Due to Ghana’s recent outbreak of inflation, wig vendors there have opted to raise the cost of their goods over the Christmas season.
They claim that they have had to raise the majority of the pricing of women’s wigs over the holiday season due to the pace of inflation.
JoyNews’ visit to the Makola market revealed that the majority of women had visited wig stores to obtain hair extensions for a fresh look this Christmas but were dissatisfied because they could not typically afford to do so.
One specific lady had budgeted for a GHC 22 wig for standard braiding but was unable to get three packs because the cost had increased to GHC 32 for one.
Disappointed as she was, she bought two and decided to come back for the extra one. Speaking in an interview with Joy News’ Maame Esi Thompson on Living Standard Series, she said, “it is ₵32 for one but I bought some last month and it was ₵22. I budgeted for ₵22 so I will buy two and will come back for the extra pack later. Whatever they will do, we are inside.”
One wig dealer, Felicia Otoo who diverted her clothing business into wig sales six years ago expressed her grievances on how she has lost most of her customers after she was compelled to increase her wig prices due to dollar and inflation rates.
“The villagers always come to buy in November, then the city ladies do their shopping in December but this year, the village customers never showed up and I suspect the transport fares are too expensive,” she said.
Many women have original ideas about how to style their hair for the Christmas celebrations, but the costs are out of their budget range.
It seems that despite the financial difficulties, beauty is also getting more expensive.
Felicia Otoo stated that women who couldn’t afford the premium ultra-type wig, which costs GH $1000 and up, would have to make do with inferior hair extensions.
“Someone bought two bundles for as much as GH₵1000. The longer it is, the higher the price. She bought about 32 inches. One bundle is almost about GH₵400.”
“At first, you could get a wig for GH₵30 but it is now GH₵50. This is as a result of the dollar rates. The human hair double blond used to be GH₵300 but now it is over GH₵700 so these days people prefer ultra and easy braid and lashes,” an attendant at one of the wig shops, Pokua explained.
