Femininity is often tied to length and style of hair—typically braids, natural hair or wigs—in the Nigerian community. As such, cutting one’s hair as a lady can seem like swimming against the tide. Ladies cutting their hair often get stares, questions and unsolicited opinions. Sometimes they are labelled as “masculine,” “weird,” or simply “not beautiful enough.”
However, there are personal and practical reasons these ladies choose to go under the scissors or clippers. Whether it’s a matter of cost, convenience, or hair breakage, more OAU female students are embracing a low cut and the freedom that comes with it.
Whatever the reason may be, few of these students have shared the reason behind their decision and how people respond to their looks.
Why the Big Chop?
Chioma Adekoya, a 300-level Public Administration student who started her low-cut journey in 2020, stated that it was more about convenience and hair health. She says, ‘Making hair was stressful because I had natural hair and had to make it at the end of every week—it got rough easily. I also have thick hair, and most hairdressers didn’t know how to handle my hair.’ Her decision is personal; hairdressers left her frustrated, and her hair growth was slow despite her efforts.
Another student, named Christianah, who has a long history of cutting her hair, stated her reason. She said, ‘Convenience, as in, I don’t like stress. Also, I knew I could rock any hairstyle,’ she says. I’ve been cutting my hair since Primary 2. I do it as the spirit leads.’ Her decision to cut her hair wasn’t based on necessity, but personal comfort and style.
On the other hand, Oludayo Akanji, a 200-level student in the Department of Arts and Social Science Education, has a different reason. She says, ‘I cut my hair 3 months ago—that’s April, if I’m not mistaken—because of a health issue.’
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How has cutting your hair saved you time and money on haircare?
Eniola Adefajo, an Agricultural Extension and Rural Development student in her first year, was very clear on this:
‘Cutting my hair has saved me both time and money,’ she said. ‘Ladies understand how long it takes to get a hairdo. Most times, one would have to dedicate a day to it. Also, the extensions now cost an arm and a leg, so cutting my hair has saved me from that.’
Christianah firmly affirms that it has saved her time, time to catch some good sleep. She says, ‘I don’t like sitting for long. But I won’t say it has saved me money because I have siblings who are ready to sponsor it.’
Chioma agrees that going low has been economical. She said: ‘I only cut my hair once in 3–5 months. That means I just have to cut my hair about two or three times in a year—and the cost isn’t at an exorbitant rate.’
Low Cut: Trends or Practicality?
There has been a slight increase in ladies going low on campus. Do you think it’s a trend? While Dayo appreciates the different look that cutting her hair gives her, she doesn’t think it’s a trend. She says, ‘It’s preference and personal reasons.’
Uncertain, Eniola says, ‘I don’t know about this. I feel everybody has their reason, could be hair loss or anything else.’
However, Chioma’s opinion differed slightly. She says, ‘I think ladies cut their hair for different reasons. My roommate cut her hair recently because it wasn’t growing well. But I really can’t say it’s the trend. Maybe cutting one’s hair and dyeing it or wearing a wig on a low cut can be a trendy thing, but not the cutting itself.’
People’s Reactions, Your Response
Christianah had this to say: ‘People usually say I look masculine, but I don’t mind—it’s my head. Even my parents don’t have a say.’
Dayo had mixed reactions: ‘They are surprised and feel bad at the same time, but it’s not the same with my family.’
Eniola, who had always cut her hair at intervals, said: ‘Most people thought I looked good with cutting my hair and immediately accepted my decision, while others were mad at me. My family members loved it. I’ve grown to be satisfied with how I look and have learned to ignore people’s validation or comments. I overlook most crude remarks and tell them they’d get used to my look.’
Chioma also reflected on her experience: ‘I don’t necessarily care about their comments because it is my comfort and style I am looking for. It’s my comfort before anybody’s opinion. I even tried making it last year, but just gave up. God knows when next I’ll try.’
Final Thoughts
Many consider going low for a lady as drastic or rebellious; however, it can also be a form of self-expression and even self-care. Like one of the interviewees advised, cutting your hair as a lady isn’t something you do just because you feel like it one morning. More often than not, there’s a reason or story behind it. So, whether it’s about saving time or money, or trying something new, these students remind us that beauty doesn’t lie in the braids or bun.