This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
Joseph Zigumbye's journey into hairstyling began out of necessity. Originally planning to become an engineer, he couldn't afford the school fees, so he opted to study and work part-time at a salon. However, he soon realized he couldn't balance both successfully.
It was then that a friend introduced him to the temporary dreadlocks technique, which was gaining popularity in Rwanda. Intrigued, Joseph spent a month learning the basics of faux dreads, a method that gives the end result of locked hair without damaging the actual hair.
Unlike real locs, temporary dreads can be removed after six to nine months with minimal damage. Joseph explains, 'We fold the hair down and fix the dreads over it, so that the hair is not a part of the dreadlock strand. This way, it remains undamaged.'
Joseph mastered the art in Kampala and introduced it to his friends in Nairobi, who were also stylists. He worked at a salon in Nairobi's Capital Centre for three years before moving to a shared space with three other stylists, where they coined the name Locks Chapter.
Locks Chapter charges Sh6,200 for shoulder-length dreads, which can go up to Sh10,000 or higher depending on style specifications. Joseph emphasizes the importance of consistency and honesty with clients, saying, 'It's about doing a good job and being honest with your customers.'
Joseph gets up to three clients a day, with referrals and repeat clients being their biggest marketing strategy. Locks Chapter is also active on social media, with potential clients calling in after seeing their designs online.
Joseph's business is built on persistence and consistency, as he believes that advertising once and stopping won't yield results. He says, 'This business is about consistency and persistence. If you advertise once and stop because you got no response, you will sleep hungry.'
Joseph's unique technique has opened up options for women from various careers to wear their hair as they want, without fear of being judged by employers.
Published on November 6, 2019 in The Standard.
