How to Start a Salon Business in Kenya (Braiding & Plaiting)
Introduction
The salon business in Kenya is one of the most profitable hustles, especially in urban estates, markets, and towns. Haircare is essential — women, children, and even men regularly need braiding, plaiting, and styling services. Unlike some hustles that are seasonal, salons enjoy steady demand throughout the year, making it a dependable business. Whether you start from home, rent a stall, or invest in a full salon, braiding and plaiting services can bring you daily income and loyal customers.
Startup Costs 💰
The capital required depends on whether you start a home-based salon or set up a fully equipped shop.
- Capital Needed: KES 20,000 – 50,000
- Key Expenses:
- Rental space or stall (KES 3,000 – 7,000 per month)
- Salon chair(s) and mirrors (KES 5,000 – 15,000)
- Combs, dryers, and blow dryers (KES 5,000 – 10,000)
- Hair products (shampoo, relaxers, treatments, oils) — KES 5,000 – 10,000
- Towels, aprons, and sterilizers — KES 2,000 – 5,000
- Branding and signage — KES 1,000 – 3,000
💡 Tip: If your budget is tight, start at home or do mobile salon services. Reinvest profits until you can rent a stall.
Why This Business Works ✅
- Essential Service: Haircare is a necessity, not a luxury.
- Repeat Customers: Clients return every 2–6 weeks for new styles.
- Diverse Services: From braiding to kids’ plaiting, services are many.
- Scalable: Start small and grow into a beauty parlor.
- Loyalty Driven: Once clients trust your hands, they stick with you.
Step-by-Step Setup 🛠️
1. Learn the Skills
If you’re not already skilled in braiding or plaiting, take a short course. Many salons train assistants affordably.
2. Choose Your Location
Best spots include:
- Busy estates with young families.
- Market centers and bus stages.
- Near schools, colleges, and offices.
3. Equip Your Salon
Start with the basics: one chair, a mirror, combs, and products. Add dryers, steamers, and more chairs as the business grows.
4. Offer Affordable Services
- Simple plaiting: KES 300 – 800
- Braiding with extensions: KES 800 – 2,500 depending on style
- Kids’ hairstyles: KES 150 – 500
- Blow dry/relaxing: KES 300 – 800
5. Build Customer Loyalty
- Keep hygiene high — clean towels, combs, and hands.
- Be friendly and patient with clients.
- Offer free hairstyles for kids or discounts for referrals.
Profit Breakdown 📊
Example:
- Average braiding job: KES 1,200.
- 3 clients per day = KES 3,600 sales.
- Daily expenses (rent, products, electricity) ~KES 600.
- Profit = ~KES 3,000 daily.
👉 Monthly profit = KES 60,000 – 80,000 for a single stylist.
With multiple stylists, profits can exceed KES 150,000 monthly.
Challenges & How to Overcome Them ⚠️
- High Competition: Salons are common in Kenya.
- Solution: Differentiate with neat work, customer care, and unique styles.
- Skill Level: Poor work makes customers leave.
- Solution: Keep improving skills and learn trending hairstyles.
- Capital for Equipment: Dryers and chairs can be expensive.
- Solution: Start small and grow slowly.
- Customer Retention: Clients can easily switch salons.
- Solution: Build strong relationships and loyalty packages.
Tips to Grow 🚀
- Add services like manicure, pedicure, and facials.
- Sell hair products like braids, oils, and shampoos.
- Use TikTok and Instagram to showcase hairstyles and attract new clients.
- Train assistants and expand into a multi-chair salon.
- Brand your salon with a catchy name like “Queen’s Touch Salon.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ❓
Q: How much do I need to start a salon in Kenya?
A: With KES 20,000, you can start a small home-based or one-chair salon. For a fully equipped salon, budget KES 50,000+.
Q: How profitable is a salon business?
A: A single stylist can make KES 2,000 – 3,000 profit daily. Multi-chair salons earn over KES 100,000 monthly.
Q: Do I need a license?
A: Yes, county business permits and health compliance may be required.
Q: Where should I locate my salon?
A: Estates, market centers, schools, and busy towns.
Conclusion
The salon business in Kenya is one of the most profitable service hustles, especially in braiding and plaiting. With KES 20,000 – 50,000, you can set up a small salon, build loyal clients, and grow into a fully branded beauty parlor. With consistency, skill, and excellent customer care, this hustle can generate steady daily profits.
👉 Explore more hustler-friendly opportunities in the Business Ideas Hub — with over 50+ small businesses you can start today.
