More Male Hairdressers Emerge In Fashion Industry In Awka And Environs

When you think hairdressing, you naturally think women.

But that is not the case anymore, as more young men continue to give female hairstylists a tough run for their money.

A visit by the ABS Correspondent, Blessing Uchendu around town and reports that one unique, perhaps, strange thing to be noticed when you visit male salons is that women often prefer to queue up and wait for the male workers to make their hair, fix their eyelashes and nails among others.

Perhaps there are so many motivations why men venture into hairdressing, defying both the stereotype and complexity of a job that requires a unique sense of style.

Speaking to the ABS, a male hair stylist in Awka, Mr Ebuka Nweke, who has many female apprentices learning from him, said that he loves the profession, and has other outlets in different towns in Anambra State, with the aim of helping youths to be self-employed, noting that what makes male hair stylists special is that most men have the ability to listen to their customers, give them what they want and as well follow trends.

Another male hair stylist, Mr Gabriel Ezeiekel, who specializes in making ladies wig and fixing of weavons, said that for one to go higher in any profession, early discovery of one’s talent and passion to do the job were paramount, and noted that ladies both within and outside the state patronize him because he is always ready to give them the best and advised youths not to sit and wait for white collar jobs when they have the chance of maximizing their talents.

Another male hairdresser, Mr Chidiebere Agwoeke, who runs his business in partnership with his wife, Mrs Favor Agwoeke, said that he specializes in fixing nails, lashes, weavons, while the wife do more of plaiting, saying that all the apprentices with them learn fast, and together, they strive towards expanding the business and help reduce unemployment.

On why they prefer male hair stylist to the female ones, some customers, including Nzubechukwu Okeke and Chioma Dike, said that male hairdresser pay more attention to details and that they are always ready to give in their best.