Tiffany van As, the founder of Styled by Tiff, is an East London hairstylist who’s redefining convenience with evening and weekend appointments. She works from 8am to 5pm as a sales assistant at Beauty Academy, an independent business in Berea, and in the evenings, she rents a chair at DMH Hair Studio to style clients. She chats this week to us about balancing work, family, and her passion for hair.
What inspired you to start Styled by Tiff?
My mother always wanted to be a hairdresser, but never got the chance to live out that dream. After finishing at Baysville School of skills in 2016 and Buffalo City College 2019, I completed my trade test and became qualified. Opening Styled by Tiff was my way of living out both her dream and mine. I started working after hours while holding down a full-time job. I didn’t want to lose my passion for hairstyling, so I decided to keep it alive, and it turned out there was a real demand for after-hours appointments.
What makes Styled by Tiff different from traditional salons?
I operate outside of regular business hours, including evenings and Sundays, and I keep my prices reasonable. This flexibility sets me apart, especially for clients who are too busy during the day.
Why did you choose to focus on after-hours appointments?
People are so busy with work, school, and life in general. I wanted to create a space where clients can come after a long day, relax, and leave feeling beautiful, without stressing about time.
What services do you offer during these evening and weekend slots?
I offer a full range of hair services including: colour, foils, perms, mycro keratin, Brazilian treatments, haircuts (adults and children), blow waves, and flat ironing.
How do you ensure a personalised experience for each client?
I listen to what my clients want. I offer honest advice, and I always aim to make their appointments special and memorable.
Who is your typical client, and what sorts of hairstyles do they usually request?
Most of my clients are busy professionals, teachers, doctors, and moms. They usually come in for colour, foils, Brazilians, and cuts.
How do you accommodate last-minute or busy clients?
I’m very accommodating and always try to find a way to assist, even at short notice. I know how important flexibility is for my clients.
What can a first-time client expect?
Expect a warm, homely salon feel, I always try to make it feel like we’ve known each other forever. I’m bubbly, honest, and I never promise results I can’t deliver. What I can guarantee is real talk and genuine care.
What challenges come with working outside the regular 9-to-5 schedule?
I wouldn’t call them challenges; I see it as an advantage. The only downside is less family time, but I manage that with the help of my amazing husband, who supports me and takes care of our two boys. We make it work because this is for our future.
What do you enjoy most about offering after-hours services to your clients?
I love meeting new people and being able to help them feel good at a time that actually works for them. Making life easier for others brings me so much joy.
How long have you been in the hairstyling industry?
I’ve been doing after-hours styling for 12 years, but I’ve been in the hair industry since I was 16 years old.
What’s your favourite hairstyle to create?
I absolutely love doing foils, Brazilian treatments, and short, funky haircuts!
How can clients book an appointment with you?
WhatsApp — 073-288-4026.
Styled By Tiff on Facebook.
