Client Surprises Hairstylist with Brand-New iPhone, Mzansi Applaud
- A client gifted her hairstylist a brand-new phone to help her take quality photos of her work for social media
- The gesture highlighted appreciation for small businesses and encouraged support for local service providers
- Viewers were touched by the moment, praising the client for empowering her stylist to grow her business
- Briefly News spoke to Nkabelo, the founder of Nkabelo Beauty Salon, who said being a hairstylist is about more than just styling hair, and also to Lindokuhle, a hairstylist who shared that the chair often becomes a place of therapy and connection
South Africans applauded a client who surprised her hairstylist with a new iPhone to support her craft.
Source: Getty Images
A heartwarming moment between a client and her hairstylist has captured the attention of Mzansi, as a simple act of generosity turned an ordinary day into a memorable one. In a video shared by TikTok user @etsilemonde, the client can be seen sitting in her car as she hands over a brand-new iPhone to her hairdresser.
The thoughtful gift was given to help the stylist capture high-quality images of her work. Hairstylists often rely on social media to showcase their skills, and having a good phone makes it easier to take professional-looking photos and videos to attract new clients.
The video showed the excitement of the stylist as she received the phone, a gesture that symbolised both gratitude and support for her craft. This act of kindness went beyond a simple gift, as it provided a practical tool that could help the stylist grow her business and online presence.
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South Africans celebrate acts of kindness toward small business owners
South Africans praised the gesture as a reflection of genuine appreciation and the importance of supporting small businesses. Hairstylists often play a big role in the lives of their clients, offering not just a service but also an experience of care and confidence-building.
Moments like this highlight the power of community and generosity in everyday life. A single act of kindness not only brightened someone’s day but also empowered her to expand her professional reach. The viral video reminded viewers that showing appreciation for hard work can have lasting positive effects, inspiring others to celebrate the people who contribute to their lives in meaningful ways.
Nkabelo said the job comes with special moments of kindness from clients, emotional conversations, and the trust that grows into lasting connections. She first reflected on the small gestures that leave a big impact, saying:
“I’ve had clients who’ve shown small but meaningful gestures, like buying me food when they noticed I hadn’t eaten or giving me a tip just to say ‘thank you’ for a job well done. Those little acts of kindness really stick with me. They might seem small, but as someone who works long hours on their feet, those moments mean a lot and remind me that my work is appreciated.”
She also spoke about how the salon can become a safe space for clients to open up, sharing one experience in particular:
“One thing I’ve learned is that people carry a lot on their shoulders, but sometimes all they need is a safe space to talk. I once had a client who broke down during a session, sharing her struggles with depression. We ended up having a deep conversation about healing, self-worth, and survival. That moment reminded me that doing hair is more than a job, it’s a connection. And sometimes, just listening can help someone feel seen and valued.”
Finally, she highlighted the trust and consistency that build deep relationships over time, saying:
“It’s the consistency and the trust. A client sits in your chair regularly, and over time, you build more than a business relationship, you become part of their life. We don’t just do hair; we listen, uplift, and sometimes even heal. That connection, when it’s real, is something truly special.”
Lindokuhle explained that braiding is not just a service, but also a form of therapy, for both the client and the stylist. Over time, trust is built, and clients often open up about personal experiences, offering advice and sharing life lessons. For Lindokuhle, these interactions create bonds based on honesty, good communication, and mutual respect, making every appointment memorable. Lindokuhle told Briefly News:
“I’m a very shy person, and mostly I would say clients tend to vent to me as their hairstylist. It’s always a memorable thing; sometimes I’ll even want to accompany them to their Uber so they can finish the story, or so I can do some last touch-ups. Braiding is not just braiding; it’s a form of therapy for me as well as for clients. People’s personalities are not the same, but as time goes by, you see a client being open and trusting you with their experiences in life, and they share them with me.”
“When you’re doing your hair, it’s a relaxing day and also a day where you just want to restore and pamper yourself. That also makes a client trust you with their hair, and you create a bond with them, in a sense where they even share their problems with you. When you’re at peace and your mind is at ease, you can even end up oversharing. Some clients even advise me about marriage, financial stability, and the importance of having your own things, which is something I’m big on. Most of my clients are darlings, honestly. The honesty and good communication really work for me, and I always try to communicate with clients every single time.”
Source: TikTok
Netizens reacted to the sweet video
Leratopertunianel wrote:
"Your pockets will never run dry. 🥰 Blessings like this come back tenfold to people who give with such a kind heart."
Mphomaisha27 said:
"For my clients to see this. 🥺🔥 Imagine having clients who appreciate your craft this much."
Pheladi wrote:
"Khumo, may your pockets never run dry. Negative comments are not needed because you have a beautiful heart, and even your voice shows your kindness. 🥰🥰🥰🥰"
Lady_nash6 commented:
"This is so sweet, but also buy for your mom and sisters. ❤️ Sharing blessings with family makes it even more special."
Benevolent Kurisani said:
"Nka mo loga for free forever. 😁🥰 Acts of kindness like this make clients and stylists family."
Queen Lizzybeth wrote:
"May your pocket never run dry, sister. They say the more you give, the more you will be blessed, and today you are living proof. 🥰"
The queen in me said:
"May God bless your pockets, sister. Your win is our win, and this gesture is so amazing and inspiring. 🤩♥️"
Bow wrote:
"The world needs kind people like you, mami. 🫂❤️💯 Small gestures like this can change someone’s life and make their work even more meaningful."
Check out the TikTok video below:
3 Briefly News stories related to gifts
- A Mzansi man who is a new father bought a big gift for his wife, who recently delivered his beloved daughter.
- Astron Energy surprised a petrol attendant with a thoughtful gift bag containing practical items to thank him for his dedication.
- Minnie Dlamini showed some love to her mother by gifting her a gorgeous diamond necklace that had Mzansi swooning.
Source: Briefly News
