My trip to Beauty West Africa in Lagos

Visiting Lagos again and participating in Beauty West Africa has been a very inspiring experience.

For those of you who are not familiar with this event, Beauty West Africa is one of the largest beauty fairs on the continent, where industry innovators, entrepreneurs and experts from around the world gather to network and share knowledge.

Here are some highlights from my trip: After two days of relaxing by the pool, I went to RJ4 Med spa, which is located on Victoria Island quite close to the hotel where I was staying. At their relatively newly opened SPA, I had a massage and facial, both of which were very good. Right next to the spa is also the RJ4 department store, which sells luxury goods from mostly Europe, such as Valentino, Bottega Veneta and Versace.

After the treatment, I managed to exchange my dollars for the local currency Naira with some effort. Cash is usually a must because not everyone accepts foreign credit cards. Then I went to a market that sold baskets, masks, fabrics, furniture, jewelry, basically everything you can think of. Lovely to walk around and look but difficult to bring all the nice things home in just one bag.

1. Lagos is a huge city full of energy and people.

Lagos, the heart of Nigeria, is a city of 22 million people that never stands still. From the bustling traffic to the colorful markets and the warm hospitality of the locals, it is a place that offers a unique blend of culture and modernity. The city has a rich history and many cultures mix here, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo. Most people speak English with a more or less African accent. The local English is called Pigin and can be difficult to understand. The food is usually very tasty and well-prepared. The favorite is Jollof rice which is a rather spicy rice.

Traveling to Nigeria requires a lot of security awareness, so download UD Resklar and you will see updates on the security situation in the country. Lagos and Abuja are relatively safe places to travel to, but like most big cities, there are things you need to keep an eye on.

2. Beauty West Africa – West Africa's largest skincare trade fair

At the fair I had the opportunity to meet other passionate professionals and companies from all over the world. Among other things, I met Circadia's representative in the region. It was incredibly inspiring to see how the beauty industry is developing globally, especially with a focus on skincare for darker skin tones and products that are adapted to tropical climates.

At the fair, which was open to everyone, there were a lot of hair products, perfumes from the Middle East, products from China and Korea, and Nigerian products.

I attended seminars on the latest research in skincare, inclusive beauty, and sustainable solutions for the future. Participating in these conversations and innovations gave me a new understanding of how the beauty industry is changing – and how we can meet the needs of different skin types and cultures.

3. Inspiration for Care of Skin

One of the biggest insights I take away from the trip is the importance of listening to expertise in skincare, and not just from a Swedish perspective. I feel even more motivated to continue developing our work at the salon, especially when it comes to offering treatments for all skin types – with an extra focus on skin of color.

I have also gained new ideas about products and treatments that I look forward to introducing to the salon eventually.

4. Personal meetings

During the trip, I had the honor of meeting and talking with experts and entrepreneurs who are passionate about creating change in the industry globally. These meetings have not only given me new collaborations but also a network of inspiring people.

Stay tuned for new products, treatments and inspiration that I brought home from Lagos!

Warm regards,

Christina