Salon Business in Kenya: Start with 30k

Have you worked in a salon and have the experience to do hair? Then, you can start your own salon with just 30k. The salon business in Kenya is a thriving venture because women always like to appear good.

I have interviewed several salon owners and their feedback means you can really make some good cash with it. However, here is the catch, you should know your art so well because that’s what will help you retain customers.

In this blog, I will show you all you need to start a successful salon business in Kenya. I will also include a cost breakdown to show you the possible potential of the business. 

You can get our FREE Digital Marketing Checklist to help you market your salon business in Kenya. 

The Cost of Starting a Salon Business in Kenya

You can start a salon business with just Ksh. 30k in Kenya. However, we assume that you already have the knowledge to make different styles of hair. If you’ve not yet mastered the skill, you can visit a local salon and ask to be taught how to make different hairstyles. 

Furthermore, staying at another salon will also help you know the most popular hairstyles and fast-moving items. 

Read Also: Business opportunities for the youth in Kenya.

Cost Breakdown for a Salon Business in Kenya

• Shop rent

Starting with the most basic is the Shop Rent. To get the most out of your salon business, you should ensure to get a location where you can pay as low as 5k as rent. 

• Business Permit

Salons pay around 5k for a county business permit. However, this amount depends on your business location. Some salons pay as low as 3500 as business permits. And again this depends on the size of the business. But in this case, it’s a small venture. 

• Blow dry machine

You will also need a blow-dry machine that will cost about Ksh. 2500. This will go hand in hand with a washing sink, which will cost about 5k. 

• Stock

Furthermore, you will need to buy braids of around 2500. Alternatively, to avoid buying the slow-moving colors, you can opt to take them from nearby cosmetic shops whenever you get a client. 

You can also add pedicure and manicure items that would cost you about 5k. This will help you cast a wider net to get more clients for your salon business in Kenya. 

• Chairs

You need at least 3 chairs at your salon. For a start, you can buy plastic chairs at 700 each, totaling 2100. However, as your business grows, you can get a good and comfortable chair for the clients. 

• Mirrors

You will need at least two mirrors embedded in the walls, one for the back view and another one for the front view. This will cost around 1500. 

• Water and electricity

You can aim to start with an electricity token of 500 for the start. In addition, you will need plenty of water to wash clients. If your budget allows it, you can get a small drum for water storage. 

Read Also: Cost of starting a barbershop in Kenya. 

How Profitable is Salon Business in Kenya?

Just like any other business in Kenya, a salon business will have lows and highs. On some days, you will make high profits, while on other days you will make little. That’s why you shouldn’t give up in any way. 

We are assuming that you will get at least 3 blow-dry clients on average, each paying 150, which will be 450/- per day. We will also assume you make two heads on average per day, each paying at least 700 for the services. That will be 1400 plus the 450, total will be 1850 daily. 

Note that these figures are on average, meaning that we have considered both good and bad days. So your average daily income will be 1850, totaling 55,500. However, remember that this amount may not be evident in the first month, but you shouldn’t give up yet. 

The table below shows the profitability potential of a salon business in Kenya. 

This will leave you with a profit of 48,000. However, note that to actualize this, you should ensure that you minimize your expenses as much as possible. The best thing to do is not to get upkeep from the business till it can mature enough.

In addition, to get a reasonable income from your salon business in Kenya, ensure you market your work through social media channels.

Read Also: Business to start with 10k in Kenya.

How to Maximize Salon Business Profits in Kenya

Every business needs proper marketing to be able to gain enough profits. You can leverage trending marketing channels such as TikTok to reach new clients in your area. 

• Use Social Media for Marketing

Social media marketing can make your salon business in Kenya successful if you do it correctly. However, remember you will be marketing your services, so you should ensure to make high-quality videos and images of your work.

For instance, you can make short video clips showcasing your services in a certain style and share them on TikTok and Instagram. You can also leverage platform ads to help you reach a wider audience at your business location. You can also use other forms of digital marketing to showcase your services. 

• Use of banners and signposts

You can get someone to design and print posters for your business showcasing your services. You can use the softcopy of the posters to share on your social media channels to attract more clients. 

Use the banners to showcase your storefront to allow walk-in customers from a distance. In addition, you can share brochures about your services at your local church, and nearby residential areas. 

To Conclude

Salon business in Kenya can make you some good cash if you put in the required efforts. Remember that more sales equals more profits and that will keep your business going for a longer time. However, you should do continuous marketing and measure results to ensure you focus on what is working.

Get our FREE digital marketing checklist to help you grow your salon business in Kenya.