A child's true hair texture may not reveal itself until age 8. Until then, it is much finer than the hair of older children and adults. However, if a child's hair is subjected to harsh treatment, he or she risks permanent hair loss, which has been instrumental in fuelling demand for hair salons where you can take your kid for a cute cut, a get-noticed style, or even a manicure.
At Tony Airo, on the first floor of Lyric House on Kimathi Street in Nairobi's Central business District, a hair stylist would ask you and your child questions about products you use on her hair, how active she is, and how much maintenance and home care you want to take on for the best results. Before the age of 12, relaxers are hardly recommended. Instead, gentle techniques that don't involve harsh chemicals are offered. Tony Airo can be contacted on 0753376349.
Anubuz Salon in Westlands has a section that caters for children's hair needs. The salon has a Kidz zone and stylists dealing exclusively with kids, offering different ageappropriate cuts, blow dry, plaiting, as well as manicure and pedicure. Charges differ, depending on the style and type of hair, with cuts going for Sh200 for Afro hair and Sh600 for Caucasian hair; plaiting ranging from Sh400 to Sh2500 depending on the style and type of hair; and a manicure and pedicure costing Sh800.
Located at Bishan Plaza, off Mpaka Road in the centre of Westlands, the salon opens from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 7pm on Sundays. Booking is
highly recommended, especially on Saturday, which is the busiest day at the salon. Call 020 3595678 to book or for inquires.
Watoto Salon in Hurlingham, Woodlands Lane, Nairobi, opposite Barclays Bank, also caters for kids, from as young as 7 months. The salon opens every day from 8am until the last client is attended to, with charges ranging from Sh600 to Sh1200 for plaiting, depending on the style, and Sh200 for cuts.
Farouks' Salon at the Mall, Westlands, also has staff trained and experienced with kids of all ages. The salon opens from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday; and from 9am to 1pm on Sundays. Charges are Sh800 for small boys' cuts and Sh1000 for bigger boys' cuts and girls' cuts, while plaiting charges range between Sh1500 and Sh3000 depending on the style. Their contact number is 0204443610
Aristocuts Limited, a hair salon and barber shop at Nairobi's Yaya Centre also do hair cuts for kids from two years and above; but don't offer plaiting for kids. Charges are Sh600 for girls up to 6yrs, Sh1200 for girls above six years, Sh600 for boys under 12, and Sh700 for older boys. The shop opens everyday from 8am to 6pm and can be reached on 0202712182
Another CBD option is Ashleys Beauty Saloon offering hair cuts for boys and "Bang Trims", plaiting and braiding lines for girls. Located on the 7th floor of Lyric House on Kimathi Street, it can be reached through the Lyric Executive Salon on 0722 39186 and is open on weekdays from 8am to 6pm.

By KenyaKidz