The study was conducted in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria to determine prevalence and predictors of contraceptive use, unwanted
pregnancies and induced abortions among hairdressers. 1687 female hairdressers were surveyed using a cross sectional design
and cluster sampling technique. Mean age was 27.0±8.1 years, 851 (50.4%) were single and 1005 (59.6%) qualified hairdressers.
817 (56.8%) of sexually active were currently using contraception. Attainment of secondary school education was a predictor of
contraceptive use; OR=1.4, 95% CI (1.1-1.8). 429 (29.8%) ever had an unwanted pregnancy; 26.5 % among singles, 32.3 %
among married. Predictors of unwanted pregnancies were age >30years; OR=1.9, 95% CI (1.4-2.5) and being a qualified
hairdresser; OR=1.6, 95% CI (1.2-2.2). 347 (24.1%) ever had an induced abortion; 21.5.0 % of singles, 26% of married. Being
married; OR=5.2, 95% CI (2.2-11.9) was the only predictor of induced abortion. Prevalence of unwanted pregnancies and
abortions were high especially among married hairdressers