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If there’s one industry that has stood the test of time and will keep growing for generations, it’s the beauty industry. Just like farming, the beauty business will rarely leave you counting losses. In Kenya, the beauty scene has been booming especially in the recent years with the growth of social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. One of the most profitable business ideas within the beauty industry is the Nail Parlour Business.
I started my first nail parlour back in 2021, although there are challenges in running a Nail Parlour for a beginner, I can confidently say that with time and experience, the business started to bring in steady profits. Now, three years down the line, I’m happy that it is now a very profitable business.
If you're thinking of starting your own nail parlour just like I started Senje Nail Parlour, you're in the right place. By the end of this article, you will learn practical tips and strategies for launching a successful Nail Parlour Business. From the necessary requirements to the capital needed to start the venture, how to find the best locations, the equipment needed, and even exploring financing options if you're low on funds – I’ve got you covered.
N/B When you are ready to set up your business and you are in need of a banner such as the one above, whatsapp me on the number displayed on the image and I will help you out. The cost for designing the banner is Ksh. 700.
There are several requirements that you will need to have in order to start operating a nail parlour in Kenya. The first necessity that you should have is a single business permit from your county government. Usually, it costs Ksh. 5000 for a small nail salon and for big salons, the license fee costs a maximum of 15,000. However, the costs vary depending on the size and location of the business.
Besides obtaining a license, it is important that you have a well-trained nail technician. However, if you are just starting out, my advice is that you learn the job yourself and operate it yourself for the first 6 months. In my experience, the biggest challenge in this industry is finding reliable employees. By handling the operations yourself in the beginning, you’ll avoid a lot of inconveniences that come with the business. When the business has picked up, that is when you can consider bringing in additional help.
The amount of money required for starting a nail parlour business in Kenya ranges from as low as Ksh. 40,000 to around Ksh. 500,000. However, this cost varies depending on the size, type, location and the quality of service that you will like to offer in your new nail parlour. Let us now breakdown how the capital is going to be used when you want to open your nail spa.
If you want to start a successful nail parlour, the secret is finding a good location with lots of traffic. A high traffic area such as beside a road within an urban set up will guarantee you walk-in clients which usually make up a large percentage of customers for new nail parlour compared to returning clients.
When I was starting my nail parlour in Kasarani, the location was not good since it was not visible from the main road—Kasarani Mwiki Rd. However, after a year I moved the nail parlour to Zimmerman near base road, the foot traffic here was incredible and so were the profits. Therefore, after securing your capital, the next thing that you should do is start hunting for a prime location.
On the other hand, if your goal is targeting high-end clients, opening a nail parlour in areas like Kilimani, Westlands, or along Ngong Road will give you access to middle-class and upper-class customers. These location is good for high end nail spas as it has the right target customers who are willing to spend more on premium services.
If your goal is targeting younger clients who are interested in trendy nail styles at affordable prices, then shop hunt in places near universities or commercial centers such as the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Setting up a professional nail parlour requires the right
equipment to offer high-quality services. Below is a list of the essential
items you will need:
You can source these items from local suppliers or import high-end products for a more luxurious service offering.
Item |
Cost (Ksh) |
Nail file |
@30-50 eacg |
clippers kit |
@500 |
Nail glue |
@350 |
Acrylic nail kit (Optional) |
From 7,000 |
Nail moisturizers |
500 each |
Nail cleanser bottles (5) |
@300 |
Manicure bowls |
@500 |
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Marketing your nail parlour effectively will ensure you
attract and retain clients. Here are some strategies to consider:
Attracting and keeping clients in the competitive nail salon
industry requires more than just great nails. Customer service is king. Train
your staff to be friendly, punctual, and attentive. Offering complimentary
services like a hand or foot massage with every manicure or pedicure can also
set you apart from your competitors.
Special offers like discounts for first-time clients or
loyalty programs can also keep clients coming back. Consider collaborating with
local influencers to promote your salon on social media and build a loyal
following.
There are moments when you can have an amazing business idea but the challenge is lack of enough capital. The lack of funds should not prevent you from reaching your dreams or atleast giving them a shot. Fortunately, in Kenya, there are several programs aspiring entrepreneurs can use to get get funds. If you're looking to secure financing for starting a nail parlour, I recommend exploring the options outlined below.
Having a solid business plan is essential for success. When you are creating a winning business plan should outline key details such as your target market, start-up costs, pricing strategy, and marketing efforts.
Make sure to include financial projections that outline how you plan to grow the business and become profitable within a reasonable time frame.
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If you have any questions regarding how to start nail parlour business, ask in the comment and I will answer as soon as possible.