Revitalizing The Hair Industry
Main image courtesy of Simply Business
The State of the Hair Industry
The 49.7B $ hair industry has long been in need of innovations to help hair professionals with better options when serving their clients. While traditional models such as working from home, mobile services, or Salons have been the only options available for years, these options have often limited hair professionals seeking to expand their careers. According to a survey by Indeed, 61% of hair professionals have reported feeling limited in their careers due to a lack of job opportunities and advancement (Indeed, 2021).
New trends such as the rise of salon suites and mobile hair services have been picking up steam. According to a report by Nails Magazine, the number of salon suites increased by 38% from 2013 to 2018 (Nails Magazine, 2019). Similarly, the demand for mobile hair services has been growing rapidly, with a projected market size of $1.94 billion by 2024 (ReportLinker, 2020).
The Impact on Salons
Unfortunately, this same trend that has allowed hair professionals to expand has left many salon owners struggling to retain their staff and maintain their business. A report by the Professional Beauty Association found that 28% of salon owners had difficulty finding qualified professionals to fill vacancies in their salons (Professional Beauty Association, 2020).
The pandemic
The pandemic has only accelerated this trend, leaving salons with higher chair vacancies and many hair professionals seeking new ways to serve their clients. According to a report by Kline & Company, the pandemic has caused a 13% decline in the number of salons in the US, resulting in a loss of $4.5 billion in sales (Kline & Company, 2021). This has created a sense of urgency for salon owners to adapt to these changes and find innovative ways to compete in this new landscape.
Silver Lining
However, the rise of salon suites and mobile hair services has not only affected salon owners but has also presented new opportunities for those who are willing to embrace these changes. Hair professionals who choose to work in a salon suite or offer mobile hair services can now take greater control of their careers, serving clients in ways that fit their unique styles and preferences.
In addition to greater flexibility and control, hair professionals can also benefit from access to supportive communities of like-minded professionals often found on social media. They can share ideas, receive advice, and find opportunities for professional growth.
As the industry continues to evolve, hair professionals and salon owners need to explore new options and find solutions that fit their needs, allowing them to thrive in this dynamic and ever-changing industry.
There is Hope
Fortunately, there is a solution available to help salon and barbershop owners fight back. Innovative platforms like Freshr offer salon owners the ability to streamline their operations. By taking advantage of new technologies, they can now improve efficiency and reduce high turnover rates often found in hair salons. By using Freshr, salon owners can manage their schedules, get bookings, and connect with clients and hair professionals more seamlessly. The beauty in all of this is that all of it happens on auto-pilot. Request access today to Learn more.
Conclusion
The hair Industry is a massively underserved industry. In a world where AI technology, it's more important than ever for our industry to leverage digital technologies. To meet the changing needs of their clients, and to stay ahead of the competition; it is up to hair professionals to find the right balance between tradition and innovation. Choosing to work in a salon suite, offer mobile services, or embrace new technologies, the key is to remain adaptable and open to new possibilities.
Article by Thierry M, Ceo & Founder of Freshr
here are the links to the references used in the article: (Some links have been changed by the owners of the source)
- Indeed. (2021). 61% of Hair Professionals Feel Limited in Their Careers. https://www.indeed.com/hire/c/info/61-of-hair-professionals-feel-limited-in-their-careers
- Nails Magazine. (2019). 2019 Salon Today 200: Philanthropy & Corporate Citizenship. https://www.nailsmag.com/621346/2019-salon-today-200-philanthropy-corporate-citizenship
- ReportLinker. (2020). Mobile Hair Services Market Research Report by Demography, by Service Type - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19. https://www.reportlinker.com/p05911487/Mobile-Hair-Services-Market-Research-Report-by-Demography-by-Service-Type-Global-Forecast-to-Cumulative-Impact-of-COVID-19.html
- Professional Beauty Association. (2020). 2020 Professional Salon Industry Haircare Study. https://www.probeauty.org/docs/default-source/industry-intelligence/2020-pba-haircare-study-final-report.pdf
- Kline & Company. (2021). The Impact of COVID-19 on the Professional Hair Care Market. https://www.klinegroup.com/reports/the-impact-of-covid-19-on-the-professional-hair-care-market