Owner & founders, Husband and Wife, Darius and Ilona Geldenhuys. Ilona started her first hair salon, Ilona at Creative Hair, in Tzaneen when she was only 21. She started at the bottom, working her way up to the successful businesswoman and sought after hairdresser she is today. From a very young age Ilona had a creative flair and passion – not only for hair, but also for people. Her greatest joy comes from changing lives, making people feel confidently beautiful and contributing to the community.

Ilona’s business continued to grow from strength to strength and she is the proud recipient of Tzaneen’s “Friendliest Business of the Year Award 2019”. Fast forward a year or two and Ilona, her husband and their adorable twins relocated to the Winelands. Here, through faith and the grace of God, they were blessed to open her new hair salon, Creative HAIR Paarl in May 2022.

With more than 16-years of hands-on experience, Ilona has exceptional skills as a hairdresser. Not only is she fully trained and qualified, but she is receiving ongoing education and training on the latest technology, trends and products. With her precision cutting skills she is known for her ability to create any look. Whether professional colour, a hair style or a cool and edgy look, her customers testify that she is in a class of her own.

Ilona is not only committed to excellence in the art of hairdressing. She is also passionately dedicated to providing the highest level of service, skills and products in her beautiful salon.  Here, every client receives a personal consultation and services and treatments are aimed to enhance the inner health and longevity of your hair.

Ilona’s team has been hand-picked and are highly trained with the aim to exceed your expectations. The same goes for her salon.  The space is dedicated to her clients’ comfort – and showcases our devotion to innovation and artistry. At Creative Hair Paarl we are focused on making your day by continually raising the bar. To see the smile on a client’s face as they leave our salon, gives us total satisfaction and joy.

“I believe God has given us this beautiful space and the opportunity to make a difference…

As we were busy planning the look and feel of the salon we were trusting God step by step, praying for guidance in the process. We had an empty, bland wall behind our basins and were not sure what would work there. The following morning my husband woke up with a vision of the words “BE THE LIGHT” written on the wall. God is always in the details. You will find these letters on our wall and when you read it, our wish is that it will also inspire you to make a difference and love more.

We are forever grateful for the God-given talent and ability He has blessed us with. In a world full of darkness, “Be The Light” is our message of hope. We hope our clients too will be inspired to love and care more, to have a positive outlook and learn the value of speaking life over every situation.

We’ve often heard our clients remark: “There is something special about this place”. We are praying that it will continue and that every client will have that same experience. May our salon be a safe haven – not just a place to be made to feel beautiful – but to also feel and experience the love of Jesus Christ.”

On the 1st of February 2016 our first born Imke were diagnosed with Neuroblastoma cancer and at the same time I was pregnant with our twins, Anebelle and Zielke.
For 1year & 5months we literally just cared for Imke and gave up everything else so that Imke could be our only focus. (Since I came out of school, I think that this was the only time I did not do any hair) After our daughter Imke passed away of cancer on the 17/7/17. I was at such a low place, feeling very empty, heart-broken and it felt like I lost my hope and purpose in life. I did not know how to cope. But one things is certain; God never let go. He gave me the strength to get up every day so I could live out my passion again. I’ve realised the more I give of myself to my clients the more it brings healing to my own heart.

I do what I do, because God has given me this talent, so I can be able to live out my passion. It gives me purpose. I want to use it every day to my fullest potential. I absolutely love what I do. It is an ever growing and changing industry. I believe knowledge is power. I love to learn and grow so I can stay on top of the latest trends in my profession. I specialise in the latest colour and techniques, like Balayage, free hand hair painting and hair extensions.

I simply love to see the smile on someone’s face when comparing their before and after photos. Their transformation is so rewarding. I love to make people feel pretty, confident and special. That is why doing bridal hair is very special to me and such an honour. A day they have been dreaming of for so long and I get to be part of it. Similarly, I enjoy making girls look their best for their matric dances. I love to inspire them and build their confidence.

When you care for your hair and style it, you aren’t being excessive or self-absorbed, you are only showing appreciation to a very significant part of you, the part of you that is your Crown. – Wear it proudly –

Funny story: I never cut my husband’s hair at home. Whenever he asks me to cut it, I’ll say, you know the rule, sorry honey! Please make an appointment. During lockdown I couldn’t do hair for a while…and so, after the 2nd week of lockdown I asked him: Honey, can I please just cut your hair? Of course he immediately said yes. It was such a relief to touch hair again and do what I love. He thinks he was the lucky one, but I know that I am just a much better person doing hair every day. It always brings out the best in me.