President Trump confirms the first known U.S. strike inside Venezuela, saying it targets drug trafficking as critics warn it risks escalation. Iranian authorities shut down cities and security forces move in to contain growing protests as anger over inflation and sanctions boils over. And the flu is spreading fast across the U.S., with a new strain driving cases higher just as vaccination rates slip and hospitals brace for what’s next.
Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
<
p class=”readrate”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, James Hider, Rebecca Davis, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.
<
p class=”readrate”>
<
p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.
<
p class=”readrate”>
<
p class=”readrate”>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
<
p class=”readrate”>
<
p class=”readrate”> Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.
<
p class=”readrate”>(0:00) Introduction (03:30) U.S. Strikes Inside Venezuela (07:25) Iran Protests (11:22) Flu Cases Surge
Ladies love getting their hair done while on holiday, so we’ve compiled a list of some of the best places in the city to get it all done – from braids and weaves to balyage and blow outs.
Here are a few of our favourites places:
For Braids, Wigs, and Extensions
Afro Corner
This City Centre hair salon is your one-stop shop for braids, hair colouring, natural hair styling, and extensions. Professional stylists treat your hair with the care it deserves, ensuring you leave looking and feeling amazing!
ASANA is a high-end dreadlocks and natural hair salon founded in 2019 by friends Gugu Nonjinge and Nomahlubi Hewu. But it’s more than just a place for hair; it’s a community and a safe space where you can relax. Treatments include hot oil and scalp treatments for dreadlocks, deep cleans, and protein treatments for natural hair.
Looking for a wig supplier and expert installations? Ester Hair Salon offers that and more. It’s the spot for ladies to treat themselves, upgrade their looks, and leave feeling fabulous. Hair extensions and quality products complete your perfect style.
Location: No 32 St Georges Mall, Cape Town City Centre Website:EsterHairSalonSA
Afrosundae
Afro Sundae is all about natural hair done right. This Table View salon specialises in coils, curls, and kinks, giving every strand the love it deserves. Kids are welcome too, with gentle, fun treatments that make hair time a breeze.
With locations in Kloof Street and Sea Point, Excentric Hair Salon is all about pushing the boundaries. Living by the motto ‘Dare to be different,’ the team specialises in everything from precision cutting and advanced colour techniques to results-driven treatments. They’re constantly exploring the latest trends, like balayage, contouring, geode, rainbow, and unicorn hair.
With branches across Cape Town, Sorbet’s hairbars handle it all: cuts, colour, treatments, styling, extensions, and straightening. And with an in-salon nail, lash, and brow menu, you can get the full pampering experience and walk out with that unbeatable, ‘just-been-treated’ feeling. Location: Various locations in the city. Details here. Website:www.sorbet.co.za
Blue Lemon Hair & Beauty
“Good Hair Days, Every Day!” That’s the motto at Blue Lemon Hair & Beauty in Green Point. Step in and treat yourself to a full range of hair and beauty services, from blow dries and tints (parting, hairline, and roots) to highlights, Brazilian treatments, perms, and even gents’ cuts and colour.
Location: Shop 3, Portside, 41 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa Website:www.bluelemonhair.com
Snippets Hair Salon
Balayage specialists in Claremont, Snippets Hair Salon turn every appointment into an experience. They’re warm, welcoming, and happy to accommodate German-speaking travellers. While you’re there, kick back with free Wi-Fi, and if hunger strikes, they’ll happily order from the sushi bar or Jack’s Bagel next door.
Location: 22 Dreyer St, Claremont, Cape Town, 7708, South Africa Website:snippetshairsalon.co.za
Marios Hair Atelier
One of Cape Town’s top hair salons, Marios Atzemoglou and his team have built a true hair sanctuary. Women, men, and kids are all welcome. The menu includes quick blow dry, balayage-Ombre, Bio-Ionic Japanese straightening, and Brazilian Keratin treatments.
Location: 2nd Exhibition building, 81 Main Rd, Green Point, Cape Town Website:marioshairatelier.com
Head Spas
Plush Head Spa
Inspired by viral trends and growing demand, Plush combines traditional head spa techniques with modern treatments and premium products. The treatment aims to bring deep relaxation, enhance scalp health, and promote overall rejuvenation.
Location: Unit A5, Office Park, Heron Crescent, Century Dr, Century City Website:www.plushheadspa.co.za
Headspace SA
Blending ancient Chinese techniques with modern wellness, this head spa in Claremont promotes deep relaxation and scalp rejuvenation. Guests can choose between a Mini Experience (perfect for those short on time) or the Complete Ritual for a full pampering session. The treatment includes two luxurious washes: one with a clarifying shampoo to cleanse, followed by a nourishing shampoo and hydrating hair mask. This is paired with a head massage, hydro steam therapy, and other calming elements.
The Claremont Head Spa is by appointment only, and it’s a treat for the whole family! Their Asian-inspired head and scalp treatments cater to women, men, teens, and kids. Whether you’re popping in for a simple blow dry, a dandruff detox scrub, or a traditional hair-growth scalp oil, they’ve got you covered. Guys swear by the Alpha Ritual.
Book ahead! Cape Town is in peak season (November to February) and can get busy. Reputable salons, especially those specialising in intricate work like braiding or complex colour, get booked up weeks in advance. Secure your spot before you arrive to avoid disappointment!
A U.S. official contradicts the White House account of who ordered the deadly boat strike in the Caribbean, while President Trump considers his next moves with Venezuela. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff heads to Moscow for high-stakes talks after revising the peace agreement with Ukrainian negotiators. And new details about the Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers point to a long-running mental health crisis rather than radicalization.
Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
<
p class=”readrate”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebecca Metzler, Miguel Macias, Alina Hartounian, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.
<
p class=”readrate”>
<
p class=”readrate”>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.
<
p class=”readrate”>
<
p class=”readrate”>We get engineering support from Damian Herring. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
<
p class=”readrate”>
<
p class=”readrate”>Our Senior Supervising Producer is Vince Pearson.
The White House is moving swiftly to tighten legal immigration reviews after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C. last week, escalating scrutiny on asylum seekers, green card holders and refugees already living in the U.S. U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean are under growing scrutiny, as some lawmakers warn one attack may constitute a war crime. And Ukraine enters a new round of negotiations without its top negotiator, after a corruption scandal forces out President Zelensky’s powerful chief of staff.
Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.
<
p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″ data-pm-slice=”1 1 []”>Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Tara Neill, Miguel Macias, Mohamad ElBardicy and Lisa Thompson.
<
p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″>
<
p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″>It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.
<
p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″>
<
p class=”readrate” data-rr=”18″>We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
