There’s a certain type of peace that comes with walking into your favourite salon, hair loosely tied back, gloss popping, and your own neatly packed salon bag swinging from your shoulder like you’ve got your whole life together. Because let’s face it, Ghanaian salons are an experience, they’re where gossip flows as fast as the hair dryers, where you go in for a braid-up and leave with relationship advice, and where time somehow always slows down.
As a fashion and lifestyle writer who’s clocked countless hours in salons from Kumasi to Accra, I’ve learnt one golden truth, the key to a stress-free hair day is a well-packed salon bag. It’s not just a cute accessory, it’s a survival kit. Whether you’re waiting three hours for your braider to “come now now,” or battling the Kumasi heat during a middayblowdry, your salon bag becomes your secret weapon.
And don’t worry, I’ve made all the rookie mistakes so you don’t have to. From forgetting my hair conditioner to using my last GHS 20 to buy snacks I could’ve packed from home, I’ve seen it all. So, here’s a list of 5 reasons every Ghanaian lady needs a salon bag.
- Time Is Never on Your Side, Sis
Let’s be real, even the best salons in Ghana have their time struggles. “Come at 10”might mean “We’ll start at 12.” And no, it’s not because they don’t respect your time, it’s just part of the culture. Your stylist might be finishing someone else’s wig install, or the power might be out. You can either get frustrated or come prepared. And trust me, having a salon bag packed with a good book, your tablet, headphones, or even a notebook to plan out your goals makes all the difference. You turn what could be a frustrating wait into a mini reset.
Instead of doom-scrolling Instagram on low battery or stressing about how much time has passed, your salon bag becomes your toolkit for peace. Maybe you catch up on your favourite podcast or finally get around to writing that to-do list that’s been haunting your mind. Bonus points if you’re that effortlessly chic babe flipping through Homegoing while sipping boxed juice because suddenly, the three-hour delay is not a crisis, it’s curated soft life. And in a place like kumasi, where the hustle never sleeps, sometimes the salon is the only place you have to slow down. Why not enjoy it on your own terms?
2. Snacks = A Happy Girl
There’s something about getting your hair done that makes you 10x hungrier than usual. Maybe it’s the heat from the dryer, the hours of sitting still, or the pure emotional journey of detangling a 4C hair but the hunger hits hard. And once those curls are halfway set or your braids are midway, you’re trapped. You can’t just say “I will be right back” and dash to your favorite waakye joint. This is where your salon bag swoops in like a hero, stocked with plantain chips, chin chin, or even that bougie bottled sobolo you’ve been gatekeeping.
Having your own snacks keeps your energy up and your mood stable. No one wants to be the cranky girl in the salon chair, or worse the one spending GHS 30 on yogurt and meat pie you didn’t even enjoy. Snacks save money, time, and even make you a bit of a salon sweetheart. Offer a biscuit to the girl next to you or your hairdresser, and boom you’ve made a new friend. Trust me, snacks have a way of turning a long, draining appointment into a mini chill hangout.
3. Your Hair Deserves Specific Products, Not Whatever They Have at the Salon
Let’s face it, not all salons are created equal, and even the best ones may not stock your must-have products. If you’re a natural hair queen, you know how vital it is to use the right leave-in conditioner, oils, and styling creams that match your hair’s unique texture and needs. You can’t always count on the salon to have what works for you, and more often than not, you’re left relying on generic products that might leave your hair dry, flaky, or irritated. Whether it’s that miracle curl cream you swear by or that lightweight scalp oil you can’t live without, salons don’t always cater to every hair type or preference.
This is why having your own salon bag is a game-changer. With your go-to products packed and ready, you’re not at the mercy of the salon’s limited selection. Whether it’s your favorite edge control for that perfect sleek finish, or a nourishing oil to combat dryness, you ensure that your hair gets the TLC it deserves. Plus, you avoid those dreaded moments where you end up with breakouts from unfamiliar products or those “Why does my scalp feel itchy?” feelings a few days later. Trust, the peace of mind knowing your hair’s in good hands.
4. Keep Your Own Tools Clean and Close
Let’s be honest, some salons in Ghana are doing their best, but cleanliness isn’t always top of mind. We’ve all seen it: the same comb being passed from client to client, rollers that haven’t seen soap since the Year of Return. You might pretend not to notice, but your scalp? She definitely does.
That’s why bringing your own tools, your detangling brush, wide-tooth comb, silk wrap, and even hair clips isn’t “extra”; It’s essential. It’s how you protect your hair, scalp, your peace of mind, and your edges. You know exactly where your tools have been, how often they’re cleaned, and that they’re just for you. Don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be a whole hairdressers kit bag, just pop your tools into a cute mini pouch or zip-up case that fits right into your salon bag. Extra cool girl points if it matches your vibe, pastel pink, Ankara print, or even clear acrylic, the moment you unzip it? You’ll feel like a professional stylist walking into your own glam session. Let’s be real, hygiene is self- care and clean tools are equal to healthy hair and confident queen energy.
5. Post-Salon Face Beat? You’ll Need a Mini Makeup Kit
You’ve just finished getting your hair done, your edges are laid, your braids are tight, or your silk press is flowing like you’re in a shampoo commercial. You’re feeling like that girl until you catch your reflection and realize your lips are dry and your T-zone is shining like the Ghana sun at 2 p.m.
And as luck would have it, today is the day you’ll randomly bump into that one person who always sees you at your worst (We all have that one person who never meets us all glammed up) or even that one boy you are crushing on in the neighborhood. This is not the time to be caught unprepared, that is why your salon bag absolutely needs a mini makeup kit. It doesn’t have to be a full glam makeup kit, just the essentials to freshen up and match the energy your hair is giving. Think of the basics like the compact powder to deal with the shine, a lip gloss or balm to keep the lip glossy and moisturized and maybe even a mascara if you’re feeling extra. Don’t forget a travel size perfume, just a little spritz of your signature scent can instantly boost your confidence. Whether you’re hopping on a trotro, a taxi or strutting through the streets of Ahodwe to
run personal errands, smell good, feel good, and own the street.
Having a salon bag isn’t extra, it’s essential and owning one might seem like a small thing, but once you start, you’ll never go back. Whether you’re team relaxed, natural, or wig life, it’s time to level up how you approach your beauty appointments. This is your sign to put together the perfect salon bag, it doesn’t have to be anything extra or expensive just start small and build it as you go to suit your salon or hair needs.
Written By Thelma Anowaa
Thelma Anowaa is a fashion and lifestyle writer with a sharp eye for style and a love for good stories. When she’s not telling other people’s stories, she’s helping shape them, working as a PR consultant for brands that want to make noise and actually be heard.