In East Africa, “mwongezo” hairstyles refer to braiding styles where extra hair extensions are added on (“mwongezo” literally means addition in Kiswahili).
The technique involves feeding in synthetic or human hair gradually as the braid progresses, so the braid looks fuller, longer, and more uniform from root to tip.
It’s similar to what’s often called “feed-in braids” elsewhere, but in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda the local term “mwongezo” is commonly used. The style can be done with cornrows, straight-back braids, or creative patterns, and it tends to look more natural at the hairline since the bulk is added progressively rather than all at once.
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Latest Mwongezo Hairstyles in Kenya/Latest Mwongezo Hair Styles/Trending Mwongezo Hairstyles
In 2023, the Kenyan beauty industry saw the continued rise and refinement of Mwongezo hairstyles — a category of braiding that focuses on the use of hair extensions to enhance volume, length, and intricacy.
The word “mwongezo” means “addition” in Kiswahili, and it aptly captures the essence of the style: adding synthetic hair to natural hair to create fuller, more defined braids.
What once began as a simple protective style has now become a widespread fashion and cultural phenomenon in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and beyond.
What Are Mwongezo Hairstyles in Kenya?
Mwongezo styles are defined by their use of added hair — often in braids or cornrows — to achieve a neat, voluminous look.
These extensions are woven into the client’s natural hair using various techniques such as feed-in braiding, twist-ins, and crochet.
In Kenya, Mwongezo is often associated with popular styles like knotless braids, two-layer lines, Ghanaian lines (Ghana weaving), lemonade braids, and faux locs, all of which rely on extension hair to complete the look.
Salons and freelance stylists throughout Kenya have embraced Mwongezo styles as a central service offering.
It’s common to find hairstylists advertising their braiding services on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, showcasing clients’ results using catchy captions like “Mwongezo wa ukweli!” (real additions) or “Style yako iko ready” (your style is ready).
Why Were Mwongezo Braids So Popular in 2023?
Several factors contributed to the mainstream popularity of mwongezo styles in Kenya during 2023:
- Affordability and Accessibility: Most styles cost between KSh 1,000 and KSh 3,000 depending on the complexity and the location of the salon. In areas like Nairobi’s Gikomba, Umoja, and Roysambu, women could access high-quality Mwongezo styling at competitive rates.
- Social Media Exposure: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram drove the popularity of Mwongezo by highlighting stylish transformations and tutorial videos. Kenyan influencers and hair content creators such as @hairby_nesh, @flairbybetty, and @vicky_braids shared their work regularly, leading to increased demand.
- Protective Styling Benefits: Mwongezo styles offer a protective benefit for natural hair by minimizing breakage and manipulation. Many women opted for styles like feed-in cornrows or knotless braids to give their hair a break from daily styling.
- Cultural and Personal Expression: Mwongezo became a form of self-expression, allowing women to experiment with colors, lengths, and parting patterns while still adhering to workplace and school policies. Ombre braiding hair, colored extensions (like burgundy or honey-blonde), and custom parting (zig-zag, criss-cross) were especially trendy.
Popular Styles in the Mwongezo Category (2023 Highlights)
Two-Layer Lines (Two-Step): A layered look where one set of cornrows sits above another. This technique gives fullness without the bulk of traditional box braids.
Latest Mwongezo Styles in Kenya/Latest Mwongezo Hair Style
Best Mwongezo Hair Style 2023
Photo credits: Queens Royale Salon & Beauty Accessories-Nakuru, Kurls & Kuts Beauty Salon, Caro Mathini, Stylish Naija