Judy showcasing the side profile of her hairdo

Hair plays an integral part in enhancing a woman’s physical image and the longer it is, the more desirable. That explains the lengths (no pun intended) women will go just to get good hair and the investment they make on it. It therefore doesn’t come as a surprise when it’s reported that Kenya’s fast growing hair industry is worth billions.

Kenyans are accustomed to the usual expos covering the big sectors such as real estate, cars, food, finance and engineering but this week scores of women were gathered at the Prestige shopping mall on Ngong Road for a one of its kind expo: The Hair Expo.

TOP STYLISTS AND HAIR EXPERTS

The aim of the event was to bring together hair enthusiasts and the industry’s players in one place, to learn, have fun and network as well as raise the profile of hair dressers in the industry and keep the public informed on hair and hair trends.

There was also a competition that sought to find the best hair stylist in four categories which included; weaving, styling, hair cut and wedding styling and the contestants included among others weave stylist Elizabeth Ngote, Kevin Sangale, Charles Maina, and Fatma Said Juma.

Judges at the event were renowned hair experts in the country who also gave tips on hair management to participants. They included;

R ‘Farouk’ (Farouk Salon, The Mall in Westlands) one of the best hairstylists in the world. He has worked with a variety of celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Miss World and Miss Universe and Hilary Clinton.

Muli Musyoka, Kenya’s sole Trichologist who runs the only ‘Hair Hub’ in Nairobi a hair clinic that examines the complex hair texture through trichoscope and formulates a cure for the damaged follicle. The hair clinic is the first in East and Central Africa to offer laser and topical hair treatment. Musyoka advised hairdressers to learn about the products in the market so that they can be better placed to advice their clients.

Ronnie Maingi (Serene Salon, Argwings Kodhek Road) who has 19 years experience in hairdressing.
Mercy Ollows (Merco Salon Lyric House, Kimathi Street) who has more than 10 years experience in the industry.

Conspicuously missing from the expo was the country’s local hair products brands and according to two participants who graced the occasion. The pair were a bit disappointed that there were no products on sale.

“I was really looking forward to buy an awesome weave but I can’t see any stand, what a waste. It’s an expo for crying out loud”, said Esther.