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Across South Africa, male hairstylists, makeup artists, and beauty content creators are challenging outdated ideas about gender and beauty.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
Scroll through Loyiso’s content and it becomes clear that his work is about more than just makeup — it’s about permission. Permission to experiment, to explore and to exist fully in a space that hasn’t always felt accessible. Based in Johannesburg, the professional makeup artist and beauty content creator has built a digital presence that blends beauty with advocacy, using his platform to challenge stigma around men in makeup. Whether he’s breaking down skincare routines or creating trend-led looks, he shares content with intention. Now having worked with brands like Maybelline and L’Oreal Paris, he continues to uplift emerging artists while championing inclusivity in a way that feels both personal and powerful.
Charli X Boi
Makeup artist
For Charli X Boi, beauty is as much about storytelling as it is about technique. From his Cape Town base, the makeup artist and content creator invites his audience into his world that’s equal parts artistry and personality. His content moves seamlessly between tutorials, trend exploration and behind the-scenes glimpses into his work, offering a perspective that feels both intimate and aspirational. At its core, his platform is rooted in authenticity, creating space for creativity to feel accessible rather than exclusive.
Kelvin Takudzwa
Celebrity Hairstylist
In Kelvin’s hands, hair becomes narrative. Known for his work with celebrities, magazines, and fashion campaigns, the sought-after hairstylist approaches each look as a form of storytelling — one that honours bot individuality and culture. His rise within the industry reflects not only technical skill, but a clear point of view. By blending Afro-centric aesthetics with contemporary fashion, he’s helped shape a visual language that feels distinctly modern while remaining deeply rooted in identity. Evidently, Kelvin’s work carries a sense of intention that goes beyond styling.
Kyle
Skincare Blogger
Where some creators lean into aesthetics, Kyle leans into understanding. With a background in chemical engineering, his approach to skincare is grounded in science, but delivered in a way that’s easy to understand. His content focuses on what actually works: breaking down ingredients, simplifying routines and offering insight that goes beyond surface-level trends. His collaborations with local brands like Kalahari Skincare and features with The Purple Orchid Spa reflect a growing trust in his voice— one that continues to bridge the gap between knowledge and everyday skincare.
Mokgadi Shogole
MAC National Artist
For Mokgadi, makeup is a language and he speaks it fluently. As MAC’s National Artist, his work balances education, artistry and innovation. But beyond the titles, it’s his ability to translate global trends into something locally resonant that sets him apart. From high impact looks to hands-on masterclasses, his approach consistently centres inclusivity and experimentation. Think glowing skin, bold colour and the kind of confidence that comes from self-expression without boundaries. Through his work, makeup becomes less about perfection and more about possibility.
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