…as price of hair extensions soars
Fashion and hair extensions share a dynamic relationship, intertwining to create stunning looks and express individuality. Hair extensions/attachments serve as a transformative accessory, allowing individuals to experiment with different styles, lengths, and colours to complement their fashion choices. Whether adding volume to a sleek updo or incorporating vibrant styles for a bold statement, hair extensions play a vital role in enhancing one’s overall beauty.
The synergy between fashion and hair extensions transcends mere aesthetics, but delves into the realm of self-expression and creativity. As individuals curate their personal style, the integration of hair extensions serves as a means for artistic exploration, that allows for endless possibilities in creating a look that resonates with their identity.
Giving a general overview of fashion in coherence with hair extensions/attachments, it would be imperative to relate this reasonable context with purchase rate, consumerist demand, the nature and state of the economy to how it affects purchase and sale and its effect on consumers.
In Nigeria today, individuals must carefully weigh their financial resources against the ever-increasing costs of necessities and luxuries. Just like choosing the right hair extension method to suit your budget and style, making informed decisions about where to allocate funds becomes difficult in the face of rising living expenses. The high cost of living directly influences the prices of hair attachments, making genuine products unaffordable for a significant portion of the population.
As expenses continue to rise, individuals are forced to prioritize their spending, weighing the value of each purchase against their budget constraints. This act extends to various aspects of our daily life, including personal grooming choices like hair extensions, where affordability for these products becomes a key factor in decision-making.
The Nigerian Observer interacted with some Benin City residents who expressed their opinions on the hike in prices of hair extensions and their alternative means for maintaining beauty.
Princess Adolor said prices of relaxers and attachments for braids have tripled within the last year, so she decided to cut her hair as she could no longer afford to maintain it.
“It’s too high, how can I even get attachment for N5,000? It’s what I use once and throw away. Even if I use it twice I’ll still definitely throw it away, so I prefer using crochet, I can always use it as many times as I want,” said Osariemen Gift.
Iroseyike Abigail, another Benin resident, said the rise in the price of attachments is very alarming.
“It’s not something that cannot be done without, it’s something I’ll want, not need. I can’t remember the last time I got it, because I have wigs, I just weave my hair all back and wear my wigs pending the time price will come down. I’ll advise anyone to go for crochet because it can be reused, and it’s neater than attachment. I braid hair and I can help reuse your attachment, and it lasts for long depending on brand types,” she said.
Uyiosa Isaac said when she got the small size of the hair attachment last, it was N4,000.
“I don’t braid like that, I preferably make my natural hair, I go with wigs, it’s better because making braids is stress with the headache,” she said.
Edeh Bliss said she doesn’t buy attachment that much but does a lot of wigs and making her natural hair.
“I remember the last time I got attachment, the quantity and quality were very low. Then the cost of attachment was more than N3,500, so I wonder how much it is now but I know they have reduced the quality. Making the hair is also a problem, it’s like they [hairdressers] now have an association where they now collect high prices,” she said.
“My take on this issue is that the way this increase is, it is too sudden as it made me pause in buying attachment and resort to other means like using Brazilian wool, because I can use it twice and it’s cheaper, and when I meet someone who braids well, it can be mistaken for attachment, can be cut mostly reused and still be beautiful. As an hairstylist, I can recommend that ladies go for this alternative,” said Osamudiamen Abhulimen.
A respondent who preferred not to be named said, “I know the price has increased, but I can’t leave my hair like that. No matter what, I still squeeze out money to braid my hair, because I love braids, it’s my lifestyle.”
Ruth Okosun said, “I’m aware of the price increase, and when I want to make my hair, I re-use my old attachments and other times I twist my natural hair.”
“I style my natural virgin hair because the cost of attachment is too much and I can’t afford to use just one attachment in my hair, so I make use of hair gel and edge control to style my hair,” said Victoria Adeluwoye.
As a result of the price hike, the market is flooded with counterfeit products that pose as a dilemma for consumers who strive to strike a defined balance between quality and affordability. Identifying fake hair attachments requires vigilance and knowledge of some special features. Counterfeit products often exhibit differences in texture, colour, and durability compared to authentic extensions. Consumers should scrutinize packaging labels, inspect product quality, and purchase from good retailers to minimize the risk of purchasing counterfeit/fake hair extensions.
The disparity in access to quality hair attachments due to financial constraints further ensures the need for affordable options in the market. Finding a balance between our hairstyle preferences and budget limitations is essential for individuals navigating the challenges of a costly living.
As the cost of necessities continues to escalate, making informed decisions about where to invest resources becomes a crucial aspect of managing finances effectively.
