The hairstylist who built a brand celebrating South African women
Armon Barnard learned the power of a hair transformation while watching his mother gain instant confidence from her weekly salon visits.
South African hairstylist Armon Barnard has reached an important milestone in his decade-long career as a hairstylist.
He has been hard at work launching his signature hairstyling tools and just added new products to his luxury hair brand.
By Armon combines professional quality with a refined, editorial-inspired approach to beauty.
It's been years in the making, but his journey to becoming one of SA's most sought-after hairstylists began when he was just a little boy.
"My mother used to go to the salon once a week, and seeing her confidence boost was so beautiful," he says.
"It was more the blow waving that intrigued me; they made it look so effortless."
He didn't think about becoming a hairstylist at the time, but his mother's weekly visits ignited a fascination with hair styling.
Years later, it would become the centre of his universe in the most unexpected way.
"I studied Drama & Theatre Arts and started styling the student productions in my spare time as a hobby."
The rest is history. A young boy's fascination with his mother's perfect blow wave soon turned into a full-blown career.
He never forgot what a 'good hair day' meant to his mom, and that is exactly how he wanted his clients to feel when they left his hairstylist chair.
Building a career in the competitive hair industry wasn't always easy.
"I think the biggest challenge was to keep going and never give up. You get to so many points in your career where you doubt yourself or feel stuck, the secret is to just push harder," he says.
Barnard also had a secret weapon up his sleeve - the women who inspired him along his journey.
"I think I've always been most comfortable around women. I understand the way they think, and there's something magically rewarding about seeing a woman looking and feeling her best," he says.
He was also always open to learning. Being humble and leading with kindness also helped. "We are all humans, no one is too important".
Barnard quickly learned the difference between a hairdresser and a hairstylist.
"A hairdresser cuts and colours hair, and sometimes does styling. Whereas a stylist styles hair each and every day."
He also stayed on top of trends and became better with each new hairstyle he perfected.
These days, his famous clients include former Miss South Africa Mia Le Roux, actor and presenter Leandie du Randt, singer Bonnie Tyler and 'Mommy Club: Van Die Hoofstad' star Louise Volschenk.
He also helps women transform into the perfect brides on their wedding day. Regardless of who is sitting in his chair, Barnard gives them the full princess treatment.
They say a woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life, and the saying resonated deeply with Barnard.
There is nothing more rewarding for him than making a woman feel and look her best.
"My business is woman, their confidence, beauty, strength and endurance. To me, it's about bringing inward beauty outside," he adds.
Building an empire with By Armon
Over the past few years, Barnard has been perfecting his hair brand, By Armon. It started four years ago with a 5in1 curling wand set called 'The Multi'.
It is a hit on his online store, and this year, he decided to take things to the next level.
"It was time to up my game and add to the range."
What makes By Armon stand out from other haircare brands in the market? Each product is crafted to bring salon-quality results into modern, everyday routines.
"I wanted to compose a line of products that I personally believe in and tested myself (I'm quite particular when it comes to styling tools), that is affordable to everyone. By Armon is definitely sleek and with custom packaging that speaks to my whole brand identity."
The launch couldn't come at a better time. In a full-circle moment for the hairstylist, a hairstyle that his mother rocked 'back in the day' is one of 2026's biggest trends.
"The one trend that's going around is definitely sleek knotted buns and 90's blow wave looks."
We couldn't end the interview without asking his best-kept hair secret for women.
"The one thing I would say is to always shampoo your hair twice, and conditioner only goes on the mid-lengths to ends. This will keep your hair 'cleaner' for longer."
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Image credit: Supplied (Photographer: Isabel Schoeman/ @kreativ_photoandfilm)