Amid the worsening economic turmoil in Cuba, a recent advertisement in Santiago de Cuba has captured public attention: natural hair is being sold for the staggering price of 300,000 Cuban pesos. This unusual trade highlights the inventive ways Cubans are finding to earn money during a time of rampant inflation and shortages of basic goods.
Lisnne Vargas, the person behind this sales ad, posted in the Facebook group “Bazar Santiago de Cuba” urging those "truly" interested to contact her via the provided phone number. She specified that the price was for three hair buns and noted that the sale had already been completed. Photos shared in the post reveal that the hair is natural, wavy, and has some color treatments.
While selling hair is not a new practice in Cuba, the exorbitant prices seen in recent transactions underscore the severe economic crisis in the country, where finding sustainable income is increasingly challenging. Just last week, Marielys Pérez from Pinar del Río decided to cut and sell her hair on social media to help cover the high costs of her daughter's hospitalization, who suffers from a severe form of epilepsy.
“To my friends interested in buying hair, I have mine for sale. I had to make this difficult decision today out of necessity,” Pérez wrote in her Facebook post.
In January, another Cuban woman opted to auction her hair, making the offer through social media while sharing images of her long locks that would go to the highest bidder. “I’m selling my hair, which I will cut on the 15th. I’m accepting offers and will choose the highest bidder. I already turned down an offer of 40,000 pesos because it’s worth much more,” wrote the user identified as Yirian Domínguez on Facebook.
The Impact of Economic Crisis on Unconventional Markets in Cuba
Why are Cubans selling their hair?
The severe economic crisis in Cuba has led many to seek alternative sources of income. Selling hair has become a way for some to cope with financial difficulties and meet essential needs.
What is driving the high prices of hair in Cuba?
The high prices are driven by the scarcity of goods and the high demand for alternative income sources. As the economy continues to struggle, items like natural hair have become valuable commodities.