Mekdes Solomon, a 29-year-old mother, runs a lighting supply business in Piassa, Arada, commuting from her home in Bole District.

She owns a shop that sells lighting materials and accessories where she spends much of her time.

A mother of a seven-year-old girl, Milena, Mekdes cannot find the time to braid her daughter's hair regularly as she is kept busy at her shop during the week, and her weekends are occupied by social engagements that are a big part of community life in Ethiopia.

She tried to braid her daughter's hair every morning, a task that took at least half an hour of her busy morning schedule, but she soon abandoned the habit.

Now she takes Milena to children's hair salons, businesses that specialise in children’s hair and cosmetic needs. The décor of these businesses is geared toward children with colourful art, toys and furnishings for their clientele  .

Milena enjoys going to these salons, since she can play with the toys provided, while the hairdresser braids her hair.

"I don't want to take her to adult salons," said Mekdes. "The atmosphere and conversations are not suited for children and may negatively influence my daughter."

Though the customary thing is for Ethiopian mothers to braid their daughters' hair, Mekdes and other busy families have to contend with juggling their time and seem to have found a modern solution to the problem of properly caring for their children’s hair.

Ever since Milena started school three years ago, her mother has been taking her to different children's hair salons, including Kiddy Universal Hair Salon located on the third floor of Edna Mall.

Kiddy Universal Hair Salon, which opened its doors four months ago, works on both boys and girls and offers braiding, manicure and barber services.

The salon charges up to 130 Br for braiding, 100 Br for different hairstyles and 30 Br for a manicure. The price can go up depending on additional services like hair washing, coloring and applying decorations on girls' hair.

Aside from their regular visits to the salons, Milena and her mother get their hair done for holidays and festivities.

Once Milena's hair is braided, it is good for a week or two, which comes as a relief to her mother.

These salons are busy during the weekends, especially on Sundays, while business is slow during the week. Few families, it seems, take their children to the salons after work or after school hours.

Another salon that provides services for children is Martha Kids Salon, which opened six years ago and is located near Bole Bridge close to Brass Hospital. The business, dedicated to children’s cosmetic needs, charges 60 Br to 70 Br to dress a child's hair.

"We also apply different accessories to the hair for special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays," said Mihret Alemu, a hairdresser at Marta Kids Salon.