Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa Expo is the largest industry meeting point in Kenya, bringing together professionals from the beauty, cosmetics, and wellness sectors.
Scheduled for 16-18 November 2026 at the Sarit Expo Center in Nairobi, this event will feature over 130 exhibitors and attract more than 4000 visitors, including key buyers and industry leaders.
Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa takes place in Nairobi, KE.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa runs from 16-18 November 2026 at Sarit Expo Center, Nairobi, Kenya.
- 2Scale and Focus: This exhibition connects over 4000 professionals in the beauty industry, featuring 130+ exhibitors.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Astrovision, a leading exhibition company based in Dubai.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and beauty professionals from 10 countries.
- 5Entry: Registration is open for both visitors and exhibitors through the official website.
Why visit
Visiting the Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa Expo offers unique opportunities to connect with industry leaders and discover the latest trends in beauty and wellness. Attendees can engage with over 4000 professionals, explore new products, and gain insights from expert speakers. This event is essential for anyone looking to expand their network and business in the beauty sector. Programme highlight: Three-day beauty trade floor.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa Expo allows companies to showcase their products to a targeted audience of beauty professionals. Exhibitors can meet international buyers, receive immediate feedback, and establish valuable business connections. This event is a key opportunity for brands to enhance their visibility and penetrate the East African market.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Beauty and personal-care brand owners and distributors sourcing stock for East African retail
Salon, spa and barbershop owners comparing equipment, treatment lines and consumables
Cosmetics and skincare importers and wholesalers negotiating supplier terms
Hair-care specialists, including braiding and weave salon buyers
Retail pharmacy and beauty-chain buyers expanding cosmetics ranges
Nail technicians and makeup artists evaluating tools and pro product lines
Packaging, private-label and contract-manufacturing buyers for beauty brands
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Cosmetics and skincare manufacturers seeking East African distribution
Hair-care and braiding product suppliers, including wigs and extensions
Salon and spa equipment makers (chairs, dryers, treatment beds)
Nail and makeup product brands and pro tool suppliers
Personal-care and hygiene brands targeting Kenyan retail chains
Packaging, private-label and contract-manufacturing service providers
Beauty-sector distributors and country agents for imported lines
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Skincare and facial treatments
Hair care, braiding and wig products
Cosmetics and colour cosmetics
Nail products and implements
Salon, spa and barbershop equipment
Professional makeup tools and brushes
Beauty packaging and private label
Personal care and hygiene products
Location & Facilities
Venue
Sarit Expo Center
Sarit Expo Center, Nairobi, Kenya
Facilities
Parking
Sarit Expo Center in Nairobi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Sarit Expo Center in Nairobi typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Sarit Expo Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Nairobi, KE
Why it matters
On 2026-11-16 to 2026-11-18, Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa in Nairobi gives trade buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · KES
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Holiday Inn Nairobi Two Rivers Mall by IHG
midscale
Two Rivers / Limuru RoadUSD 150–190 / night
4-star IHG property near Two Rivers Mall; guest rating 4.7 from about 1.1K reviews in the Google Hotels capture. Amenities captured: breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, bar.
The Boma Nairobi
upscale
Nairobi (city listing)USD 150–202 / night
5-star hotel in the Google Hotels capture with guest rating 4.5. Amenities captured: breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, air conditioning, fitness center, spa, bar.
Hotel Tobriana
midscale
Nairobi (city listing)USD 150–190 / night
4-star hotel in the Google Hotels capture, pet-friendly. Amenities captured: free Wi-Fi, free parking, outdoor pool, bar, restaurant, airport shuttle, full-service laundry.
Raha Suites Westlands Nairobi
midscale
WestlandsUSD 150–190 / night
4-star apart-hotel style property in the Google Hotels capture; kitchen in some rooms and airport shuttle listed. Amenities captured: breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, free parking, air conditioning, restaurant, full-service laundry.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Matatu (minibus)
Estimated costKES 2-8 typical single public transport journey (confirm before travel)
Best forNumbered city routes, e.g. route 16 mapped in Nairobi by Moovit
Cash or cashless payment; confirm the stage closest to the Sarit Expo Center and the walking leg with the crew.
Taxi / ride-hailing
Estimated costKES typical taxi or rideshare to the venue district (confirm before travel)
Best forAirport or hotel to Sarit Expo Center district
Metered or app-quoted; allow extra time in morning and evening peaks.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. KES taxi/rideshare from NBO to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forJomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) to Sarit Expo Center
Nairobi's main international gateway and the airport named in the captured Nairobi airport and Rome2rio travel pages; transfer to the Sarit Expo Center district by taxi or ride-hailing, with matatu options for onward city travel.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. KES taxi/rideshare from WIL to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forWilson Airport (WIL) to Sarit Expo Center
Weather
Mid-November falls in Nairobi's short-rains period, so expect afternoon showers and cooler mornings and evenings at around 1,300 metres altitude. Open-Meteo air-quality forecast for Nairobi showed a US AQI near 54 with PM2.5 around 11.5 µg/m³ and PM10 around 15.9 µg/m³ (public API forecast, not on-site measurement); sensitive travellers should check local advisories.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to KE.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Greetings and business tone
Handshakes are common in business settings. A warm 'Jambo' or 'Habari' opens meetings, and it is polite to use titles and surnames until invited otherwise. Meetings often begin with light conversation before business.
Dress and climate
Business casual is typical for trade fairs and smart casual for evening events. Nairobi sits at around 1,300 metres, so mornings and evenings can feel cool; bring a light layer even in November.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A 10 percent tip at restaurants and small amounts for hotel staff are common; confirm whether a service charge is already included.
Language
English and Swahili are Kenya's official languages, and most trade conversations at the show can be held in English. A few Swahili greetings are appreciated and help build rapport.
Safety and transport
Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps at night, keep valuables out of sight, and check your embassy's current travel advice for Nairobi. Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas after dark.
Photography and product demos
Ask before photographing people, stands or products. Some exhibitors restrict photography of new launches or treatment demonstrations, so request permission first.
Timekeeping
Nairobi uses East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3). Allow extra time for traffic between hotels and Sarit Expo Center, and confirm meeting times in EAT when scheduling with international contacts.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Book into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) for arrival ahead of the 16 November 2026 opening day and departure after the 18 November close. The Google Flights capture returned unrelated US domestic itineraries, so no fare was used here; compare Nairobi fares on your own booking search and budget a taxi or ride-hailing transfer from NBO to the venue district.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Nairobi; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Sarit Expo Center: Two Rivers / Limuru Road: Holiday Inn Nairobi Two Rivers Mall by IHG; Nairobi (city listing): The Boma Nairobi; Nairobi (city listing): Hotel Tobriana.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Nairobi; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Nairobi public transport is dominated by matatu minibuses rather than rail or metro. Routes are number-coded (for example route 16, which Moovit maps in Nairobi); pay per single journey and confirm the stage nearest the Sarit Expo Center before travelling.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Sarit Expo Center; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November 2026
Temperature: Daytime roughly 22-26 C, nights around 13-15 C (Nairobi, mid-November; confirm a live forecast before travel)
Seasonality: Short-rains season: expect intermittent afternoon and evening showers during the 16-18 November show days.
Packing: Pack a light rain jacket or umbrella for short-rains showers, layers for cool mornings, and comfortable shoes for walking the Sarit Expo Center halls.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm Kenya eTA approval and passport validity — Apply for the electronic Travel Authorisation through the official Government of Kenya portal if your nationality requires it. Check that your passport has at least six months' validity and blank pages.
T-2
Book hotel and airport transfer — Compare Westlands, Two Rivers and city-centre hotels against Sarit Expo Center travel time. Confirm whether the rate includes breakfast and airport pickup.
T-3
Register for Beauty Show East Africa — Complete visitor registration on the organiser site and check whether any days or halls are trade-only. Save the confirmation QR code or email offline.
T-4
Build a meeting list from the exhibitor directory — Target contract manufacturers, skincare and haircare brands, salon equipment suppliers and packaging companies that fit your store or salon portfolio.
T-5
Arrange Kenyan shillings and card access — Notify your bank of travel to Kenya. Carry a small amount of KES for matatu fares, tips and incidentals; confirm whether your card works with local terminals.
T-6
Check the short-rains forecast — Mid-November is Nairobi's short-rains period. Pack a light rain layer, comfortable walking shoes and a small umbrella for afternoon showers.
T-7
Prepare buyer documents — Carry company registration, a short buyer profile and product interest list. These help at badge pickup and when discussing distribution terms with exhibitors.
T-8
Confirm local transport options — Save the Sarit Expo Center pin offline and test whether ride-hailing apps work on your phone in Nairobi. Ask your hotel about trusted taxi contacts.
T-9
Pack samples and purchase orders — If you plan to import, check KEBS or PVoC requirements and labelling rules before agreeing to ship products. Bring copies of any existing supplier documents.
T-10
Arrive and test the route to the venue — Use arrival day to collect your badge if the organiser offers early pickup, and time the hotel-to-venue journey during a comparable traffic period.
T-11
Arrive early for security screening — Carry your passport or ID and registration confirmation. The first morning is usually the best time for longer conversations with senior exhibitors.
T-12
Carry water, power bank and business cards — Plan meetings around hall layout and leave buffer time for Nairobi traffic. Review leads each evening and send follow-up messages within 24 hours.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Sarit Expo Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa registration concourse
Sarit Expo Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Sarit Expo Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsKES 190.00
- Per diem × 2KES 150.00
Estimated totalKES 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Cosmetics solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa in Nairobi.
Min. budget
$554.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Cosmetics products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,493.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Nairobi show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is Beauty Show East Africa 2026 held?
It runs 16-18 November 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Sarit Expo Center.
Which airport should I fly into for Beauty Show East Africa?
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is Nairobi's international gateway; plan a taxi or ride-hailing transfer to the venue district and allow for peak-hour traffic.
How do I get from my hotel to the Sarit Expo Center?
Nairobi has no metro line to the fairground area; use metered taxis or ride-hailing, or a numbered matatu route with a short walking leg. Confirm the stage with your hotel.
What currency is used at the show?
Kenyan shilling (KES).
Who exhibits at Beauty Show East Africa?
Exhibitors cover cosmetics, skincare, hair care and braiding products, nail products, salon and spa equipment, packaging and private-label services.
Glossary
- OEM / ODM
- Original Equipment Manufacturer or Original Design Manufacturer: a contract factory that produces cosmetics, personal-care or salon products for another company's brand. East African distributors often ask whether a brand owns its formula or sources from an OEM.
- Private label
- Finished beauty or personal-care products manufactured and branded for a specific retailer, salon chain or distributor. Private label is a common route for Kenyan retailers testing own-brand skincare and haircare ranges.
- Cosmeceutical
- A cosmetic product with bioactive ingredients positioned between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. At beauty trade shows these products are usually sold through salons, pharmacies and specialist retail rather than mass-market shelves.
- ISO 22716
- The international Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guideline for cosmetics. Buyers sourcing skincare, haircare or colour cosmetics from contract manufacturers often request ISO 22716 certification as part of supplier qualification.
- Halal cosmetics
- Products formulated and manufactured without alcohol or animal-derived ingredients that are prohibited under halal rules, with a certified supply chain. Demand is growing in East Africa and the Middle East, making halal certification a sourcing question at the show.
- KEBS
- Kenya Bureau of Standards, the national standards body. Imported cosmetics and personal-care products may need KEBS conformity or Pre-Export Verification of Conformity (PVoC) documentation before they can be cleared in Kenya.
- MOQ
- Minimum Order Quantity: the smallest production run a contract manufacturer or supplier will accept. MOQ terms are central to negotiations between East African distributors and international beauty brands.
- Salon professional / back-bar
- Products sold for use by hairdressers, beauticians or spa therapists rather than for retail take-home. Back-bar sizes, professional-only pricing and technical training are typical talking points at beauty trade fairs.
- Skin actives
- Functional ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides and exfoliating acids that support product claims. Formulators and brand owners compare active concentrations, stability data and clinical support at sourcing meetings.
- Distributor
- A company that imports, warehouses and sells brands to salons, pharmacies, supermarkets or e-commerce platforms in a territory. A good East African distributor brings customs clearance, KEBS compliance and field sales teams.
- Cruelty-free / vegan claims
- Product positioning based on no animal testing and no animal-derived ingredients. East African buyers increasingly ask for documentation before listing imported skincare and haircare.
- Shelf-ready packaging
- Retail packaging designed to go directly from carton to shelf, with barcodes and shelf-edge labelling. This matters for supermarket and pharmacy buyers comparing imported beauty ranges.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Nairobi beauty expo 2026
- East Africa cosmetics exhibition
- Beauty trade show Kenya 2026
- Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa 2026
- Beauty Cosmetics & Wellness East Africa Nairobi 2026
- Beauty Cosmetics 2026
- Beauty Cosmetics Nairobi 2026
- Nairobi KE
- Beauty & Cosmetics Exhibition Nairobi 2026
- Beauty & Cosmetics Exhibition Exhibition Nairobi
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.