Nigeria's hair debate: Natural or wigs?

A viral video of Malian model Zahra Haidara burning her wigs has reignited the debate in Nigeriaover natural versus artificial hair. For many Nigerian women, choosing natural hair is more than a style — it reflects cultural identity, authenticity, and a rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards. Surveys show that while a growing number of women embrace natural hair, the haircare market in Nigeria remains heavily driven by wigs, weaves, and chemical relaxers, highlighting the ongoing tension between tradition, personal expression, and global beauty trends.