From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
Hairstylists in Abuja are lamenting low patronage in a sub-sector once seen as one of the most lucrative businesses in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). They attributed what they termed “extremely low patronage in recent times” to the economic situation and increase in prices of hair-making materials.
Chioma Osuji, a stylist in Lugbe, an FCT suburb, said: “Our business has gone down due to the economic situation in the country. Life has not been easy there are no customers. Most women have resorted to all back, which is very cheap.
“Before now, I made up to N20,000 to N30,000 daily. But these days, it is even difficult to make N5,000 because our women now prefer wigs.”
Emmanuelle Ugwu said: “Prices of hair materials have increased by over 100 per cent. The quality and quantity have also reduced.”
Chidiebube Samuel in Jabi, said that even though she has had loyal customers, who patronised her irrespective of the economic situation, the number had dropped: “The challenges of the country have not given room for people to make hair because of the high cost of living.”
She added that the situation has stopped her from having new customers: “Most women have resorted to all back and low cut.”
Nkiruka Madu in Wuse Zone 6 Plaza: “The business is getting boring every day. We hardly see customers who want to make extension-based hair. All we get are children making simple weavings.
“Some of my customers have cut their hairs saying the prices of hair extensions are high. Now we are even struggling to make up to N3,000 a day. This is against the good times when hairdresser who knows her onions would go home everyday with N20,000 to N30,000.”
Ene Adoyi in Nyanya, said: “Most women now prefer wig because is it more economical and last longer with less stress. People are still coming to make their hairs, though on a very slow pace. They now prefer wig. I am hopeful that it will get better when the present economic situation changes.
“I have channelled most of my time to wig production. I produce enough wigs for people who prefer wigs. By the grace of God, the business is on the increase.
“Most women now prefer it considering the cost of making hair with attachments that they cannot repeat and the time they will spend sitting to make the hair.”
Adaeze Obi a hairstylist in Kubwa said despite the economic situation and the increase in the prices of hair materials, her customers keep coming:
“I make sales and hairs even more than before. Yes, materials are very expensive but some people still make their hairs because the hair of a woman has a lot to do with her beauty. Which is good business.”
A salesgirl residing in Kubwa, said: “My salary is just N40,000. If I make all my purchases for the month, I will be left with nothing. Even before the salary comes, I have started buying some things on credit.
“If I decide to make extension-based hair. It will require me to buy weave on and other accessories, where will I get the money? That is why I decided to go on low hair cut.
“When I saw the rising cost of hair extensions and the cost of fixing them, I saw wisdom in directing my choices appropriately. In this present economy, as a woman, you have up to N6,000 before requesting the most common service in a hair salon. So if you don’t do the maths very carefully, one will put her family in danger.”
Joy Adebayo, a civil servant, said: “The economic situation has left a negative impact on most women’s lives. I have even gone on a low hair cut. I decided to cut my hair when the prices of hair extensions and hair-making services started rising and I am enjoying it.
“I no longer worry about hair making. I just visit the salon every three months to get my hair trimmed. I use the money for hair extensions on other things.”