From Bridal Beats to Everyday Brows—What You Need to Know Before You Book

In Kenya, beauty isn’t just skin deep—it’s a celebration of identity, legacy, and verified self-expression. Whether you’re prepping for a wedding in Syokimau, hosting a short-stay guest in Kisumu, or planning a corporate shoot in Nairobi, makeup and beauty services elevate the moment. This guide breaks down the real costs, service types, regional trends, and how to hire trusted glam pros through Balozy.

đź’° National Snapshot: Makeup & Beauty Costs in Kenya (2025)

Service Type Cost Range (KES) Notes
Basic Makeup (daywear) 800–2,000 Light glam, brows, lips, foundation
Event Makeup (evening glam) 2,000–5,000 Full glam, contour, lashes
Bridal Makeup (trial + day) 5,000–15,000 Includes consultation, travel, touch-ups
Group Makeup (3–5 people) 8,000–25,000 Ideal for bridal parties or shoots
Male Grooming (face + brows) 500–1,500 Beard shaping, skin prep
Hair Styling (basic) 800–2,500 Blow-dry, curls, straightening
Hair Styling (bridal/event) 2,500–6,000 Updos, braids, accessories
Nail Services (mani/pedi) 800–2,500 Gel, acrylic, polish
Facial & Skin Prep 1,500–4,000 Cleansing, exfoliation, hydration
Makeup Class (per session) 2,000–6,000 Personal or pro-level training

Source: ,

🏙️ City-by-City Breakdown

1. Nairobi

Kenya’s glam capital—home to top-tier artists, influencers, and high-end salons.

  • Bridal Makeup (e.g., Karen, Westlands):
    • KSh 8,000–15,000
    • Includes trial, travel, and touch-ups
  • Event Glam (e.g., Kilimani, Syokimau):
    • KSh 2,500–5,000
    • Full glam with lashes, contour, brows
  • Makeup Classes:
    • KSh 3,000–6,000 per session
    • Ideal for Gen Z and aspiring pros

Balozy Tip: Nairobi artists often offer mobile services—ask for home glam or Airbnb guest packages.

2. Machakos

Affordable and expressive—Machakos beauty pros serve estates, schools, and short-stay clients.

  • Basic Makeup (e.g., Mlolongo, Athi River):
    • KSh 800–1,500
    • Ideal for interviews, church, or casual events
  • Group Makeup (3–5 people):
    • KSh 8,000–20,000
    • Perfect for bridal parties or birthday shoots
  • Hair Styling + Makeup Combo:
    • KSh 3,000–6,000
    • Includes blow-dry, curls, and light glam

Balozy Tip: Many Machakos artists offer same-day bookings—perfect for last-minute glam or guest prep.

3. Mombasa

Coastal beauty blends tropical flair, humidity-aware products, and Swahili elegance.

  • Bridal Makeup (e.g., Nyali, Bamburi):
    • KSh 7,000–12,000
    • Includes waterproof products and heat-resistant styling
  • Beach Glam:
    • KSh 2,000–4,000
    • Dewy finishes, SPF, and light shimmer
  • Hair Styling (braids, updos):
    • KSh 2,500–5,000
    • Includes accessories and coastal-friendly hold

Balozy Tip: Ask for artists with coastal experience—humidity affects product choice and longevity.

4. Kisumu

Lake-side glam focuses on bold brows, radiant skin, and culturally inspired looks.

  • Event Makeup (e.g., Milimani, Manyatta):
    • KSh 2,000–4,000
    • Includes lashes, brows, and glow
  • Male Grooming:
    • KSh 500–1,200
    • Beard shaping, skin prep, brow cleanup
  • Nail Services:
    • KSh 800–2,000
    • Gel polish, acrylics, lake-inspired designs

Balozy Tip: Ask for Luo-inspired glam—perfect for cultural events and bridal shoots.

5. Eldoret

Known for spacious salons and farm-friendly beauty setups.

  • Bridal Makeup (e.g., Elgon View):
    • KSh 6,000–12,000
    • Includes travel, trial, and touch-ups
  • Hair Styling + Makeup Combo:
    • KSh 3,000–6,000
    • Ideal for graduation, weddings, or church
  • Facial & Skin Prep:
    • KSh 1,500–3,500
    • Includes cleansing, exfoliation, hydration

Balozy Tip: Eldoret artists often offer rural packages—ask for generator-friendly setups and travel rates.

💄 What’s Included in Makeup & Beauty Services?

Service Element Included? Notes
Skin Prep âś… Cleansing, primer, hydration
Foundation & Contour âś… Matched to skin tone
Brows & Eyes âś… Shaping, shadow, liner, lashes
Lips âś… Gloss, matte, liner
Hair Styling ✅/❌ Often bundled or separate
Nail Services ✅/❌ Optional add-on
Travel Fee ✅/❌ May apply for home service
Trial Session ✅/❌ Included in bridal packages
Touch-Up Kit ✅/❌ Optional for weddings
Product Type âś… MAC, Fenty, Huda, Zaron, L.A. Girl

Balozy Tip: Always confirm product brands, skin tone matching, and hygiene practices.

🧠 What Affects Beauty Service Costs?

âś… Occasion Type

  • Bridal and corporate shoots cost more than casual glam

âś… Location

  • Nairobi and Mombasa rates are higher
  • Transport to rural areas adds KSh 500–2,000

âś… Artist Experience

  • Verified artists charge more for consistency and quality
  • New artists may offer lower rates for portfolio building

âś… Product Brands

  • Premium brands (MAC, Fenty) cost more than drugstore options

âś… Add-ons

  • Hair styling, nails, facials, and travel increase total cost

đź’ˇ Smart Ways to Save on Glam

  1. Book Packages: Combine makeup, hair, and nails for discounts
  2. Use Verified Balozy Artists: Compare ratings, portfolios, and hygiene standards
  3. Choose Local Talent: Hiring within your town reduces travel fees
  4. Ask for Trials: Especially for bridal or high-stakes events
  5. Go Off-Peak: Weekday bookings may be 10–20% cheaper

🧑‍💼 How to Hire a Makeup Artist on Balozy

  • âś… Browse verified profiles by location and occasion
  • âś… Filter by bridal, event, corporate, or short-stay
  • âś… Chat directly via WhatsApp or in-app messaging
  • âś… Confirm product brands, hygiene, and payment method
  • âś… Leave a review to help others find trusted glam pros

đź“Ť Regional Price Summary

City Basic Makeup Event Glam Bridal Makeup Hair Styling
Nairobi 1K–2K 2.5K–5K 8K–15K 1K–3K
Machakos 800–1.5K 2K–4K 6K–12K 1K–2.5K
Mombasa 1K–2K 2K–4K 7K–12K 2.5K–5K
Kisumu 1K–2K 2K–4