Five Decades.
One Calling.
"When I was seventeen, I walked into Salon Emile in Cape Town and discovered the thing I was meant to do."
That was in 1977.
I did not know then where the journey would take me. I only knew that something had begun."
Ezra Isaacs is a South African master hair artist, educator and industry leader based in Cape Town. She is the founder of Coiffure Ezra Art in Styling, and is known internationally for bridal and long hair artistry, professional education, and her leadership within Intercoiffure — serving as Vice President of Intercoiffure South Africa and a Central Committee Board member of Intercoiffure Mondial in Paris.
It Started With a Chair,
a Comb and a Calling.
What began as an apprenticeship at Salon Emile in Cape Town became a lifelong pursuit of mastery. I qualified as a hairstylist, earned my Master's Certificate, and expanded my knowledge through beauty and make-up training. I later had the extraordinary opportunity to study with Vivienne McKinder in Long Island, USA.
Every qualification opened another door. Every teacher expanded my view of what was possible. And somewhere along the way, hairdressing stopped being simply what I did.
It became part of who I was.
A Life in Chapters.
It Begins at 17
I started my apprenticeship at Salon Emile in Cape Town. I was young, eager, and had no idea where this path would take me.
Learning and Growing
I qualified as a hairstylist, earned my Masters Certificate, and trained as a beautician and make-up artist. I later studied with Vivienne McKinder in Long Island, USA, an experience that changed how I saw the world.
Purchasing Way-Ahead Salon
I took my first step as a salon owner, purchasing Way-Ahead Salon and beginning to shape a space of my own.
Opening Coiffure Ezra
I opened Coiffure Ezra in Ottery. These were the years I found my voice as a bridal and long hair specialist.
Stepping Onto the World Stage
I was invited to serve as Vice President (South Africa) of Intercoiffure Interbeaute, Paris. I also certified as a Services SETA Assessor, helping raise standards across the industry.
Becoming a Juror
I certified as an official Industry Juror. Judging competitions taught me to see craft differently and deepened my respect for the craft and every stylist who enters one.
A Proud Moment in Paris
As Team Trainer at OMC Hairworld, Paris, my South African team placed 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the Ethnic Section, and 5th in the World. I will never forget that feeling.
Vice President, Intercoiffure SA
I served as Vice President of Intercoiffure South Africa, working to elevate our national artistic direction and salon industry standards.
President, Intercoiffure SA
I was elected President of Intercoiffure South Africa. It was a humbling responsibility and one of the great honours of my career.
Recognised in Japan
I received the Intercoiffure Officer Award in Japan for international service. To be recognised far from home was deeply moving.
Hair Hero Best Educator
I was honoured with the Hair Hero Best Educator Award. Teaching has always been close to my heart, and this recognition meant more than I can say.
Wella Master Color Expert
I certified as a Wella Master Color Expert and featured at Cape Town and Johannesburg Fashion Week from 2015 through 2019.
Central Committee, Intercoiffure Mondial
I was appointed to the Central Committee Board of Intercoiffure Mondial, Paris. Serving at this level is a responsibility I carry with great care.
Still Growing, Still Giving
I serve as Vice President of Intercoiffure SA, Education For Life Ambassador at Christel House, and I teach hairdressing to young individuals from vulnerable communities. Training the next generation has become my mission, as I am aware of building a lasting legacy that will outlive me. I coach beauty entrepreneurs who want to bring meaning to their craft.
This is not a career. This is a life's work.
Who I Am Beyond
the Titles.
Titles tell you what I have done. They do not always tell you who I am.
I am an artist who loves people. I am energised by creativity. I love the excitement of a stage, the intimacy of a wedding morning, the challenge of developing new talent and the privilege of watching someone discover what they are capable of.
One Craft.
Endless Possibilities.
Over the years, my chair has become many things: a creative studio, a place of preparation, a place of transformation and sometimes simply a space where someone can feel like themselves again.
When the Industry Became
Part of the Calling.
Leadership was never about standing above the industry. For me, it became an opportunity to contribute to it. To support excellence, create opportunities, represent South African talent and help shape conversations about where our profession could go next.
Intercoiffure South Africa
Vice President (Current) · President (2016 to 2019)
Intercoiffure Mondial
Central Committee Board Member, Paris
Fashion Direction
Fashion Director, Oceania Region
International Contribution
Stage presentations, judging and mentorship across continents
The Part of the Journey
That Matters Most.
After a lifetime of learning, one of my greatest privileges is sharing what I know.
As Education For Life Ambassador at Christel House in Ottery, I teach hairdressing to young people from vulnerable communities. I am an external assessor for the hairdressing industry, a Services SETA Assessor, and a mentor to beauty professionals who want to bring meaning to their craft.
Teaching reminds me that every skill passed forward has the potential to become someone else's beginning.
What Still Guides Me.
Excellence
Every person, student, colleague or client deserves my full attention and my best work.
Warmth
People may remember what you created, but they will always remember how you made them feel.
Legacy
What I have learned means more when it creates opportunities for someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Who is Ezra Isaacs?
Ezra Isaacs is a South African master hair artist, educator and industry leader based in Cape Town, with five decades of professional experience in hairdressing, education, fashion presentation and Intercoiffure leadership.
What is Ezra Isaacs known for?
Ezra is known for bridal and long hair artistry, professional education and masterclasses, business mentorship, and her leadership roles within Intercoiffure — including Vice President of Intercoiffure South Africa and Central Committee Board member of Intercoiffure Mondial in Paris.
Where did Ezra Isaacs begin her career?
Ezra began her hairdressing career in 1977 as a seventeen-year-old apprentice at Salon Emile in Cape Town, before qualifying as a hairstylist, earning her Master's Certificate, and later studying with Vivienne McKinder in Long Island, USA.
What is Coiffure Ezra Art in Styling?
Coiffure Ezra Art in Styling is Ezra Isaacs' salon and professional brand, founded in Ottery, Cape Town, where she established her reputation as a bridal and long hair specialist.
What is Ezra Isaacs' role in Intercoiffure?
Ezra currently serves as Vice President of Intercoiffure South Africa (having previously served as President from 2016 to 2019) and as a Central Committee Board member of Intercoiffure Mondial in Paris.
What is Ezra Isaacs' work with Education For Life?
As an Education For Life Ambassador, Ezra teaches hairdressing to Grade 9 to 11 students from vulnerable communities at Christel House South Africa in Ottery, Western Cape, creating pathways to opportunity through skill.