Women, hairstylists lament over exorbitant prices of hair extensions
By Taiye Olayemi
Women and hairstylists voiced their distress over the surging prices of hair extensions, a pivotal aspect of women’s fashion.
During separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, they shared insights into the challenges posed by the continuous escalation in prices since 2023.
Hair attachments, including popular brands like X-pression, Darling, and Lush, have witnessed notable price increases.
The cost now depends on factors such as quality and brand, affecting various styles like ghana weaving, bob marley, twisting, shuku, knotless braid, pick and drop, among others.
Previously sold at N1,700, the average hair attachment now commands a price of N3,600, while those previously priced at N1,200 are now listed at N2,500.
This trend extends beyond hair attachments, affecting hair cream and relaxers.
The largest jar of hair cream, which used to cost N800, now demands N3,000, alongside increases in prices for smaller containers.
Faith Omije, a hairstylist at Crystal Beauty Salon, emphasised the urgent need to address the situation to prevent uncontrolled increments.
Despite manufacturers attributing the price hikes to increased production costs, some hairstylists find this explanation untenable.
In response to customer complaints, hairstylists like Omije have resorted to reducing their service charges for hairdos when customers purchase hair attachments from them, a measure aimed at easing the financial burden on clients.
Grace Akpan, another hairstylist, underscored the importance of government intervention in implementing measures for general price control.
She expressed concern over the financial strain on women, leading some to opt for more affordable alternatives like weave-ons and wool, impacting the demand for hair attachments and influencing the cost of braided wigs.
The repercussions of rising prices extend to individuals like Helen Arokoyo, a University of Lagos student, who now finds it challenging to afford the desired fullness in her hairstyles.
Aminat Usman, a pharmacy sales representative, has shifted to weaving her hair in various styles until the price of hair attachments stabilises.
Caroline Olatunji, a photographer, lamented the considerable increase in expenses, noting that what used to cost N5,000 for her hairstyle has now escalated to nearly N10,000.
Some individuals, contemplating cost-effective alternatives like barbing their hair, also face concerns about maintenance and treatment expenses.
According to them, the soaring prices of hair attachments have created a ripple effect on hairstylists, consumers, and various aspects of the beauty industry, prompting calls for regulatory measures to address the economic challenges faced by those involved. (NAN)
Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Deji Abdulwahab
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