There are barbers who just cut hair and then there are barbers who are trendsetters and get the tongues wagging.
Phillip “Khata-Pila” Khosa’s haircuts are going viral on social media due to the unique artwork he does on clients’ hair. His haircuts are so popular that he even boasts radio personalities among his clients. Khosa’s love for cutting hair also earned him the nickname “Khata-Pila” from his clients.
Khosa started cutting hair in 2015 while staying in Ipopeng, Bloemfontein. At the time he was a hawker selling fruit and veggies. His stall was next to a hair salon and he was mesmerized by how the barber used to cut his clients’ hair.
After pleading with the barber, he was given a chance to learn. He started by cutting Chiskop (Bald) and brush cut, but doing proper haircuts proved to be a major challenge.
It took Khosa an entire year to sharpen his skills. He didn’t get paid for the year while he was learning but the barber he learned from started to pay him because he was impressed by Khosa’s ability. The barber encouraged him to start his own hair salon and even gave him a start by opening a hair salon for him in 2017.
Having his own salon had challenges as clients only trickled in slowly which demotivated him. Khosa decided to get a full-time job instead, but the lure of the hair cutting business proved too strong and he quit after only two weeks. This decision he doesn’t regret as clients starting coming back for hair cuts in numbers.
Khosa sharpened his skills further by watching YouTube tutorials. He currently works from Vogue Salon in Bloemfontein where he is renting a space.
Khosa said he ensures that his clients are happy, he listens to them and gives them exactly what they want. He also continues communication with his clients through out the hair cut.
“While cutting hair, I make sure that those present in the salon can’t take their eyes off my clients. Seeing my clients getting praise from other people makes me happy,” Khosa explained.
He charges between R100-R200 for a hair cut. Clients get to choose the designs and details that they prefer.
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