The business of hair is booming

According to a recently published report, African women spend up to $7 billion on hair wigs, weaves and extensions. This includes hair maintenance such as shampooing and conditioning. The industry now stretches to as far as Brazil and China and has attracted giant players such as L’Oreal and Unilever. Hair is very important to black women, so it’s not surprising that women are spending a lot on it. This therefore is a huge business opportunity for young African entrepreneur.

Nicole Bilungi a Ugandan nurse living and working in Vancouver, Canada is already into this lucrative business. She uses her free time to make weaves and wigs for African women. After making huge returns from selling the hair to black women in Canada, she’s planning to expand her business to black women all over world.

She talked to us about juggling passion and profession.

What prompted you to venture in this business?
From the age of 10, I have always had a passion for fashion and beauty. When I got older I learnt hair braiding which I perfected by braiding hair for my sisters and friends.
When I moved to Canada, I realized that many black were spending money on hair almost every week. I had to tap into it. I went to beauty school where I took styling classes just for this.

How easy was it to starting the business?
Since I already possessed the passion for hair and weaving it wasn’t hard. I worked hard and saved up as much as I could. I had always wanted to start my own little business.

How do you juggle work as a nurse and your hair business?

I work 5 days a week. Weekends are dedicated to hair. Most of my promotion and marketing is done online so it’s not that hard. The hardest part is getting the product ready.

Take us through the process of production
I sketch unique hair styles on paper. The inspiration is always drawn from my clients preferences and of course the current hair trends. I then go online and buy the hair material. I always work with human hair. The rest of the work is basically styling.

Do you have plans of extending your business to Kampala?

I am planning to open up a store in Kampala, I’m also working on an e-commerce site to sell the hair to women all over the world. I’ve managed to grow my business with only social media and email. The next step is taking the business to another level.

You can get in touch with Nicole here or email nicolehouseofwigs@gmail.com

satisfashionug@gmail.com