The future of luxury hair is beyond beauty — Omolola Akinboade

The future of luxury hair is not just about product excellence; it is about innovation and education. Technology is changing how beauty brands operate. From AI-driven consultations to virtual try-ons, the industry is embracing tools that make the customer experience more personal and interactive.

In a statement released by Omolola Akinboade in a recent engagement of beauty experts, she stated that “When people think about luxury hair, their first thoughts usually center on beauty, glamour, and style. But for me, luxury hair has always meant something deeper. It is about identity, confidence, and possibility. I have seen how the right product can transform how a woman feels about herself and how she shows up in the world. I have also seen how the global market is shifting; women everywhere are demanding not just hair that looks beautiful, but hair that represents quality, authenticity, and artistry.”

“When I founded LolaExpress Hair in 2017, my vision was simple: to prove that Nigeria could produce wigs and extensions that would rival the best in the world. At the time, the luxury hair market was dominated by imports, and there was an assumption that only hair produced abroad could meet the highest standards. I chose to challenge that assumption. Today, our products serve women in the top one percent of the Nigerian market and are increasingly recognized internationally. That journey has been powered by a refusal to compromise on quality. Every strand, every piece, must reflect our belief that African craftsmanship deserves global respect.”

“For us at LolaExpress, innovation means thinking about how to merge tradition with technology. Our clients value craftsmanship, but they also value convenience. Our future is about creating products and services that meet both needs seamlessly.”

“Another critical aspect of the future is empowerment. Too often, luxury is seen as exclusive, something reserved for the few. But I believe the luxury industry has a responsibility to open doors, not close them. Through LEH Academy, we are training hairstylists, wig makers, and bridal stylists to master their craft and to build businesses of their own. Through LEH Empowerment, we go even further, offering free training to underserved women and girls who would otherwise never have access to this industry. I have seen young women who had no opportunities transform into confident entrepreneurs because they acquired a skill. That is the kind of future luxury must embrace, one where impact is as important as image.”

“As I continue my journey, including pursuing an Executive MBA at Rome Business School, my goal is to position LolaExpress not just as a hair company, but as a platform for influence. We will keep delivering products that meet the highest global standards, but we will also continue to challenge the notion of what a luxury brand should be. Luxury must be innovative. Luxury must be ethical. And most importantly, luxury must empower.”

The global hair market is growing rapidly, and Nigeria is part of that story. The challenge for us as entrepreneurs is to ensure that Africa is not just a consumer of global trends but a leader in shaping them. The world is ready to recognize the excellence that comes out of this continent. With determination, innovation, and empowerment, I believe the future of luxury hair belongs not just to brands like LolaExpress, but to the communities and women we uplift along the way.

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