A not so fashionable billion-shilling industry

Women's beauty trends in Kenya are mirroring popular culture (Photo: David Gichuru/ Standard)

A trendy urban woman in Kenya spends thousands of shillings on her style; from head to toe. From the neatly done braids or a pricey human hair wig to her possibly thrifted outfit and pedicured toes, she has to dig deep into her pockets.

“A woman can spend Sh50,000 on hair and nails a month. Times have changed. Women who come to the salon not only ask to make their hair. They also want their make-up done, a manicure, a pedicure or removal of unnecessary hair,” celebrity stylist Jane Okoth told a local publication in 2018.