This archive report was first published on 4 August 2020.
With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the economy, many people are struggling to afford new hair extensions. In Nairobi, stylist Julia Wanja has seen a surge in demand for second-hand hair, which she sources from the Dandora dumpsite.
Wanja, a mother of three, has been selling second-hand hair since 2008, but says there is more demand now than ever before. She washes the used hair extensions carefully using detergent, Dettol, and hot water, and most of her customers trust her to do a good job.
‘New hair is more expensive than second-hand hair,’ Wanja said. ‘People don’t have money.’
Wanja’s customers, such as Cecilia Githigia, say that as long as the hair has been cleaned, they do not mind where it is from. ‘The hair bought new from a shop and bought used only differs in price. But once it is plaited, there is no difference,’ Githigia said.
Wanja’s business has been affected by the pandemic, with fewer clients and less money. However, she is cutting down on costs by cleaning and reselling hair from the dumpsite.
