Men in beauty

The future of beauty is inclusive, expressive and unapologetically fluid - and these men are leading the way.

- WORDS BY LETHIWE NHLANGOTHI

For years, beauty has been framed as a space for women, but look closer and you'll find that some of the industry's most defining moments – from celebrity glam and skincare education to boundary-pushing editorial looks – have been shaped by men working behind the scenes. Now, they're no longer just the names in the credits, they're claiming visibility and reshaping what beauty looks like in the process. Across South Africa, male hairstylists, makeup artists, and beauty content creators are challenging outdated ideas about gender and beauty. Through skill, innovation and a clear passion for their craft, they're proving that beauty knows no bounds. Today, their influence extends far beyond the chair or the makeup brush. They're shaping conversations online, building communities and inspiring a new generation to approach beauty without rules or limitations. And with platforms like Instagram and TikTok amplifying their voices, visibility has become its own form of power. From makeup to hair to skincare, these are some of the men in beauty redefining the rules, and firmly on our radar.

Loyiso Lihle Mange
Professional Makeup Artist