HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW

Enhle Mbali Mlotshwa's new celebrity ambassador for Carlton Hair role is in the balance after coming under fire for using the term “k*ffir hare” during the event.

The actress and fashion designer is known for experimenting with bold hairstyles and colours, from blonde to auburn, all while embracing her natural hair.

Her partnership with Carlton Hair marks a major step for the brand, which was once primarily associated with stylhare.

The collaboration signals that they are broadening their client base to cater to ethnic hair as well.

At the announcement event held in Hyde Park, Mlotshwa said she was excited to be part of the brand’s journey, sharing that the group “now deals with ethnic hair.”

Continuing her speech, she described her own hair as “k*ffir hare,” a derogatory term used during apartheid to describe ethnic hair.

She said: “Listen, it’s the new South Africa and I’m allowed to say this. I’ve got k*fir hare. And the black people know exactly what I mean and the coloured people know exactly what I mean as well.

She went on to add that it is the type of hair “you can clean pots with.”

While her comment drew laughter from the audience, it sparked outrage on social media.

A clip of the moment was shared on X by user @demz_1_1 with the caption: “So Enhle Mbali felt it was okay to refer to her coarse-textured hair as ‘k*ffir hare’ in front of white and coloured women? Yho.”

Responding to the backlash, Carlton stated that they “unequivocally condemn any form of ethnic derogation or self-deprecation that perpetuates harmful stereotypes.”

They added that such remarks have no place in their brand, partnerships, or community and do not reflect their values.

Carlton Hair Director Sascha Paine told IOL: “We extend our sincere regret to anyone offended or hurt by these words, particularly within the Black community whose natural beauty we proudly champion.

“To address this, we have immediately paused all related promotional content featuring the ambassador and are conducting a full review of our partnership guidelines to ensure alignment with our inclusivity standards.

“Moving forward, we will prioritise collaborations with voices that authentically amplify empowerment and cultural pride."