Why Doing Your Hair in California Costs 10x More Than Nairobi

A Kenyan nurse has sparked conversation online after breaking down the cost of doing her hair in Kenya compared to the United States.

In an Instagram post, she narrated her experience, detailing how routine beauty services abroad significantly increased her spending.

Hair Costs in Kenya

In Nairobi and other parts of Kenya, crochet braiding — a widely worn protective style — typically costs between KSh 2,000 and KSh 2,500 for installation.

Additional services remain relatively affordable:

Taking out hair: KSh 200 to KSh 1,000, depending on the stylist and hair length
Wash and blow-dry: Often under KSh 300 outside high-end salons

Many women also reduce costs by relying on friends or family to help remove styles or wash hair at home.

“Back home, my regular salon in Tanzania would have charged me about $100 (around KSh 14,000) for all-inclusive services — that’s crochet, wash, blow-dry, and the VIP room experience,” she wrote.

Her Experience in California

While visiting California, she visited a local salon and documented the full cost of her appointment.

According to her post, the charges included:

Hair removal: $100
Wash and straightening: $50
Crochet braiding: $150
Tip: $30
Additional products (leave-in treatment and edge control): $20

The total bill came to approximately $350 (about KSh 49,000 at current exchange rates).

Tipping, she noted, is customary in the U.S. beauty industry, often ranging between 15 and 20 per cent of the service cost.

ALSO READ: From Tens of Thousands to Millions: Nurse Judy Reveals Staggering US Earnings

She added that some American salons focus primarily on installation and styling, meaning de-installation may require a separate booking.

Wider Cost Differences

Her comparison reflects broader economic contrasts between Kenya and the United States. Housing, food, and services in California are generally priced significantly higher than in Kenyan cities.

“In Kenya or Tanzania, you can rely on your community — friends help with hair, family babysit. Abroad, everyone is busy; even basic things like hair care add up quickly,” she stated.