For years, microblading has reigned supreme in the brow industry, offering women long-lasting definition with semi-permanent results. But now, a new innovation is changing the game. Eyebrow extensions — already popular overseas — have officially landed in South Africa, thanks to the pioneering work of Bongi Mabentsela, founder and CEO of Shugarlashpro.
Much like eyelash extensions, the method involves attaching tiny hair fibres to existing brows or directly onto the skin with medical-grade adhesive, creating natural-looking fullness, volume, and shape. Unlike microblading, which can last years and requires significant healing time, eyebrow extensions last around two weeks and allow clients to experiment with different looks without long-term commitment.
Since introducing the service, Shugarlashpro has captured national attention — going viral on TikTok with millions of views and sparking conversations across the continent. But beyond the social buzz, the innovation represents something much bigger: inclusivity, artistry, and the freedom to choose beauty on your own terms.
We sat down with Bongi to discuss how eyebrow extensions are set to transform South Africa’s beauty landscape, the challenges of pioneering a new service, and the importance of empowerment in the beauty industry.
GLAMOUR: Eyebrow extensions are still a new concept in South Africa. What inspired you to bring them here, and how did you first discover the method?
Bongi Mabentsela: Working on cruise ships exposed me to beauty innovations from all over the world. I saw how international salons constantly pushed boundaries, which inspired me to bring that same curiosity and forward-thinking back home. Eyebrow extensions were one of those standout services. I first came across the technique through a Russian salon owner in Dubai. Her approach was so natural, customizable, and client-friendly that I knew it was something I had to explore.
@shugarlashpro You heard it here FIRST Get the scoop on our extension secrets. #BrowVibes #TikTokGlam" #browextensions #brow #browtutorial #jhb#sandton #eyebrowsonfleek #eyebrows #viral #for #foryoupage #shugarlash #shugarlashpro ♬ Isukile - TxPMD
G: Microblading has dominated the brow space for decades. In your view, what gap were you trying to fill with eyebrow extensions?
Bongi: Microblading has its place, but it’s not for everyone. Eyebrow extensions step in to fill that gap — they’re semi-permanent, cosmetic, and allow clients to experiment without long-term commitment. They create a “trial phase” for those unsure about permanent brows and appeal to people who want instant results without healing downtime. Extensions give clients options, and options are empowering.
G: How do you see eyebrow extensions transforming South Africa’s beauty landscape?
Bongi: They open up an entirely new market. South African women love beauty innovation, and brows are a defining feature. Extensions give people the freedom to test looks, enhance volume, or fix sparse areas. I believe they’ll expand the conversation beyond permanent or makeup-based solutions into versatile, semi-permanent artistry.
@shugarlashpro “Bold brows, big vibes! Get the scoop on our extension secrets. #BrowVibes #TikTokGlam”#browextensions #brow #browtutorial #jhb#sandton #eyebrowsonfleek #eyebrows #viral #for #foryoupage #shugarlash #shugarlashpro ♬ vibe wit me - benji
G: How do extensions compare with microblading in terms of maintenance, cost, and safety?
Bongi: Extensions are less invasive and require no healing downtime. They’re semi-permanent, lasting 2–3 weeks, making them ideal for clients who want flexibility. In terms of cost, they’re comparable to eyelash extensions. They do require careful aftercare, but the results are instantly transformative and a safer option for clients who are sensitive or hesitant about tattooing their skin.
G: How does Shugarlashpro approach inclusivity in both services and training?
Bongi: Inclusivity is at the heart of our brand. We serve women and men of all skin tones, brow shapes, and hair textures. In training, we emphasize diversity so every student leaves confident in working on a wide range of clients. Our mission is to make luxury beauty accessible while ensuring no one feels excluded. As a Black woman and the founder of the brand, I also hope that seeing me in this role inspires young women to believe it’s possible to thrive in this industry, even when it feels tough.
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G: You’ve introduced eyelash extensions to men. How have clients responded, and what does it say about changing beauty norms?
Bongi: Our male clientele has mostly been from the LGBTQ+ community, and their response has been incredibly positive. They’ve embraced lash extensions as a form of self-expression and confidence, which I deeply admire. While heterosexual men are slower to step into this space, the exciting part is that beauty norms are expanding. Lashes are no longer just for women — they’re for anyone who wants to feel their best. It reflects a bigger cultural shift: beauty is becoming more inclusive, more fluid, and more about individuality than outdated gender rules.
G: What was the biggest challenge in introducing a completely new service to the market?
Bongi: Education. Many clients don’t know what eyebrow extensions are or how they differ from microblading or tinting. The challenge is building awareness while also training artists to deliver consistent, high-quality results. But challenges bring opportunities — being first in this space allows us to shape the market. It’s been a year now, and the growth has been exciting to witness.
@shugarlashpro Because brows frame the face—let’s make them stunning! ✨ #fyp #ForYouPage #Viral #TrendingNow #TikTokTrend #DanceChallenge #NowPlaying #viralvideos #FunnyVideos#TikTokFamous ♬ original sound - goodVibes
G:Looking ahead, how do you see the brow industry evolving in South Africa?
Bongi: As a microblading artist, I know how powerful permanent techniques can be. But the future is moving toward versatility. Clients don’t just want one option — they want a spectrum. Microblading will always have its place, but services like brow extensions, brow wigs, and hybrid techniques are opening up new possibilities. The industry is evolving into a space where clients can choose what fits their lifestyle at the moment, whether that’s long-term commitment or something more flexible and semi-permanent.
G: You’ve become known for training and empowering other beauticians. How important is it to you to create economic opportunities for women in the beauty space?
Bongi: It’s very close to my heart because I started as a lash artist myself. I know how powerful it is when someone opens a door for you, and that’s what I want to do for other women. At Shugarlashpro, it’s not just about training or franchising — it’s about collaboration, building each other up, and creating real opportunities to grow. When women support each other instead of competing, we can shift the beauty industry into something bigger than ourselves. For me, it’s about independence, empowerment, and proving that success is something we can share.
@shugarlashpro Want to start offering eyebrow extensions? 👁️ You can learn at Shugarlashpro 🙌🏽 Hands-on. Certified. No experience needed. 📆 Next class: 6 July 📲 WhatsApp 067 061 5423 now to book 📍Sandton #BrowBoss #Shugarlashpro #BeautyTraining #1DayTraining #EyebrowExtensions #TikTokSA #FYP #BrowBoss #Shugarlashpro #BeautyTraining #1DayTraining #EyebrowExtensions #TikTokSA #FYP #BrowTraining #1DayCourse #ShugarlashproAcademy #ViralBeauty #BrowsOnPoint #TikTokBeautySA #BrowTrainingAfrica #BeautyTrainingSA #ShugarlashproAcademy #LashAndBrowAfrica #BrowExtensionsZA #BeautyBossAfrica #BrowCourseSouthAfrica #TikTokBeautySA #JohannesburgBeauty #AfricanBeautyPros #SouthAfrica #GautengBeauty #SandtonLashes #FourwaysBeauty #CapeTownBeauty #NigeriaBeautyIndustry #KenyaBeautyPros #ZimbabweBeauty #BrowTrainingAfrica #ShugarlashproAcademy #1DayTraining #BrowExtensionsZA #BeautyTrainingSA #TikTokBeautySA #AfricanBeautyPros #MakeMoneyWithBrows #SouthAfrica #SandtonBeauty #CertifiedBrowTech #SideHustleAfrica ♬ original sound - LYRICS MON-STAR
G: What advice would you give to young beauty entrepreneurs who want to innovate but are afraid to take risks?
Bongi: Start where you are, with what you have. Every big idea feels risky at first, but beauty is about courage and vision. Invest in your education, be willing to test and refine your craft, and don’t wait for permission to innovate. The industry rewards those who are bold enough to do what hasn’t been done before.
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