I was in Kiserian with Peninah and we had some time to kill. Let’s go to the beauty Salon she said. You’ll love it.” I had absolutely no idea what to expect but the philosophy in Africa is Just say yes, so I nodded agreement and off we set. Peninah lead me through alleys and entrances until we reached Benan Beauty Shop. There were many surprises to come!
Firstly, the beautician was a young man (guessing about 25 years old). I have never encountered a male beautician in the UK. Apparently, it’s very common in Kenya. This is even more surprising because there are usually very clearly defined male and female roles.
It was laid out like a shoe-shine shop with a long, raised bench on one wall. Elizabeth, Peninah’s step sister, was already there and five minutes later, Miriam, from the Osiligi Warriors Troupe, arrived. Clearly this was the place to go in Kiserian for all things beauty. It’s a first come first served basis. So we all took a seat in order, along the bench.
A range of services are offered – manicures, pedicures, gel nails, fake nails,,eyebrow shape and tint, facials etc. The prices are breathtakingly cheap. I had decided to have a manicure with gel nails. This would normally cost about £15 at home. But it was £3.25 in Kiserian which was a great start to the experience. Peninah gets her nails and toenails done and they look grand. He clearly knows what he is doing. He gets started on me. There is a wee blip when the electricity goes off for half an hour and everything stops. But no-one seems phased by the delay.
It’s a very jolly experience with lots of girls talk, discussion of nail polish colours and admiration of finished nails and toes. “Let’s go for it.“ says Peninah. “Do you want to get your eyebrows shaved too?” I think not! She tries to persuade me. “He can do all sorts of styles and shapes.”
She points to a chart on the wall with a bizarre array of brow shapes and sizes. But it’s still a definjte no from me!
I watch as he takes out a razor blade and heads for her brows. She sits very still as he shapes and thins them. I can hardly take a breath. He is very skilled for sure, but this is a country with a high incidence of AIDS. I have no intention of letting him anywhere near me with a razor blade! Both Miriam and Elizabeth get their brows shaved and pencilled on too without a nick.
We all feel great as we leave. I am delighted with my nails. I will definitely go back – probably for a pedicure but definitely not for an eyebrow shave!
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