In Cuba, getting a hair makeover has become a luxury beyond the reach of many women as they grapple with a severe economic crisis characterized by low wages, rampant inflation, and widespread shortages. This reality is starkly illustrated in a viral TikTok video shared by Cuban user @briana_matancera, revealing the hefty price she recently paid for a hair treatment on the island.
The young woman in the video shares that she hadn't been able to care for her hair the way she'd wanted for years. In 2025, she made it her goal to change her look, but she clarifies that such expenses often take a backseat in Cuba due to pressing economic priorities.
"Women cannot fully develop if we must always have our basic needs met, because we simply can't skip meals to get our hair done," she remarks.
The content creator visited a Cuban beauty salon to get a balayage, a highly sought-after hair coloring technique. She praised the excellent service she received, including customary gestures like offering coffee, which she notes is a staple in every Cuban household.
While she was pleased with the final result, the cost was significant: $50 USD, a sum that, when converted at the informal market rate, equals several months' salary for a Cuban state worker. She invited her followers to share their thoughts, asking, "Let me know in the comments what you think and if you consider the price fair."
The video quickly sparked mixed reactions. Some viewers deemed the price "reasonable" compared to other countries, while many Cubans highlighted its inaccessibility for most women on the island, where the minimum wage barely covers basic food needs.
In recent years, beauty services in Cuba have seen a sharp price increase driven by the de facto dollarization of the economy, the high cost of imported products, and the scarcity of supplies in the local market. Hair dyes, bleaches, and treatments are often bought in dollars or at inflated prices on the black market.
For numerous Cuban women, maintaining their hair has shifted from a matter of aesthetics to a symbol of economic disparity, illustrating how the crisis forces them to choose between essential needs and personal care.
Understanding the Economic Challenges of Hair Care in Cuba
Why is hair care so expensive in Cuba?
Hair care in Cuba is costly due to the increasing dollarization of the economy, high import costs for beauty products, and scarcity of supplies, which drive prices up significantly.
How does the cost of hair care impact Cuban women?
The high cost of hair care forces many Cuban women to prioritize essential needs over personal grooming, reflecting broader economic inequalities and challenges.