A cross-section of women in Ibadan, Oyo State, said they have devised coping techniques and found alternatives to frequent hairdos due to the hike in hair extensions and service prices.

Hairstylists and clients expressed concerns over the impact of the economic downturn in the hairdressing industry, unanimously seeking relief.

The respondents, who spoke during separate interviews, claimed that the economy was taking a toll on them as they struggled to push through.

Prices of goods and services in the industry have tripled, having significant impacts on the hairdressing industry.

A hair stylist around the Akala Expressway area, Gbemisola Oderinde, said that her business had dropped significantly with fewer customers visiting her salon.

“Before, I used to have customers every weekend, but now, they come once in a while. Some tell me they cannot afford frequent hairdos because of the high cost of living. Besides that, the cost of products is over the roof. What I used to buy for N9,000 is now N18,000, double the price. I pity my customers sometimes when I charge them and whenever they say they can’t afford it, I understand them,” she said.

A salon owner in Challenge, Dolapo Shittu, blamed the situation on the rising prices of hair products, which had affected the cost of services.

Ms Shittu said, “A pack of extensions that used to cost N1,500 is now over N3,500. Relaxers, shampoos, and even hair treatments are now expensive. All these increases are making it difficult for customers to keep up and make their hair regularly.’’

Another hairdresser at General Gas Road, Sherifat Olayiwola, said that though the few customers visiting her salon complained, she couldn’t afford to charge less.

“This is because we all visit the same market, and our association determines how much each hairdresser charges. And with the economy being what it is, we cannot short-change ourselves. We all understand that things are very expensive now and that the ripple effect of the economy is seen everywhere,” Ms Olayiwola said.

It was, however, gathered that some women had embraced cost-effective alternatives such as maintaining natural hair, wearing wigs, and learning to braid at home.

An undergraduate, Adesewa Adenigba, said she had stopped visiting the salons regularly and now styled her hair herself.

Miss Adesewa said, “I watch YouTube videos to learn how to braid my hair. So, instead of spending N20,000 on braids, I now do it myself at home.’’

According to a remote worker, Titi Adeola, she prefers protective hairstyles that last longer to avoid frequent expenses.

Mr Adeola said, “I used to go to the salon every two weeks, but now, I do braids that last for two months. It helps me manage my expenses. Most times now, I wear wigs when I can’t go to the salon. It’s on a safer side and less expensive than making hair every two weeks.”

A student, Oghogho Ovonlen, said it has not been easy at all making her hair as frequently as before.

“Since 2023, I’ve been doing my hair twice a year. For the other months of the year, I wear wigs and ponytails, that’s how I have been coping,” she said.

Another lady, OreOluwa Osanyin, said she has no issues with hairdressers because she makes simple hairstyles that do not cost much.

“I don’t do too many or too complex hairstyles, so my hair is usually not expensive. I spend between N5,000 and N7,000 for workmanship because of the styles I like to do.Also, I don’t use more than one hair extension. Well, this is to also save me some cost,” Miss Osanyin said.

Hair vendors also lamented poor sales, as many of their customers had opted for cheaper alternatives.

A human hair seller in Akinlapa Market, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the demand for expensive human hair has reduced.

“People no longer buy expensive wigs. Some people simply ask for synthetic or factory wigs because of the price. It’s not that people still don’t buy the expensive ones, it is just that the frequency is lower than it used to be. I pray that God provides for my customers,” she said.

(NAN)