Lagos Dumpsites and the Dark Trade of Secondhand Wigs
In the heart of Nigeria’s economic capital, where trash often turns into treasure, a disturbing trend is emerging:
wigs recovered from massive urban dumpsites are finding their way back into the market and eventually onto people’s heads.
Behind the bargain prices lies a potentially dangerous secret that health experts say every Nigerian woman should know.
The Burgeoning Wig Trade in Lagos Dumpsites
In Lagos, a city that produces over 5.46 million tonnes of waste each year, dumpsites have become thriving centers for informal recycling.
From electronics to clothes, and now wigs, scavengers are cashing in on items most people throw away without a second thought.
At major dumpsites like Olusosun in Ojota, Solous in Igando, and Ewu-Elepe (popularly called Dumping) in Ikorodu,
secondhand wigs are being retrieved, cleaned, and repackaged for resale.
According to a detailed investigation by PUNCH Healthwise, these wigs, often in surprisingly good condition,
are collected in Lagos dumpsites and shipped in bulk to northern Nigerian states, including Niger, where demand is higher.
A dealer who spoke anonymously explained in Pidgin English: “Dem no too value wigs for here (Lagos),
but up north, women dey rush am.” For him and many others, wigs are just another commodity to flip for profit.
From Trash to Treasure: The Market Mechanics
Scavengers at the dumpsites have created a micro-economy centered around Lagos’s waste.
Alongside metals, electrical parts, and clothes, wigs are now part of a booming trade.
The Lagos dumpsites wigs are often washed with detergents, straightened using low-grade heat tools, and oiled to give them a fresh appearance.
“Wetin concern woman with where wig come from? As long as e fine and soft,” the dealer laughed.
The roadside stalls where these wigs end up are popular with low-income earners and fashion-conscious buyers looking for affordable beauty products.
A visit to Ikorodu’s Sabo Market confirmed that resellers are blending these wigs with other secondhand goods, offering them at irresistible prices.
What Lies Beneath: The Silent Health Crisis
Though these wigs may appear shiny and new, medical professionals are sounding the alarm.
Consultant dermatologist Dr. Roli Madubuko from the University of Benin warns that these wigs could carry bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
“They may be harboring organisms that cause skin diseases such as Tinea capitis (ringworm), folliculitis, and even lice infestations,” she explained.
“Infected wigs can lead to scalp boils, rashes, itching, and hair loss.”
Dr. Nkiruka Onodugo from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital added that even disinfectants and bleach used to ‘clean’
the wigs could cause allergic reactions like contact dermatitis.
“Some people start reacting just hours after wearing contaminated wigs.
Others may experience delayed reactions that lead to long-term scalp damage,” she warned.
Scientific Backing: The Hidden Chemical Threat
Beyond microorganisms, toxic chemicals found in synthetic wigs add another layer of concern.
A 2022 study by Nigerian researchers revealed that many synthetic wigs tested in Nigeria were contaminated with pesticide residues.
These chemicals are linked to infertility, hormonal disruption, and even cancer.
Consumers often remain unaware of these threats due to the absence of labeling and quality control in the secondhand wig market.
In the rush to look stylish on a budget, health takes a back seat.
The Gendered Impact of a Toxic Trend
Wigs are a popular fashion item among Nigerian women,
especially in regions where maintaining natural hair is expensive or difficult.
This demand, unfortunately, makes many women vulnerable to unregulated wig resellers.
A street food vendor known as Iya Tinubu at the Dumping site confirmed: “Na normal business.
We dey pick cloth and wigs, wash am, package, sell am go Sabo. Women dey buy am like dat.”
While the economic incentive is understandable, the hidden risks make this practice deeply problematic.
What looks like a harmless beauty accessory could be a ticking time bomb for unsuspecting users.
Why This Matters: Economic Desperation vs. Public Health
The trade in discarded wigs exposes a broader issue:
the intersection of poverty, lack of regulation, and public health negligence.
With Nigeria’s inflation rate skyrocketing and disposable income dwindling,
more people are turning to cheaper alternatives, unaware of the long-term consequences.
Experts suggest that until a structured intervention is made, Nigerians will continue to be exposed to avoidable health risks.
A Call to Action: What Can Be Done?
1. Consumer Awareness Campaigns: NGOs and health bodies should run education campaigns to warn against buying wigs from unverified sources.
2. Government Regulation: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) should set standards and monitor wig resellers.
3. Better Waste Management: Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) can partner with communities to identify and control illegal trade in harmful secondhand items.
4. Support for Local Wig Makers: Promoting locally produced, affordable wigs could help meet demand without risking health.
What Consumers Can Do
Buy wigs from licensed retailers or brands that guarantee hygiene and quality.
If purchasing secondhand, disinfect thoroughly and ensure the wig is fitted properly.
Avoid wigs with strong chemical smells or obvious signs of wear and tear.
Expert Recommendations for Safer Wig Use
Dermatologists advise that:
Natural hair should be kept clean and moisturized.
Avoid sharing wigs or hair accessories.
Watch out for allergic reactions like itching, bumps, or redness after use.
Ministry of Health: Missing in Action?
Repeated efforts to get a response from the Federal Ministry of Health on the risks posed by this practice have so far been unsuccessful.
Until official policies address this issue, the burden lies heavily on individual awareness.
Between Beauty and Safety
In a society where appearance matters and affordability is crucial, it’s easy to see why secondhand wigs are a booming business.
But with evidence mounting about the health dangers associated with these wigs, the trend could have long-term public health implications.
The government must act, consumers must be aware, and the media must continue to shed light on this growing problem.
Your health is not worth the price of a cheap wig.
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