Crowning glory on hair stylist's glittering career

A South African hairdresser will be honoured next month by the Suriname government during this year's Miss India Worldwide pageant.

Renowned Durban hairstylist Shirley Naidoo has not only been chosen as the official hairstylist for the pageant, but will represent SA as she showcases her skill on "Africa Night".

Naidoo, who will be the guest of President Desiré Bouterse, will be accompanied by Pietermaritzburg fashion designer Priscilla Bhika.

"I'm feeling really, really elated because I have so much to offer and in this country we've not been used," said Naidoo.

"I've been a hairdresser for 30, 35 years and when I go around the world, if anybody has to talk hair, they mention my name, which is very inspiring."

She will be responsible for all the pageant contestants' hair.

Forty of Bhika's designs will be worn by beauties from around the world - including Miss India SA Sheina Gokool.

Bhika, who has collaborated with Naidoo before, said she was particularly charmed by Suriname's enthusiasm for the event.

The Caribbean country has declared one of the pageant days a national holiday.

"I feel elated. How else do you depict SA than with the language of clothing? The language of clothing says it all."

Gokool will be wearing some of Bhika's creations, with her hair styled by Naidoo, of course.

" I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed as it's a great responsibility and a great honour. I really want to make everyone really proud," she said.

She had already chosen an outfit when she saw Bhika's design with a f lower on the shoulder and a feather head-dress.

Bhika said it was made of three different saris, and Gokool said she was drawn to it because it was "elegant yet cultural".