BringBackOurHair!

Mr Pedro Peter, a stylist in Wuse Market, Abuja, on Friday said the love for foreign hairs by Nigerian women had greatly devalued the cultural posterity of the country.

Peter told NAN in Abuja that local hair style had been the pride and beauty of Nigerian women over the years.

The stylist, however, said that the pride had since been compromised and neglected because of growing craze for foreign hairs.

He advised Nigerian women to imbibe the culture of appreciating the country’s cultural heritage, especially in the area of local hair-do.

“It is often believed that locally made hair is more unique because it is African and very traditional.

“The hairs also make women look natural rather than being artificial. The local hair-do will help in keeping the heat at bay and keeps you feeling refreshed for longer periods,” Peter said.

He also advised ladies to stop patronising foreign synthetic hair products for their beauty and for the economy of the country.

Mr. Charles Okonkwo, a distributor of foreign hairs in the FCT, said foreign hair ‘is very expensive, depending on the quality and length’.

“Many people think wearing foreign hair means you are trying to be like the white people and gives them the feeling of being trendy.

“But ladies often change their lipsticks, nail colour and clothing, so why can’t they change their hair?” Okonkwo said.

Miss Rashidatu Alheri, a local hair dresser in the Wuse market, asked women to forgo relaxers and extensions.

Alheri enjoined them to embrace their natural hair because the inspiration was still flowing in the African woman.

Meanwhile, Mr Bello Usman, a banker in Abuja, said that the craze for foreign hairs by Nigerian women was a drain on the nation’s economy.

“The harm the love for foreign hair is having on our economy is far-reaching, apart from the capital flight because of importation.

“It also removes livelihood from those that make a living through traditional hair-do.

“We should stop promoting other people’s economy to the detriment of our own, Nigerians in particular and Africa in general should promote their heritage and our local hair-do is part of that heritage,” Usman said.