If you've visited a salon recently, you’ve likely noticed that the cost of getting your hair done has increased. While many factors contribute to this rise in prices, it’s more than just inflation—there's a combination of higher product costs, increased business overhead, employeement laws, and the evolving demands of clients. Here's why the cost of salon services is higher than ever, and why getting personal services is becoming a luxury expense for many.
The Rising Cost of Products and Overhead
Post-COVID, the beauty industry has seen significant price increases in professional products, which impacts every salon’s bottom line. Hair salons are now paying much more for essentials like shampoos, treatments, dyes, and tools. Where overhead expenses were once manageable, today’s supply chain issues and rising material costs mean salons face new financial pressures.
Let's also consider the surge in today's real estate and rent prices at an all time high. Any new salon opening today is likely paying much higher rents than salons established pre-pandemic businesses. This escalation in operating costs forces salons to raise their prices to stay sustainable in a competitive, yet costly era.
With the ever changing trends of life, we must also consider the price of surcharges many businesses must now consider. Technology is not free. Many underlining cost and fees are associated with the cost to do business that didn't exist 15 years ago. Credit card fees are literally taking 3%+ of all our sales and any website/apps we use now, which is the new norm and have monthly fees $$ attached as well. And can we talk about the cost to be cashless and the fact that a virtual dollar that is not actually a dollar anymore. Small Businesses are now facing many more finacial challenges and expectations than ever before.
The Changing Demands of Clients
Beyond rising product and overhead costs, the way clients approach beauty services has also evolved. Social media plays a huge role in shaping client expectations, with trends like intricate “lived-in” blondes and balayage being widely requested and picture perfect hair. Achieving these highly detailed looks takes time—often requiring stylists to block out twice as many hours for one client.
At Blade & Arrow, our stylists book sessions that can last four to five hours, which means we have to charge accordingly, not only for the time but also for the extensive use of product/overhead. This shift in client expectations, driven by social media, means hairstylists are dedicating more time to each appointment and as any jobs goes, skills and extensive training are required as things are ever changing.
Equal Pay and Professional Recognition
Historically, women in the beauty industry, like many women-dominated fields, have made significantly less than men in comparable roles. But we are now entering a time where fair and equal pay is a priority. This isn’t just about men versus women anymore—this is about ensuring that work equals fair pay, no matter the industry or gender. Traditional "male gendered" dominated skilled jobs, are often paid much more and expected to be compensated fairly for their skills and training, while female dominated jobs are overlooked and traditioanlly under paid. Women have finally fought hard to become equals in society and are now making wages comparable to men dominated industrys. This is huge for all the women who have worked their butts off to gain equal opportunity!
The hair industry is no longer seen as a fallback plan or hobby job, as it was traditionally viewed. It is now a career path for many who choose this career intentionally because of the creative freedom and artisty it allows. For many, hairstyling is a full-fledged career, and pursuing this profession requires significant financial investment. Today's cosmetology school can cost up to $30,000, and that education might not even fully prepare you for the industry. Many stylists must continue to reinvest in advanced training before they become fully established, experienced professionals.
Charging for Time, Skill, and Education
While clients see the beautiful end result of their hair service, what they don’t always see is the years of education, training, and dedication that go into it. Stylists don’t just learn how to cut and color—they invest in ongoing education to stay current with new trends, techniques, and business strategies. Many spend thousands of dollars on advanced courses, social media marketing, photography skills, and more to ensure they can provide clients with cutting-edge services.
Charging what we’re worth is about more than making a living—it’s about recognizing that hairstyling is a skill, an art, and a profession that requires a substantial investment in both time and money. Personal services are becoming a luxury, and as expectations rise, so too must the compensation for the work involved.
A New Era of Fair Pay
As we enter this era of fair and equal pay, it’s time to acknowledge the value of hairstylists and their work. The beauty industry is made up of professionals who have invested heavily in their craft, both financially and personally. Stylists are no longer willing to be underpaid or undervalued, especially as the cost of education, rent, and products continues to climb.
At Blade & Arrow, we charge by the hour because we believe in compensating our stylists for their time, expertise, and artistry. When a client walks out with a stunning look after a four-hour session, they are leaving with more than just a hairstyle—they’re experiencing the result of years of skill development, education, and commitment to delivering the best.
We’re also seeing a broader societal shift, where traditionally women-dominated fields like hairstyling are finally being recognized as legitimate, professional careers. As more women and men enter the beauty industry with higher education costs and greater business acumen, the demand for fair compensation is becoming non-negotiable.
The Reality of Luxury Services
Today, getting your hair done is a luxury experience persoanl service and that comes with a price tag. As stylists spend more time, use higher-end products, and deliver intricate looks, it’s essential to charge accordingly. This ensures that our stylists can continue to offer the best services so we can continue to have business that can thrive and build community.
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