Salon from Home (Braiding and Makeup)

✅ 1. Overview

A home-based salon offering braiding and makeup is one of the most affordable and flexible businesses you can start in Kenya today. It requires minimal capital to launch, yet has a strong, consistent demand—especially among women and students looking for convenient, personalized beauty services. With a little creativity and good customer service, you can easily attract repeat clients.

You don’t need to rent a physical shop to begin. You can start right from your living room, bedroom, or even a shaded backyard space with basic tools and good lighting. For those with limited space, a simple tent or garden umbrella can work as a makeshift salon. Or you can visit client at their premises. All that matters is that the setup is clean, welcoming, and well-lit.

This model works on an appointment-only basis, meaning clients visit you at scheduled times. This keeps your daily routine manageable and your expenses low—no monthly rent, no staff salaries, and no need for high electricity bills. As your client base grows, you can scale gradually by investing in better equipment, building a backyard structure, or even hiring an assistant.

With social media marketing, referrals, and excellent service, a home salon can grow into a reliable source of income within a few months. Whether you're a trained beautician or self-taught through YouTube and practice, your skills can turn into a profitable business from the comfort of your own home.

🛠️ 2. What You’ll Offer

Braiding Services:
- Lines/Cornrows (KES 200 – 400): A quick and affordable protective style ideal for students, kids, or anyone looking for a clean and simple look. Takes about 30–45 minutes and is great for everyday wear.
- Box Braids – Short/Medium/Long (KES 600 – 1,500): One of the most popular braiding styles in Kenya. Suitable for both casual and professional looks. Longer braids cost more due to time and braid usage. Can last 3–6 weeks with good maintenance.
- Knotless Braids (KES 1,000 – 2,000): A modern, pain-free version of box braids that starts with the client’s natural hair. More comfortable, stylish, and suitable for sensitive scalps. Higher priced due to time and neatness involved.
- Stitch Lines & Feed-in Braids (KES 500 – 1,200): Trendy, Instagram-worthy braid styles that create sharp, clean lines. Ideal for clients going to events, photoshoots, or just looking for a modern style upgrade.
- Kids’ Styles (KES 200 – 700): Quick, neat, and age-appropriate braiding options for children. You can offer styles like pushbacks, kids’ lines, or short box braids. Parents often book before school terms or events.
Makeup Services:
- Daily Glam (KES 500): Light, fresh makeup for office, school, or casual outings. Includes brows, basic eyeshadow, powder, and lip gloss. Takes about 30–45 minutes. Very popular for repeat clients who want regular touch-ups.
- Events/Wedding Makeup (KES 1,500 – 3,000): Full glam look for brides, bridal teams, and guests attending weddings or major events. Includes full-face contouring, lashes, and long-lasting finish. Higher fee reflects premium service and materials.
- Photoshoot Makeup (KES 1,000 – 2,000): Done for models, birthday shoots, and influencers. Focus is on flawless skin, camera-friendly contouring, and sharp finishes. Pairs well with partnerships with local photographers.
- Brows and Lashes Only (KES 200 – 300): A budget-friendly option for clients who just need to look polished. Quick, 10–15 minute sessions that are perfect for daily touch-ups or girls on the go. High volume potential.

🛒 3. What You Need to Start

🎒 Basic Tools & Equipment

Item	Estimated Cost (KES)	Purpose / Notes
Braiding combs & brushes	500 – 1,000	Used for parting, detangling, and sectioning hair. Essential for neat, professional-looking braids.
Makeup starter kit	3,000 – 8,000	Includes foundation, concealer, powders, lipsticks, brushes, and setting spray. Choose affordable but quality brands to begin with.
Mirror (table or standing)	1,000 – 3,000	Clients want to see their transformation. A large, clean mirror improves the salon experience.
Salon chair or plastic chair	800 – 2,000	Comfortable seating is important, especially for long braiding sessions. Adjustable chairs are a plus.
Ring light or lamp	2,000 – 4,000	Good lighting is key for both applying makeup and taking clear before-and-after photos for marketing.
Braids (stock for demos)	1,000 – 3,000	Stock a few packets of Darling, Angels, or X-pression for demonstration or emergency use if a client comes unprepared.
Makeup table or trolley	1,000 – 3,000	Keeps your products neat and easily accessible. A small portable table or drawer trolley will help you stay organized.
Aprons, towels, disinfectants	1,000	For hygiene and professionalism. Use fresh towels for each client, sanitize hands and tools regularly.

Total Estimate: KES 10,000 – 25,000 depending on brand choices and how much you already own.

💡 Tip: You don't need to buy everything at once. Start small with essential tools, then reinvest profits to upgrade over time. Always prioritize cleanliness, lighting, and basic comfort for your clients.

You can buy gradually — start with basics and upgrade as you earn.

📍 4. Where to Set Up

Living Room Setup: Convert a corner of your living room into a clean and inviting salon space. Place a mirror near a window to take advantage of natural light, which is great for both braiding and makeup. Use curtains, wallpaper, or a plain backdrop to make it look professional in photos and videos. Keep tools organized on a small trolley or table. Make sure the area is always clean and clutter-free.

Balcony/Tent Setup: If your home has a balcony or outdoor space, invest in a garden umbrella or small tent (KES 2,000–5,000) to create a shaded, open-air salon. Add a plastic carpet or mat, foldable chair, and mirror for a cozy but professional look. This setup gives you good ventilation and lighting, especially useful when hosting multiple clients or doing makeup in daylight.

Backyard Space: If you have a backyard, you can build a basic wooden or mabati (iron sheet) structure for about KES 5,000–10,000. This becomes your permanent workstation — allowing you to separate home and business. Add lighting, a mirror, and simple furniture to give it a salon vibe. This is a good long-term investment if you plan to grow or train others.

Mobile Option: If you live in a place with limited space, offer home visits where you go to the client. Carry your tools in a professional bag, and charge a transport or "home service" fee (e.g., +KES 200–500 depending on distance). This option is especially popular with bridal makeup or moms with kids. Always confirm appointments in advance to avoid wasted trips.

💡 Pro Tip: No matter where you set up, always maintain hygiene, organize your tools, and create a welcoming atmosphere. Clients will come back if they feel comfortable and respected.

💰 5. Profit Projection (Monthly)

Assuming you're starting solo and working 5–6 days a week:

Braiding:
- 1–2 clients/day @ avg. KES 800 = KES 1,600/day
- Monthly = KES 1,600 x 25 = KES 40,000
Makeup:
- 3 clients/week @ avg. KES 1,000 = KES 3,000/week
- Monthly = KES 3,000 x 4 = KES 12,000

💸 Total Monthly Revenue = KES 52,000

Estimated Expenses:

Internet, makeup refills, braids: KES 5,000 – 7,000
Float/transport/maintenance: KES 3,000

✅ Net Profit ≈ KES 40,000+ per month

🚀 6. How to Start

Practice: Start by offering at least 10 free or discounted hairstyles and makeup sessions for close friends and family. This gives you hands-on experience while building a solid photo and video portfolio. Document each session with clear before-and-after shots to show your skill. Ask your models to post their results and tag your page.

Create a WhatsApp Business Profile: Set up a professional WhatsApp Business account. Add your logo or a clean headshot, write a short bio (e.g., “Home-Based Braider & MUA – Based in Embakasi”), and upload a full catalog with prices. Pin your location, business hours, and payment details to make it easy for clients to book.

Open Instagram & TikTok Pages: Start social media pages focused on transformations and testimonials. Post reels or TikTok videos showing the full process — from hair prep to final look. Use trending music, local hashtags like #NairobiBraider or #MakeupKenya, and geotag your area to reach potential local clients.

Do Introductory Discounts: Attract your first few paying customers with launch offers. For example, “First 5 clients get braids at KES 500” or “Free lashes with every makeup session this week.” Discounts encourage bookings and also help generate reviews and referrals.

Use Word-of-Mouth: Don’t underestimate your immediate network. Tell your family, neighbors, and friends in estate groups, church groups, or chamas. Ask them to refer people to you and consider offering a small reward (like KES 100 off their next style) for every successful referral.

Be Consistent: Post on social media at least 3–5 times a week. Share client feedback, short videos of your setup, time-lapse braiding clips, or “before and after” transformations. Consistency builds your brand and keeps your business visible online. Even on days you don’t have clients, post tips, tutorials, or showcase your tools.

💡 Remember: Your first few clients are the foundation of your salon journey. Treat them well, provide great service, and they’ll spread the word faster than any advert.

📈 7. Growth Strategy

Partner with photographers: Collaborate with local photographers who do birthdays, weddings, baby showers, or graduations. Offer your makeup services as part of their shoot packages or give discounted rates for clients they refer. This helps you tap into a steady stream of people already planning glam looks and builds your portfolio with high-quality, professional photos.

Sell small beauty items: Start stocking fast-moving, affordable beauty products like edge control, braid sprays, lip gloss, lashes, or makeup wipes. These can be bought in bulk and sold at a profit during appointments. This adds extra income to every booking and positions your salon as a one-stop beauty stop.

Hire an assistant: As bookings grow, consider hiring a cousin, friend, or part-time helper. They can assist with hair sectioning, makeup brush cleaning, braiding, or managing client schedules. This will increase your daily output and allow you to take more clients without getting overwhelmed.

Offer training sessions: Monetize your skills by teaching others. Run weekend or evening “Learn Braiding Basics” sessions at home for 2–3 students at a time. Charge a flat rate like KES 1,000 per session. You can even sell training kits (combs, mannequins, thread) for an extra fee.

Upgrade your space: When you consistently have 3–5 clients a day, reinvest into your business by upgrading your home setup. Build a wooden mini-salon structure in your backyard or start saving to rent a small, affordable shop nearby. This makes your business look more professional and can attract walk-in clients.

💡 Tip: Always track your earnings, reinvest profits into growth, and build long-term relationships with clients through great service and reliability.