For centuries, it has been a belief that a woman’s hair is her crowning glory but now women adorning different low-cut styles has become a common sight.

For various reasons, some women have embraced going on low-cut just for their convenience and damning the traditional or religious consequences.

Some women in separate interviews on Monday in Lagos, gave reasons they prefer a low haircut to carrying the modern wigs, braids and weave-on.

Temitope Lawanson, a mother of two, said the weather had not been friendly enough to fix weaves.

“Lagos weather will humble you. Then again, getting my hair done is another tug of war with hair beauticians, who tend to overbook clients. So, at times you end up rescheduling,” stated Ms Lawanson. “I love my hair now, although I still have my wigs for when I want to change my looks, but make no mistake, maintaining a low cut is more expensive.”

Nkiru Ifeajuna, a journalist, said since when she was little, she hated plaiting her hair. 

“I prefer low-cut to plaiting my hair. You know, putting my head into the hot dryer,  plaiting my hair after two weeks is very uncomfortable and as a journalist, I’m always on the go, It’s better I cut my hair and carry it for months,” she disclosed. “I don’t need to take permission from anyone, my parents especially my dad encouraged me, and I also dye my hair in different colours because of my grey hair.”

According to Ms Ifeajuna, if the purpose of going on low-cut is to save cost, the purpose is defeated because its maintenance is more expensive.

“Plaiting hair is cheaper because if I want to cut my hair in my local salon the least I spend is N5,000 and to dye will cost more too,” she added. 

However, Oluwaseun Babatunde, a biochemist, said the maintenance of low-cut wasn’t expensive but convenient. 

“I always feel pain on a particular side of my head, so I decided to cut my hair, I like it because it is not permanent,” she said.

She added that the feeling of pouring water on the head daily could not be compared to anything.

“If I had my hair plaited, that means water will only touch my head fortnightly or monthly. I just can’t bear that situation,” Ms Babatunde said.

Cynthia Agu, a trader, said that she couldn’t cope with the stress of making hair.

“I was actually plaiting my hair before but the stress was becoming unbearable at some point, so I cut it off. Now I’m enjoying the process,” said Ms Agu. 

She stressed that maintaining a haircut depended on an individual.

“I cut mine very low with N500, so it can last for a month, but some may prefer to do different styles with theirs and it costs much. As far as I’m not stressing my husband, he’s fine with it. But I think he is beginning to love my low-cut,” she said.

According to a barber, Ezekiel Matthew, women going on a low cut is a trend that has come to stay.

“I love women that cut their hair short, It’s unique in a way, just like when you see guys braiding their hair too. It’s just a different taste when it comes to looks,” said Mr Matthew.

According to Mr Matthew, who is also a make-up artist, no fewer than 10 women come to his salon daily to have different hair-cut styles.

“Women generally adapt to the style that fits and complement their looks. Low-cut doesn’t take anything away from a woman’s beauty,” he explained.

Olajire Ajayi, a popular hairstylist in the Ilupeju area of the state, attributed women’s going on low-cut to convenience and affordability.

“Cut, texture relax treatment and style varies in price depending on hair texture, volume and condition of hair, but talking about the cost implication, it is very affordable,” said Ms Ajayi. “That’s why you see most women cutting their hair, we have various styles to suit individual lifestyles. For some, it keeps them away from the salon for 2-3 weeks depending on the style and we put into consideration the nature of their businesses when choosing a style.”

She added, “For cut, texture relax treatment and style, it is from N15,000 here at our salon. Price increases tentatively depending on hair texture, volume and state of hair.” 

(NAN)