LOLAEXPRESS HAIR concludes third women’s empowerment training

The third edition of the LOLAEXPRESS HAIR Women’s Empowerment Program has been concluded, marking another phase in an initiative aimed at equipping women with practical skills within Nigeria’s growing beauty industry.

The programme, held over three days from March 19 to 21, focused on professional hair colouring techniques. Designed as a beginner-friendly training, the sessions combined demonstrations with hands-on practice, allowing participants to engage directly with the tools, materials, and processes involved in the craft.

Now in its third year, the empowerment programme has developed into a structured platform for skill acquisition, particularly for women seeking alternative income opportunities or pathways into entrepreneurship. Participants in this year’s edition included students, early-stage creatives, and individuals looking to transition into the beauty sector.

The initiative is part of LOLAEXPRESS HAIR’s corporate social responsibility efforts and reflects a broader trend of privately led vocational training in Nigeria, where access to formal skill development opportunities can be limited or costly. By offering the programme at no cost, the organisers aim to reduce barriers to entry and make training accessible to a wider group of participants.

Founder of LOLAEXPRESS HAIR, Omolola Akinboade, noted that the programme was shaped by a need to create more practical opportunities for women.

“What many women need is not sympathy, but access,” she said. “When people are given the chance to learn something practical, it changes how they see themselves and what they believe is possible.”

During the training, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of hair colouring, including product knowledge, preparation techniques, and application processes. The structure of the sessions emphasised repetition and practice, ensuring that attendees were able to develop confidence in executing what they learned rather than relying on theory alone.

At the end of the programme, participants received certificates of completion, while selected individuals were provided with starter tools intended to support their transition from training into practice. Organisers explained that the inclusion of tools was aimed at helping participants take immediate steps after the programme, particularly those who may not have access to basic equipment.

Over the past three years, the programme has attracted women from diverse backgrounds, including those navigating financial constraints, career uncertainty, or limited access to formal employment. While outcomes vary, organisers say the focus remains on providing a foundation that participants can build on independently.

Akinboade added that the decision to maintain a consistent structure for the programme has been intentional, with each edition refining specific areas of training.

“We’ve learned that consistency matters,” she said. “Each edition allows us to improve the process and focus more on what participants actually need to move forward.”

This year’s emphasis on hair colouring represents a shift towards more specialised training within the programme. Previous editions had focused on broader hairstyling techniques, but organisers noted that narrowing the scope allowed for deeper engagement and better skill retention.

Industry observers point out that initiatives like this contribute to the informal economy by supporting small-scale enterprise development, particularly in sectors such as beauty, where entry is largely skill-based. For many participants, vocational training provides a practical alternative to traditional employment pathways, especially in an environment where job opportunities can be limited.

Beyond technical skills, programmes of this nature often have secondary effects, including improved confidence and expanded professional networks. While these outcomes are less measurable, they are frequently cited by participants as important aspects of the experience.

The continued expansion of privately organised training initiatives also reflects a broader shift towards self-driven career development, where individuals seek out opportunities to acquire skills outside formal institutions. In this context, accessibility, affordability, and relevance of training become key factors in determining participation.

With the conclusion of its third edition, the LOLAEXPRESS HAIR Women’s Empowerment Program adds to a growing body of grassroots efforts focused on skill development and economic participation. While relatively small in scale, such initiatives highlight the role of targeted training in creating entry points into industries that rely on practical expertise.

As vocational skills continue to gain relevance in Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape, programmes like this are likely to remain an important part of how individuals access opportunities, build livelihoods, and navigate changing work environments.