Barbers lament low patronage, cheaper hair cut

By Damilola Kushimo

Following the relaxation of lockdown which allowed resumption of some business activities, barbers in Isolo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) have continued to lament about low patronage as well as customers’ demand for haircut at cheaper rates.

Due to the effect of the lockdown which has reduced purchasing capacity of many citizens, the number of people patronizing barbers has greatly reduced while the few ones still getting their hair cut at barber’s shop demand reduction in their payment for the service.

Ordinarily, payment for simple hair cut is between N300 and N500 but being unable to afford the costs, many people have resorted to self-service, engaging neighbours to get their hair shaved.

Complaining about the situation, the Chairman of Lagos State Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (LABHCA), Isolo chapter, Mr. Deji Adewunmi, said many of them (the barbers) were in a tight situation as they make little or no sales on daily basis.

He said: “Since the lockdown was eased, some of our members in the locality who have resumed for business activities have been complaining of low patronage and also plea for pay cut from the few customers that come for our services.

“We lost so many customers during the lockdown as some who have clippers at home have had to resort to cutting their hair by themselves as well as other possible alternatives. It hasn’t been encouraging getting our business back to what it used to be and we understand that all this could be blamed on the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.”

He, however, made a plea to the governments across all levels to help revive Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as soon as the coronavirus is tamed.

“We understand that the fight against the virus is still on and the part we play as residents of the community and service provider is very important. Our members are law abiding, we’ve told them to, at all times especially while at work, make use of face mask, ensure every customer wash their hands with soap and water, and use sanitizers before entering their shops and even when going out in order to limit the risk of contamination.

“However, as we play our part to complement government’s relentless efforts, we earnestly look forward to business-reviving support from government in the post Covid-19 season because we have great optimism that we will get over this situation soon,” he said.