Kenyan’s Multi-Billion Beauty Industry Changing Fortunes

Gettrueth Ambio (C), Jane Mbone (R), and Hamida Bashir (L), have their hair styled in the shape of the coronavirus, at the Mama Brayo Beauty Salon in Kibera slum,Nairobi on May 3, 2020
Gettrueth Ambio (C), Jane Mbone (R), and Hamida Bashir (L), have their hair styled in the shape of the coronavirus, at the Mama Brayo Beauty Salon in Kibera slum,Nairobi on May 3, 2020
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The beauty and hair industry in Nairobi has experienced a steady growth over the past few years, with many joining the business.

The Kenyan beauty industry is currently valued at Ksh580 billion, while the hair industry is valued at Ksh132 billion.

The industry has become Kenya’s investment hub, almost like the new estate, with many Kenyan celebrities, the likes of Betty Kyalo and the ilk, joining the growing industry.

The growth has been attributed to the increase of middle class Kenyans and the entrance of more businesses into the field. Social media influencers including YouTubers and Instagram influencers have also contributed to the rise of the industry.

Men too are embracing beauty products, and this has led to a number of products like shampoos for men and beard grooming kits being designed for them lately, this was not the case before.

Riena Kids Salon which is located in Woodley Trafford Court,Ngong Road
Riena Kids Salon which is located in Woodley Trafford Court, Ngong Road
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Pedicure and manicure salons have sprang up all over Nairobi - as customers fight for a share of the cake.

The cost of getting pedicures, manicures and facials, however, varies from salon to salon. High-end salons charge up to Ksh6,000 while low-end salons change Ksh400 for manicures.

The cost of shaving in salons has increased sharply, with some of the salons charging up to Ksh4,000 for a good shave.

Kenyans.co.ke spoke to a number of men - about the whole hair business.

“I pay Ksh1,500 for a simple shave. The amount may appear a lot, but I also get a massage and a facial," a source said.

Some salons have also introduced complimentary drinks which are served to customers as they wait to be served. A few offer wines - while others offer alcoholic drinks.

The rise of the beauty industry has grown in the same scale - as hair business. 

Kenyans.co.ke learned that the beauty industry offers knockoff beauty products which are very affordable to the ordinary Kenyan.

That's because original beauty products cost around Ksh3,000 - which is not affordable to many Kenyans.

In Nairobi's River Road, however, products that offer the same effect as high end products are readily available at almost ten times less than the original products.

Speaking to Citizen TV, a trader along Dubois attributed her success to offering genuine products and being polite to customers.

“Smile to people, use the convincing language, let customers know that what you are offering is genuine and after they have used the product, they will come back, “the trader said.

Many Kenyans are joining the industry given it does not require high grades.

Hairdressing and beauty schools in Kenya require a minimum of D plus, and this has given many Kenyans the opportunity of enrolling into the schools. Kenyans also have the choice of being apprentices to salon gurus or even teaching themselves about the industry on YouTube

How to join the beauty industry- a step by step guide

For one to join the salon business he or she needs:

A business plan which will allow the entrepreneur to develop an action plan on how to build the business. After writing a business plan, the business man need to rent the premises where he or she will be operating from. This rent will vary from place to place depending on the location of the business.

After securing the premises, purchase of salon equipment such as hair dryers follows. This can cost an estimated total of about Ksh55,000 depending on the brand of equipment bought. The equipment can be bought at Dubois Road or any well stocked supermarket.

Getting a single business permit licence then follows. The amount paid will depend on the size of the business and location. After being licenced, the salon can then start operating.

A young man offers pedicure services at Superhighway Beauty Parlour at Nairobi Bus Station in July 2016
A young man offers pedicure services at Superhighway Beauty Parlour at Nairobi Bus Station in July 2016
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