So, my Call to Bar shoot is looming, and in the middle of planning, a friend offered a familiar suggestion: ditch my fresh passion twists for a frontal weave. Her reason? Braids and natural hair, she said, “don’t quite fit” for formal shoots — or even a night out clubbing.
That comment made me reflect on the quiet ritual many Nigerian women know all too well: hair code-switching. It’s that almost automatic shift: swapping our beloved braids, fros, and twists for weaves, wigs, or sleek buns when the occasion (or unspoken social expectations) demands it.
We’ll rock cornrows indoors on a Saturday, but by Monday morning, we’re in “corporate or glam mode.” We might proudly wear our afro to a casual hangout, only to reach for a wig when there’s a high-stakes event, or an upscale dinner.
There’s this subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) pressure to present a specific ‘look’ depending on the space we’re entering.
But why? Why can’t I (or you, or any of us) wear braids to the club, to that important meeting, or to a formal shoot, and feel completely in place?
Why do we feel like we have to justify our hair choices in certain rooms?
I’ve been sitting with those questions and gathering thoughts from young women across the country. From passionate believers in “any hair, any time” to those who strategically switch styles, let’s unpack this together.
1. Byakuya, 22, Ibadan
I genuinely don’t see the need to code-switch hairstyles. To me, it feels like an unnecessary standard we’ve placed on ourselves. I don’t believe certain hairstyles are only “suitable” for specific events. I’ll wear my all back anywhere — no matter the occasion.
As long as the hair is neat, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s braids, a frontal, an afro, or simple all back.
2. Jojo, 24, Abuja
I always feel the need to switch up my hair — different styles for different occasions. Some just feel more fitting than others. For example, boho braids, ponytails, weaves, and sew-ins work well for events like graduations or dinners, while styles like cornrows or shuku don’t always give the same vibe.
Personally, I prefer braids to weaves. They’re more comfortable and feel more me. But I’ve heard the “Why braids? Weaves look nicer” comment more than once.
3. Mary, 27, Lagos
I like braids, I really do. But I won’t be wearing them to formal-ish events. Birthday dinners, graduation ceremonies, big-girl clubbing, special work occasions, weddings… I’m booking that salon appointment and getting my frontal installed.
Why? The real question is, why not?
Weaves just make you look more put together, let’s be honest. But everyone can keep lying to themselves in the name of self-love.
4. Temi, 21, Abuja
I believe in wearing my hair however I like, but the conversation around hair is still very much governed by societal standards. I remember back in university, I had a blonde, low-cut style and was actually sent out of an exam hall because of it.
As an aspiring lawyer, I’m constantly reminded of how rigid these standards can be. For our call to the bar, we’re required to wear our hair a certain way, either cornrows made with our natural hair or a sleek bun, because that’s what’s deemed “professional.”
But the truth is, these standards aren’t universal. They vary depending on where you are and who’s making the rules. That’s why I firmly believe any hairstyle, as long as it’s neat and well-kept, should be considered acceptable in professional settings. It’s not the hair that needs to change, it’s society’s mindset.
5. Aima, 24, Lagos
I like to believe that I’m a self-aware person, and because of this, I tend to know what works for me in terms of looks. So, I opt for hairstyles that compliment my facial features, personality, and overall look. I have a very sensitive scalp, for instance, so for the longest time, I invested in buying good-quality wigs and hair extensions because I couldn’t stand the pain involved in getting braids. However, I recently found a braider who works for me, and I’ve been getting more braids than I usually would. First, I’d say know which works for you and stick with it. It doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing or what’s in trend, as long as you feel comfortable and beautiful.
As a young woman, try experimenting until you find your signature style that resonates with you best, and then you can switch it up every now and then. Hairstyles are versatile, so don’t limit yourself to a box because you feel like that’s what you’re supposed to do.
Also, it’s crucial to consider your budget when deciding what suits you well. I’m of the opinion that if you can’t afford high-quality wigs or hair extensions, then you can opt for more affordable options like braids or ponytails and still look equally nice. You don’t necessarily have to break the bank to fit in. It’s not a healthy mindset to have, because you’d end up feeling insecure about not just your hairstyle, but every other aspect of your life.
However, I would say generally there are different looks for different occasions—it’s not just hairstyles. You can’t wear a club outfit to a job interview, just as I think it’s unreasonable and ridiculous to assume that you can wear confident colour choices or hairstyles of specific lengths to certain places. For example, wearing bright red braids or orange wigs to a job interview would already give a wrong first impression. Or perhaps using braids as a bridesmaid when the bride requested something different for her wedding’s aesthetic. I, however, don’t think it has anything to do with your braids or wigs, but more about the style and colour choices of either of them, and whether or not they suit the particular event.
6. Yemi, 29, Abuja
Frontals and closure wigs are the propaganda I am not falling for—they look like caps on women’s heads. I will wear my braids to the club any day, any time, hell, I will wear my braids to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, because I look stunning in them. Plus, I don’t know how to explain it, but braids seem more believable on the scalp of black women.
7. Linda, 26, Lagos
This conversation reminds me of when I wore braids to a high-profile wedding and one of my friends told another friend that she was worried I wasn’t doing too well. Guess why? Because I didn’t have one of those “e dey shake” wigs on. Personally, neither braids nor weaves have me in a chokehold. There’s no one that I feel is more suited for an occasion than the other. I might wear boho braids to walk down the aisle, or I might go for an updo with a frontal. It all depends on how I’m feeling.
8. Ashley, 25, Abuja
I’ve definitely switched up my hair for specific events, but not because I think my 4C hair isn’t professional.
For me, it usually comes down to two things. What I’m wearing to the event, and how long I plan to keep my hair out before it starts hurting. 4C hair can be a lot to manage daily, and I don’t always have the time to style it every morning. That’s why you’ll usually catch me in wigs or braids.
Earlier this year, I discovered mini twists, and honestly, they’ve been a game-changer. Super convenient!
I know some women feel pressured to code-switch because their workplaces don’t consider natural styles “professional.” I think that’s BS (mind my French), and I wouldn’t entirely blame westernization either, because I know there’s a small percentage of people who don’t know how to style 4c hair neatly.
I’m lucky that my line of work doesn’t put that kind of pressure on me.
At the end of the day, I truly believe every woman should feel free to show up as her full self.
9. Eni, 25, Port Harcourt
Natural hair at formal events – styled or not – is usually a no-no… unless it’s in a sleek bun. Braids? Also a no for me. Maybe on vacation, on an island, where the vibe makes sense.
I remember when I first started stepping out of my shell, I’d show up to exclusive events in braids… meanwhile, the other hot girls were rocking frontals. Lol, shame covered me like a cloth. I started saving immediately to get my own wig.
Now, I’m obsessed. Not just because wigs are convenient, but because you can switch up your entire vibe in seconds. Some babes will argue, and I get it. I’ve been there. But once you get your money up, trust me, no one will need to tell you which one stands out more.
10. Ngozi, 24, Abuja
In this 21st century, I believe the meaning of hair has evolved. Hair has become a kind of social currency, a symbol of status. Why do I say this? Back in uni, I used to borrow my elder sister’s expensive wigs to school. Every time, people would ask, “Oh, where did you get your hair?” That kind of attention made me understand how much value society places on hair. It became a marker: she must be a rich babe, she’s a big babe, all based on how your hair looked.
But now, I see how flawed that thinking is.
I’m a big believer in comfort. Just like we preach self-love and being comfortable in your own skin, we should also extend that to our hair. And comfort doesn’t have to mean wearing your natural hair all the time; it means wearing what makes you feel good.
When it comes to how we present ourselves – hair, makeup, clothes – I believe we should choose what we genuinely like, what suits us, and what we feel confident in. These days, I wear wigs without installing them just so my scalp can breathe. That’s what works for me.
So when someone says braids or natural hair aren’t “appropriate” for the club or a formal event, I think it says more about their own conditioning. It’s a reflection of how they’ve been taught to see the hair that naturally grows from our heads, and it’s unfortunate.
Social media has added to the pressure. Hair now comes with price tags that scream status. You see wigs going for 1.5 million naira, you can’t get braids for that price. So, of course, human hair carries that illusion of exclusivity and wealth. And yes, it’s expensive for good reason – the sourcing, the craftsmanship – but just because you can’t afford it doesn’t mean you’re less than someone who can.
Beauty standards are also driven by trends. I remember when natural hair was the thing. The fro, the twist-outs, the shea butter girls. It was a movement. Now, it’s something else. And that just proves how fluid everything really is.
In the end, wear what you want. Be who you are. Whether it’s your natural hair, a wig, braids, or a bun. What matters most is that it’s your choice.
Which of these women’s responses resonates with you?
*This article has been edited and condenced for clarity
