open I never even knocked on. All because of Hairlo — and because I chose to believe.
What have been the most challenging parts of building Hairlo?
The hair industry is vast and competitive. Staying true to your vision in a sea of trends can be daunting.
People want us to expand into full-service offerings immediately, and while the dream is there, funding is a real hurdle. But I believe every challenge is just a lesson in disguise — we are building patiently, faithfully, monumentally.
What does growth for Hairlo look like?
We are mastering our core craft before expanding. The next evolution will include hair accessories, tools, and experiences that make beauty easier, richer, and more joyful for our community.
Retail partnerships and international expansion are not ‘if’ — they’re ‘when.’
In a space that’s becoming more saturated, how does Hairlo differentiate itself?
Hairlo is a movement, not a moment. We celebrate you.
We aren’t selling hair; we’re selling self-love, sisterhood, and sovereignty. Our WhatsApp Hairline provides personal guidance — a hand to hold through your hair journey. Our events create spaces where women empower each other.
At Hairlo, you don’t just buy a wig. You buy belonging.
How do you balance creativity and business?
Without creativity, the commerce would be empty. Without strategy, the artistry would be fleeting.
I prioritise both because Hairlo deserves the fullness of my imagination and my execution.
THE CULTURE OF HAIR
What’s your personal philosophy on hair and identity?
Hair is freedom. Hair is revolution. Hair is memory. As a Black woman, I believe you should wear your hair however you please — natural, braided, curly, sleek, bald — and do so unapologetically. Your crown is yours to define.
Have you seen shifts in how Black women, particularly South African women, relate to their hair over the years? Where do we stand now?
We’re witnessing a renaissance. South African women are no longer confined by outdated expectations.
Natural hair is celebrated. Wigs are celebrated. Protective styles are embraced. There’s a collective awakening to the beauty of choice, of knowledge, of self-love — and it’s electrifying to witness.
How does Hairlo reflect evolving beauty ideals?
Hairlo champions freedom — freedom to choose, to transform, to reclaim, to shine.
We are meeting Black women at this powerful intersection of heritage and modernity, providing products that honour both our traditions and our dreams.
What do you wish more people understood about Black hair businesses?
This is not just about bundles and closures. Building a Black hair brand demands mastery, empathy, vision, and heart.
It’s a calling, not a hustle. It’s about crafting legacy, not chasing trends.
HAIRLO INSIDER TIPS
What’s the one hair care tip you swear by?
Care for your crown beneath the crown. Your natural hair deserves as much love as your wig. And always remember: Good hair isn’t bought — it’s nurtured.
What are the top three Hairlo products everyone must try?
● Little Miss Bobiana (12”): Your ultimate ‘grab-and- glow’ wig — office chic, brunch-ready, effortlessly stunning.
What’s a common hair mistake that many people make without realising it?
Buying hair that doesn’t match your lifestyle. Gorgeous, high-maintenance frontals aren’t for everyone. Know your rhythm.
Honour your reality. Choose what sets you up for joy, not stress.
QUICKFIRE ROUND
Natural hair or protective styles?
Protective styles — because protection is an act of love.
Sleek pony or voluminous curls?
Voluminous curls — give me life, movement, and magic.
Edges laid or brushed out?
Brushed out — clean, effortless elegance.
Your go-to hairstyle when you need to feel like that girl?
Long, cascading curls — my hair must enter the room before I do.
One word to describe Hairlo?
Monumental.
One word to describe you?
Powerful.
