Jeff is single and seriously searching

A hairdresser, Jeff Karmanga says he is never tempted to mix business with pleasure. Photo by rachel ajwang.

What you need to know:

A hairdresser with Brushers Beauty Spot on Colville Street, he talks to Christine Katende about his deliberate struggle to remain professional amidst the beautiful clients he attends to on a daily basis.

Who is Jeff Karmanga?

I am commonly known as Jeff Karma. I am a professional hair dresser and an upcoming artistE, interested in dancehall and R&B.
Any example of some of your songs?
I have Bufumbo, Kawetta, and Kiyifi-yifu Mittma gya kko, a collaboration with King Saha, among others.
Are you married? Any children?

I am still single, but searching. I have a daughter from a previous relationship. She will soon make four. My mother takes care of her.
What is the commonest feedback you get from your clients?
That I’m a simple and free person. They also say I’m creative. Basically, that I’m the best hairdresser in town.
What kind of woman walks into your salon?

Mostly young, good looking campus and corporate women aged 22 to 30. Sometimes, I cater to local celebrities. I have worked on Chameleone, Jackie Chandiru, Karitas Karisimbi, Barbie and Zuena, and a number of radio and TV presenters. They actually bring in more clients, which has expanded our customer base.
Do you ever get tempted to mix business with pleasure?
Not really. I focus on my job. I’m always dealing with long queues. I cannot afford to be distracted.

What has been your worst relationship experience?
A girl I liked lied to me about her relationship status. She said she was single and I believed her until I met her in a night club with another man. I took it easy and just moved on. What else could I have done?
What is the one thing that can cause you to break up with a woman you truly love?
Dishonesty. I hate it with all my heart.
For what reason would you strike a woman?
Beat a woman? Never! No matter what she does.
For how long have you been in this field?
So far, six years.
Where did you go for this specific course?
I went to Karen Beauty School in Nairobi for three months and then to Bruno Beauty School in the UK for five months. I then practiced there for two years before coming back to Uganda.
What else do you do for money?
I sell charcoal and also deal in green groceries.

What is the biggest misconception about you as a hairdresser?
Most men mistake me for a womaniser because I spend a lot of time with women. But I’m nothing like that.
Really! Why would they think that?
I guess it is the way I relate with my clients. I’m so free with the ladies and they are also free around me. We hug when we meet and most men envy me for that.

What is the worst thing about being a man in the business of tending to women?
Learning to focus and not get distracted by the women’s good looks. Maintaining professionalism is not easy when one is surrounded by beautiful women. But you get used to it.
Do your clients hit on you?
No, they don’t. They respect me, I think.
Have you hit on or dated one of your clients?
Never. I have always been dating someone else in my life and I am not the kind of man who is able to juggle several women at a go.
The perception that you are always among women so it would be difficult for you to remain faithful..

I suppose it might be a little difficult for another woman to see me handling other women the way I do at the salon. I do not think my character would make me difficult to date. I think it is my working environment that can make some women fear to tamper with me.

TIT BITS
Would you be comfortable in the hands of a female hair dresser?
Why not? I love it when a woman does my hair.
What is your view on:
Polygamy
I don’t support it. Every man should have one woman just as the Bible states.
Cheating
I do not do it and will never support it. If you are not contented with the person you have, breakup and move on to another. That is not so hard, is it?
And cohabiting?
It is actually okay. It gives you chance to know someone better before you commit.
Why do you think today’s men fear commitment?
They are irresponsible, so, it is hard for them to settle with one person.
Would you let your spouse pick the home bills?
Yes. Sharing is caring. Anyway, that is if she is willing.

Who is Jeff Karmanga?

I am commonly known as Jeff Karma. I am a professional hair dresser and an upcoming artist, interested in dancehall and R&B.
Any example of some of your songs?
I have Bufumbo, Kawetta, and Kiyifi-yifu Mittma gya kko, a collaboration with King Saha, among others.
Are you married? Any children?

I am still single, but searching. I have a daughter from a previous relationship. She will soon make four. My mother takes care of her.
What is the commonest feedback you get from your clients?
That I’m a simple and free person. They also say I’m creative. Basically, that I’m the best hairdresser in town.
What kind of woman walks into your salon?

Mostly young, good looking campus and corporate women aged 22 to 30. Sometimes, I cater to local celebrities. I have worked on Chameleone, Jackie Chandiru, Karitas Karisimbi, Barbie and Zuena, and a number of radio and TV presenters. They actually bring in more clients, which has expanded our customer base.
Do you ever get tempted to mix business with pleasure?
Not really. I focus on my job. I’m always dealing with long queues. I cannot afford to be distracted.

What has been your worst relationship experience?
A girl I liked lied to me about her relationship status. She said she was single and I believed her until I met her in a night club with another man. I took it easy and just moved on. What else could I have done?
What is the one thing that can cause you to break up with a woman you truly love?
Dishonesty. I hate it with all my heart.
For what reason would you strike a woman?
Beat a woman? Never! No matter what she does.
For how long have you been in this field?
So far, six years.
Where did you go for this specific course?
I went to Karen Beauty School in Nairobi for three months and then to Bruno Beauty School in the UK for five months. I then practiced there for two years before coming back to Uganda.
What else do you do for money?
I sell charcoal and also deal in green groceries.

What is the biggest misconception about you as a hairdresser?
Most men mistake me for a womaniser because I spend a lot of time with women. But I’m nothing like that.
Really! Why would they think that?
I guess it is the way I relate with my clients. I’m so free with the ladies and they are also free around me. We hug when we meet and most men envy me for that.

What is the worst thing about being a man in the business of tending to women?
Learning to focus and not get distracted by the women’s good looks. Maintaining professionalism is not easy when one is surrounded by beautiful women. But you get used to it.
Do your clients hit on you?
No, they don’t. They respect me, I think.
Have you hit on or dated one of your clients?
Never. I have always been dating someone else in my life and I am not the kind of man who is able to juggle several women at a go.
The perception that you are always among women so it would be difficult for you to remain faithful..

I suppose it might be a little difficult for another woman to see me handling other women the way I do at the salon. I do not think my character would make me difficult to date. I think it is my working environment that can make some women fear to tamper with me.

TIT BITS
Would you be comfortable in the hands of a female hair dresser?
Why not? I love it when a woman does my hair.
What is your view on:
Polygamy
I don’t support it. Every man should have one woman just as the Bible states.
cheating
I do not do it and will never support it. If you are not contented with the person you have, breakup and move on to another. That is not so hard, is it?
And cohabiting?
It is actually okay. It gives you chance to know someone better before you commit.
Why do you think today’s men fear commitment?
They are irresponsible, so, it is hard for them to settle with one person.
Would you let your spouse pick the home bills?
Yes. Sharing is caring. Anyway, that is if she is willing.