Hair business, very lucrative worldwide —Angela Nnamezie

Angela Nnamezie, the Chief Executive Officer of Casa Angeles Signature, has a degree in Early Childhood Education from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). The Anambra Stete-born hairstylist, in this interview with TAYO GESINDE, speaks on the things one needs to do to succeed in the hair business. Excerpts:

Foray into beauty business

I have always wanted to be a hairstylist as a child, but my parents didn’t allow me to learn the skill because they felt it was a kind of distraction. By time I became an adult and was independent, I tried to do a couple of other things, like running a business centre and doing office jobs, but I was never good at them. So, I decided to learn what I have passion for, which is hairstyling. I did my training at a beauty salon in the University of Lagos. I was supposed to train for about a year but my boss, Mrs Tessy Irueghe of MIT Beauty Salon, employed me two months into the training as the manager and supervisor of the salon. Basically, I learnt on the job. I was with them for four years and afterwards, established my salon in 2012.

Challenges

The major challenge I have always had is getting good hands, that is, hairstylist that are as good as I am. Most times, I have had to style customers myself, which can be very overwhelming; this is making expansion difficult. I train people but the truth is that once you are good as a hairstylist, you are better off working for yourself. You make more money that way.

On remuneration

Hair business is very lucrative all over the world. Ladies must make their hair no matter how hard the economy is, and men too go for their weekly haircut.

Coping with competition

Well, the competition is much, but as long as you are good at what you do and have good customer relation with your clients, they will always come looking for you. I also keep myself updated on trendy hairstyles, which are what customers want. I am always on the Internet looking for styles that are in vogue and I also try to create my own styles. All these keep my clients coming to me.

On the notion that hairdressers are promiscuous

I have heard it too but it is not true. It is just a myth. Promiscuity is not tied to any profession in particular; it all depends on an individual, their values, morals and principles. Moreover, in our line of business, we deal mainly with women; about 95 per cent of our clients are women and the job does not even give one time for socialising.

What I like most about my job

The creativity. My job goes beyond just needle and thread.  I can change someone’s day or life just by spending a short time with them. Being a hairdresser is about nurturing a relationship with your client, by listening and catering to their needs or wants, as well as being sincere and truly caring about them. It’s about using art and talent to achieve a look that gives someone not only outer beauty but helps grow inner confidence to help them achieve their goals, while helping you reach yours. Being a hairdresser means truly loving people and giving them a bit of positivity for the day.

Starting hair business

To start the business, first and foremost, you need to have the zeal and passion, because it is what sustains you when the going gets tough. You also need formal training, equipment, as well as a good location to set up your business. It’s quite a lot but one can always start on a low scale then build on that. N500,000 can kick start a hair business, depending on the location and size of shop.

Choosing styles

Suitable styles for the oval shape are short and sharp, long and luxurious, bobbed, layered, curly, crimped, chignon, with or without a fringe. Anything goes for oval shape. For the heart shape on the other hand, fringe is an option but it is best worn short and choppy or longer and sliced into, rather than in a heavy unbroken straight line

As for the round shape, suitable styles include side parting, feathered or layered styles, high ponytails and up-dos with loose tendrils around the hairline and sides.  While for long shape, fringes, curls and flicks all work beautifully.

Hair breakage

Trim your split ends regularly. Every four to six weeks, your ends need a new beginning. Then, give your hair some deep conditioning love. Also, stay away from harsh chemicals and ingredients, minimise heat usage and try new products. Finally, be gentle on your mane and cleanse your scalp.

Advice to unemployed youths

They should acquire a skill in one of the many trades we have; find the one thing they are very good at, love to do and specialise in that. At the end, they will be appreciated by the community for their unique contributions.