Flipping the script: How Kenyan salonists and barbers are redefining gender roles

In a society where gender roles have long shaped career choices, a quiet revolution is taking place in Kenya’s beauty industry. More men are stepping into salons as stylists and beauticians, while a growing number of women are mastering the barber’s clippers—fields once strictly seen as the domain of the opposite gender.

As attitudes shift, these professionals are not just flipping the script, but also rewriting the future of beauty and grooming in Kenya.

For years, salons were seen as women’s spaces—both for clients and workers—while barbershops were considered “men-only zones.” But times are changing. In urban centers like Nairobi, Nakuru, and Eldoret, young men are boldly joining salons as hairdressers, makeup artists, nail technicians, and even spa specialists.

Despite growing acceptance, male salonists and female barbers still face challenges in Kenya’s beauty industry. Many male salonists are ridiculed or labeled with stereotypes for working in a field traditionally seen as feminine. Some clients doubt their professionalism, assuming beauty work is a woman’s job.

On the other hand, female barbers often struggle to win the trust of male clients who question their skills or view them with suspicion. Both groups face societal judgment, limited job opportunities in some traditional shops, and the constant pressure to prove themselves in a career where their gender is often seen before their talent.

Even with these challenges, male salonists and female barbers are discovering new opportunities in Kenya’s growing beauty industry. With the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, many are able to market their skills, build personal brands, and attract loyal clients beyond their local areas.

Training institutions are also stepping up, offering professional courses to both men and women in hairdressing, barbering, and beauty therapy. As grooming trends evolve and customers become more open-minded, these professionals are tapping into a broader market, launching their own businesses, and redefining what success looks like in a field once controlled by gender stereotypes.

The rise of male salonists and female barbers in Kenya is more than just a trend—it’s a powerful statement against outdated gender roles. These brave individuals are proving that skill, passion, and professionalism have no gender.

As society continues to evolve, their stories serve as a reminder that breaking stereotypes is not only possible but necessary for growth and equality in every industry.