To commemorate its 25th anniversary, Wahl Clippers Corporation USA will be rewarding winners of Lagos State Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmetologists Association (LABHCA) Barbers competition.
The competition which kicked off in January will be coming to a climactic end at the grand finale where 10 finalists will battle for cash prizes and Wahl clippers on November 23at Hi-Tech field, Orisunmbare, Alimosho, Lagos.
Known for its premium quality, Wahl Clippers has over the years supported the barbers association in ensuring that they are celebrated as well as rendering financial support to ease their ways of doing business. In the past 24 years, the brand has also held its own competition where barbers are rewarded with gifts as well as educated on trends and health tips on male grooming.
The clippers were introduced to the Nigerian market by Chief Victor Mbadiwe, through his company J.Green Mbadiwe & Sons Ltd. Since then, the company has continued to dominate the market despite the influx of fake and substandard clippers in the market.
“It’s been an amazing journey for us. We can only be grateful to the barbers who have come to the realisation that nothing comes close to our product because we don’t compromise our quality in any way. Of course, the market has become competitive but we are proud to be a leader in the market,” said Mbadiwe.
Mrs. Ijaoba Oladipupo, LABHCA’s president affirmed the quality of Wahl Clippers in her statement: “Wahl Clippers is a statement of class. Barbers who use Wahl clippers are highly respected. It is affordable and durable and easy to use even for a first-timer.”
Regarding the value of the industry, Mbadiwe stated that the industry has a lot of potentials.
“Male grooming in Nigeria is gradually gaining recognition. Most people limit it to clothes but a man’s fashion goes beyond what he wears. His overall look starts from the head.
What hair-cut is he wearing? Is he clean-shaven or not? Remember, the hair needs daily grooming which starts from the barbing salon. If you don’t use the right clipper, you will end up with cuts or bruises that can lead to some skin diseases.
All of these we try to highlight in our competitions. Barbers are not mere artisans. They are also stakeholders in the fashion world, because they determine the trends.”
About ten contestants competed in the monthly contests, out of which four winners emerged. The numbers were further trimmed during the semi-finals. However, only ten finalists made it to the grand finale.
The finalists will be judged based on their professionalism, poise, handling of tool, creativity and finishing. The winner and runners-up will be rewarded with cash prizes, wahl clippers and other consolation prizes.
