The subject of this interview is Boluwaatito Elegbeleye, a hair enthusiast and the founder of Healthy Hair Tribe, an up-and-coming hair care brand. Tito has been into hair since 2018. She started her hair business during her undergraduate days at Obafemi Awolowo University. She talks about her brand, her love for hair care, and how women should find confidence and beauty in their hair types.
What drove you into the hair business?
My passion for hair care and all things hair. I used to be really curious about growing and caring for one’s hair, so I started reading blogs and doing research. And I started implementing things I had learned online and also giving people random hair tips. I started a hair business because in School then, OAU Ife, there was no place to buy affordable n hair products. I used to buy it in my products in Lagos, and anytime I found it in Ife, it would be overpriced. And people that consulted me always asked where they could get the hair products I recommended, so I started selling hair products. I didn’t even plan to start. When I give people hair advice, I always got suggestions about starting a hair business, but I always told them no. So how I started, I just did a pre-order for a natural hair set that someone asked me for, and that’s how I started.
What Year Did You Start?
2018
How did the name Healthy Hair Tribe come about?
I saw this randomly on the internet, and I don’t remember where and it struck me because my business is a mixture of the natural hair care side and hair extensions. I currently make wigs and revamp old weaves and wigs, but I don’t retail weaves yet. So when I wanted to pick a name, after a lot of confusion, it came to my mind, and I checked to be sure no one was using it. I wanted a name that was all-inclusive for ladies with natural hair, relaxed hair, locs, short hair, ladies that love to wear extensions, and men that want to grow their hair too.
How lucrative is it?
Well, it’s lucrative. Different factors come into play, though: clients, location, and popularity. I think Hair is lucrative generally.
How is the Hair Business in Nigeria generally?
I don’t know how to answer this, but let me try. Nigerian women love to look good, so hair is something that will always be relevant. I think it’s fine, but you know there are different hair businesses. Personally, I deal with both natural haircare and wig-making. Natural hair retail isn’t as popular and established as the human hair business, so we still have a lot of convincing to do for natural hair care. There is convincing ladies to rock their hair and care for it. But the Human hair business in Nigeria is really wonderful cause ladies love to look good, and vendors source for good hair from around the world.
How do you think beauty standards are perceived in Nigeria/Globally when it comes to hair?
I think hair is really a big deal. Yeah, I think natural hair is still stereotyped as not beautiful enough, but so many people are changing this narrative though. And yeah, society still tends to see weaves as more beautiful and classy. But, personally, I feel people should be allowed to do whatever works for them regarding hair and not let society’s perception of what is beautiful or not affect their choices.[2]
How big are you hoping your brand will Be? Or is it something you want to keep as a side business?
Much more than it is right now by God’s grace. It’s not something I want to do by the side forever. I want to do some other things, but hair is really important to me.
Are you hoping to have a hair enterprise still no matter the career you choose?
Yesss
How should people recognize fake hair products, and what are some hair scams you think people still fall for?
For originals, they can check the barcode number on barcode websites. Buy from trusted retailers too. Scams: buying products that promise you rapid hair growth in a ridiculously short period, or just following trends and buying any product in vogue without doing your research.
Do you think some products actually work?
Yes, I do. But it also requires consistent efforts, and I don’t believe there are any “Magic” products. Although some products are more effective for any hair issue, you might be dealing with them more than others.
Do you think everyone’s hair can be helped?
Yes. Trichologists (hair doctors) are trained for that particular purpose.
How do you handle clients with not-so-pleasant hair?
I do my best to advise and recommend products, and if that doesn’t work after the client’s consistent usage. Then, I advise them to visit a Trichologist for further help. We all have different hair types and textures, but I don’t believe anyone’s hair is beyond redemption.[3]
Any tips for girls with good hair and girls with not-so-great hair?
Don’t neglect your hair; it’s yours💯. Have a good hair routine that fits your lifestyle. I also don’t believe anyone has not-so-great hair; we all have different hair types.
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What do you have to say to ladies who aren’t particularly proud of their hair?
I would like them to ask themselves why? If it is because of society’s perception of what good hair looks like, they should ignore it. No one’s hair is perfect. To anyone currently ashamed of their hair, I would say: you are wonderfully and fearfully made by God. Your hair is beautiful; it’s your hair; no need to be ashamed💕
Tito is open for all kinds of hair services, from consultation to wig making and revamping to recommending hair products and hair care practices for any hair texture. You can reach Tito on Instagram on Instagram @healthyhairtribe and @tito_e
