Haircare Evolution in Nigeria Since the 1960s

Imagine scrolling through your favorite social media feed and stumbling upon those amazing throwback fashion posts. Remember those spiky wigs, bold afros, and those wonderfully quirky shoes? Oh, and let’s not forget those super-exaggerated eyebrows! Now, switch back to the present and look around. The difference is incredible, isn’t it??

Over the past sixty years, haircare in Nigeria has undergone an amazing transformation. It's not just about trends changing; it’s a reflection of our rich culture and how we’ve evolved as a society. Curious about how the haircare scene has changed over the decades? Let’s take a fun journey through time and see how we got here.

1960s/1970s: Traditional Practices and Natural Beauty

In the 1960s, hairstyles majorly signified social status, tribal affiliation, and personal identity. In essence, one's hair was an integral part of cultural expression and community life. Many women embraced their natural beauty with beautifully oiled afros, bantu knots, buns, cornrows, and headwraps. Haircare products, such as shea butter, palm oil, and herbal treatments, were commonly used to nourish and style hair.

1980s: Influence of Western Trends and Synthetic Wigs

In the 1980s, as more Western media and fashion made their way into Nigeria, our hair trends began to reflect this new influence. Celebrities and international fashion icons inspired many women with their glamorous styles. Suddenly, synthetic wigs became popular and afros were somewhat less common.?

Many people embraced synthetic hair because it was affordable, easy to find, and offered a fun and convenient way to change their looks. More women started using relaxers to achieve sleek, smooth hair. With the rise of hair salons, haircare moved beyond home-based routines into professional styling and care.

1990s: The Era of Braids and Extension Popularity

In the 1990s, braided hairstyles and hair extensions took center stage in Nigeria's beauty scene. Styles like box braids, Ghana braids, and Senegalese twists became incredibly popular amongst women of all ages.? This era saw a significant boom in commercial haircare products tailored specifically for African hair, including specialized shampoos, conditioners, and styling gels that made it easier to maintain and care for hair.?

2000s: The Return to Natural Hair and Influencer Culture

In the early 2000s, a beautiful shift began in Nigeria. Many women started moving away from chemical relaxers to embrace their natural curls and textures. This era brought an explosion of diverse styling options, from natural hairstyles and sophisticated braiding techniques to trendy weaves. As in the 80s, the media played a huge role in popularising these styles,? making them not just fashionable but also a point of pride.

As more women celebrated their natural hair, the market responded with a surge of local and international haircare brands, all eager to provide specialized products for African hair types. Social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube became essential for sharing haircare tips, tutorials, and trends. This made learning about and experimenting with new styles easier for everyone.?

2020s: Sustainable Practices and Global Connectivity

Today, there's a rising awareness and demand for sustainable and eco-friendly haircare products in Nigeria. Brands are increasingly focusing on ethical sourcing and environmentally conscious packaging, making it easier for consumers to make choices that are good for their hair and the planet. This shift reflects a broader global trend, where Nigerian hairstyles and haircare practices are more connected to international influences than ever before.?

E-commerce and digital platforms have revolutionized how we access haircare products and services. Whether it's the latest eco-friendly shampoo or a tutorial on a trending hairstyle, the digital world has made it all readily available at our fingertips.?

Question of the week: If you could bring back any hairstyle or haircare practice from the past, which one would it be and why?