It’s time for the latest hairdos, fashion trends and beautification excesses.

The Christmas season has come again; and this year, despite the general outcry of financial hardship, the fashion and fitness industry seems geared to hit huge profit margins at the end of the day. Everywhere one goes, there is a prevailing atmosphere that makes “looking good” the business to get into. This season might be one of the most stressful for some people, particularly women as they prepare for end-of-year festivities. Women are not just focused on family preparation but physical looks.

As such, everywhere one turns, hair saloons have stocked up huge reserves of weave-on, oils, sprays, relaxers, shampoos and hair accessories. In all these shops, the managers hit a concordant note of optimism for a great return on investment. A saloon owner in Yaounde, Mildred P. laments not having more resources to invest into the business, because according to her, women must do their hair, come rain come shine. Popular about hairstyles requested by women this time are braids, those made with Brazilian human hair as well as dreadlocks in all its facets. 

The same level of confidence prevails among beauty/fitness shop owners, who all hold that during this season, women go for aesthetic embellishment. As such, operators in the sector say there is no way that business will not be good. Even better, beauticians say, is the fact that people spend on their kids and are more involved in items such as manicure and pedicure trends, which a few years ago used to be the panache of the rich and was reserved for exotic encounters or special occasions (like weddings).

Fat-burning has also become a compulsory part of the beautification menu in season, with the streets getting invaded with periodic joggers seeking to lose extra kilos, so as to better fit into party-gowns. There is also a rise in skin treatment, with many people now resorting to the use of natural solutions against acne, pimples, dry skin, stretch marks, depigmentation and uneven toning of the skin. Honey, lemon, garlic, onions, ginger and salt purchases have skyrocketed.

As such, rooms for skin care and body massage are booming with customers.  The hair, face, skin and other body parts, which need to be cleansed and made presentable for the pleasures of the season, are on the menu everywhere now.