Barbers and Cosmetologists: Can We Keep Up with the Demand?

If you are a Barber or a Cosmetologist, or hoping to become one, your future looks bright—and the sunny days aren’t expected to go away any time soon. The demand for Cosmetology and Barbering services is high, which is never a bad thing for any profession, but can the industry keep up with the barbering and cosmetology demand?

What Causes the Demand for Barbers and Cosmetologists?

The demand for barbers and cosmetologists has increased over the past few years and it’s expected to continue to rise. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the job growth for these occupations to increase between 2016 and 2026, faster than the average for all occupations.¹ So what fuels this demand?

Simply put, it’s the number of people. The population is larger than it used to be, so there are more heads that need haircuts. Society norms about aging have also changed. Youthful appearances are in, and gray hair is out, so the need for fresh hair styles and dye jobs has also increased.

Social media, YouTube vlogs, and the overall emphasis on beauty also has an influence. The demand for coloring, straightening, curling, and cutting is high right now, as everyone wants to look their best for every photo and video opportunity that comes up. You don’t want your next selfie to be a flop.

As with any industry, workers need to be replaced when they retire or leave, and that also accounts for the extra demand on barbers and cosmetologists.

How to Keep Up with the Barbering and Cosmetology Demand

So how can you keep up with the demand? Here are some tips:

• Get paid what you’re worth as a barber or cosmetologist

If you have more clients than you can handle, now may be the time to raise your prices a little. Don’t raise them so high that you’ll scare your clients away. Just make it enough to ensure your extra work reaps some reward.

• Maintain your barbering and cosmetology skills

No matter what you charge, your clients should also get their money’s worth. Learn new techniques and consider taking classes to keep your salon skills sharp and your clients happy.

• Keep up with the barbering and cosmetology trends

The hottest hairstyles today won’t be so hot tomorrow. Watch the style blogs, read magazines, and chat with your colleagues and clients to find out cosmetology and barbering trends. If the demand does start to dip, you’ll still one of the best!

Something else to consider is a dual barber/cosmetologist license. If you already have one license, a little extra training can prepare you to really maximize your potential with another license.

One of the good things about this industry is that it tends to be recession proof. People will always need haircuts, shaves and dye jobs and many will only entrust these tasks to a professional.

If you want to be that go-to professional, consider enrolling in the Barbering or Cosmetology programs at Salon Success Academy. You’ll learn the latest techniques from a dedicated and passionate faculty. So what are waiting for? Call 1-877-987-4247 to learn more.

¹ https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm