How to Start a Salon Business in Kenya: Costs, Requirements & Equipment

Lavin, a NITA graduate, narrates her journey from passion, becoming a student, and now she is a professional hairstylist in Kenya.

My name is Lavin Juma. Since I was young, I loved mending clothes, cleaning the house to look neat, and making hairstyles for the doll that my mother bought me. I never knew that in the future I would become the best at operating my own profitable business. I came to learn the true meaning of “Great oaks grow from little acorns.”

After finishing my NITA studies, which were based in Kisumu, I came to Nairobi to look for a job so that I could have money to cater to my needs and rent. By good luck, I secured one in a beauty shop based in Fedha, Embakasi. The owner of the shop absorbed me because of my courage, and from the interview she gave me on the first day, she was really impressed with me. It is from the shop that I learned most of the things like braiding, hair coloring, and facial treatment that later helped me set up my own salon in Nairobi.

For anyone who is willing to start this business in Kenya, especially in major towns like Nairobi and Mombasa, I can tell you from experience that a salon business is one of the most profitable small businesses to think of. There is a huge demand for beauty services such as hair styling, braiding, shaving, skincare, and massage.

Things I Learned for a Successful Beauty Business When I Was Employed in a Salon at Fedha, Nairobi

Choose a Good Location

The business used to receive many clients because it was strategically located in an area where there were high-income individuals, and the customer traffic was good. In Fedha Estate, most people are middle-class earners, so they are able to pay good money. For example, doing a pedicure or manicure could cost Ksh 2,000 to Ksh 5,000, depending on the number of services a client wants, like shaping, cuticle care, polishing, or foot massage.

The shop was also located along the road, so workers going to Jomo Kenyatta Airport or industries along Mombasa Road could pass by when going to work or after coming from work.

Offer Quality Services

The lady who owned the beauty shop, I realized, only employed people who qualified for the job. She checked whether you had any certificates related to a beauty course and also looked at the discipline so as to treat every client in a good way.

Include Massage in Your Salon

I realized that out of 10 clients who came, 4 would ask for massage services. It seems Kenyans love this so much, especially men. Massage relieves stress and makes the body feel relaxed. There are many types of massages with different charge rates, from toes, hands, face, to the whole body. The services can cost up to KSh 10,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Salon in Kenya?

After gaining enough skills and learning management, I opted to open my salon business in Roysambu, Nairobi. The overall budget cost me a total of Ksh 264,000, according to my records. This included paying rent for 4 months, about Ksh 80,000, acquiring a business permit and health license costing Ksh 29,000, and interior design for Ksh 90,000, which included painting, installing mirrors, shelves, and lighting.

I bought equipment for a start at Ksh 65,000, and products that included shampoos, conditioners, gels, and oils. These may change depending on the size of the shop and location.

Essential Salon Equipment You Need

These are the items I bought when I was beginning my salon business. You must invest in the right tools. They include salon chairs, which I bought along Outer Ring Road from Donholm heading to Kangundo Road. They are cheaper there and vary in types. Other items include hair dryers, shampoo basin, clippers and trimmers, mirrors, styling tools such as scissors, combs, flat irons, and curling tools, and towels, capes, and sterilizers. All these took me up to Ksh 150,000 more or less, depending on the quality and type of equipment you want.

Is Salon Business Profitable in Kenya?

The salon business is really profitable. On a good day, I usually make around Ksh 10,000. During holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s, and Easter, I can even make Ksh 20,000 a day.

I have social media pages to market my work online. Every good work I do, I post online, and it includes my location. This helps boost income.