For many Jamaican women, doing their own hair is something they struggle with.

They spend hours combing, brushing and pulling their hair, which can be very time consuming and strenuous on their arms.

Refusing to go through that struggle again, many turn to professional hairstylists and braiders to save them. But they are met with what they describe as outrageous prices. 

Some customers noted that it can cost you anywhere from your water bill to your rent to get your hair done in Jamaica.

Our Today conducted research and found that stylists and braiders in Jamaica are now charging up to $30,000 for services and sometimes even more, depending on the style.

Hairstyles such as faux locs and wigs top the list as the most expensive in the island. 

Hair prices in Jamaica

Consumers can find themselves paying between $6,000 and $28,000 for faux locs and up to $50,000 for wigs that require an installation fee of approximately $6,000 or more.

If you are interested in getting  braids, prices go from $4,000 to $10,000 and passion twist hairstyles can go from $3,000 to $12,000. All prices listed can be higher or lower depending on the length of the hairstyle.

Speaking with Our Today, Serena Campbell a regular braider, said: “Some of these braiders will also base the price on their location, but there are reasonable braiders out there.”

She clarified that she considers a reasonable price to be between $3,500 and $7,000 without hair.

Another frequent braider, Alaphia Cox, said she “understands that some hairdressers are charging for their time and trade but sometimes the results do not match the price”.

Hairdressing not considered a career in Jamaica

While speaking with Our Today, Shae-Shinel Stewart, a self-taught faux locs expert, stated that she believes hairdressers are underpaid.

Stewart noted that “Jamaicans do not view hair dressing as an actual career like they do in foreign countries. When you are doing hair overseas you can make a living, have a house and assets while the Jamaican ones are living hand to mouth.”

She added that stylists are” very talented and deserve to be paid what they are worth”.

Our Today also spoke with Mikayla Hillary, a hair braider who has been practising for two years. 

Hillary shared mixed feelings on the topic, stating that “it is good that hairdressers are charging what they think they are worth. However, I think that most of the prices for modern styles are based on US prices and US trends. It is hard to afford on a Jamaican pay rate”.

She then added that some hairdressers have to take into account rent for the space they occupy and equipment. In these instances, she felt the higher prices charged are fair.