Two years after the pandemic, consumers are going back to hair salons, but their hair care bills have increased by 15%. While men today pay up to $40 for a haircut, women can pay up to $400 for a complete makeover.
“Our suppliers have increased their prices by 19% in the last 18 months. It's crazy!” Jenny Giroux, owner of Tendance Urbaine in Blainville, tells the Journal.
“We have not been able to increase our prices to our customers at the same level. We proceeded with logic. On the other hand, we make less profit than before.”
For Jessica Henri, owner of the salon L'Émèchée, the financial damage caused by the pandemic delayed her mother's retirement by a few years.
“We used to include taxes when we displayed our prices,” she explains. We charge taxes on our prices there.”
“Now I have detailed invoices showing the products used and the hairdresser’s time explaining prices to customers.”
Different customers
In addition to growth on several levels, the hairdressing industry is also confronted with changing habits of its customers.
“People are paying more attention to their wallet,” explains Mathieu Courtemanche, owner of five Les Barbares salons.
“They are more likely to buy their products in the pharmacy than in our salons. And the frequency of their cuts has increased.”
“They will come every five weeks instead of three or four. It is certain that you will have a deficit at the end of the year.”
Jenny Giroux observed the same thing.
“After a haircut, a woman will now prefer to have her hair done at home,” she emphasizes. It costs between $15 and $20 to have it done at the salon. We feel like people are cutting back on spending. COVID has been a challenge, but with the forecast trough it is likely to get worse.”
Tendance Urbaine owner Jenny Giroux is overwhelmed by the rising cost of hairdressing products. PHOTO Jenny Giroux
A strong trend
Salon owners have also had to deal with labor law issues since the end of the pandemic.
“That hurt us the most,” says Mathieu Courtemanche. During the pandemic, employees began making cuts at home while we were not open at maximum capacity. There are others who have rented studios at a low rent.
“They said to themselves, 'Why should I give half of my salary to a hair salon?'”
Jessica Henri, owner of the salon L'Émèchée, changed her model to address the labor shortage. PHOTO Mathieu Boulay
Due to this strong trend, several chairs remained empty in the living rooms.
“I decided to rent chairs. They all want different schedules, explains Jessica Henri. They want to do what they have to do, but no more.”
“Despite everything, it is a business model that works well. I had no choice but to let go of the situation.”
Increases since the pandemic
Before the pandemic
- Men's cut: $32
- Cut + Beard: $43
- Women's cut: $35
- Coloring: $47
- Color, cut, style + highlights: $275
After the pandemic
- Men's cut: $37
- Cut + Beard: $49
- Women's cut: $42
- Coloring: $55
- Coloring, cutting, styling + highlights: $350 to $400 (depending on length, thickness of hair, number of papers used for highlights)
Can you share information about this story?
Write to us or call us directly at 1 800-63SCOOP.