This archive report was first published on 7 August 2020.
At Nairobi's Dandora dumpsite, a unique business has emerged in response to the economic challenges brought about by the pandemic. Stylist Julia Wanja, a mother of three, has been selling second-hand hair extensions since 2008, but the pandemic has increased demand for her services.
Wanja and her fellow scavengers sort through piles of discarded masks, rubber gloves, and other rubbish in search of used hair extensions. They then clean and resell the hair to customers, who prefer it over new extensions due to its lower price.
According to Wanja, the pandemic has led to a decrease in clients with less money, prompting her to cut down on costs by sourcing hair from the dumpsite. She washes the used hair extensions carefully using detergent, Dettol, and hot water, and most of her customers trust her to do so.
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 looks new, with long, luxuriant locks hanging from the walls in Wanja's stall or perched on a battered styrofoam head.
As the pandemic continues to affect the economy, it remains to be seen whether this unique business model will become a permanent fixture in Nairobi's beauty industry.
