These days, reports of rising inflation are seen everywhere—be it the grocery store or the gas pump. But what about salons? Kline PRO data indicates that salon prices are on the rise but not at the same rate as those reported for the overall market. 

According to Paula Gottdiner, Project Manager, Consumer Products at Kline:

Hair Styling

Salons have played it smart and capitalized on the return of social engagements. Styling service requests have risen 19% and revenues are up 31% over Q2 year ago (YAG). Revenue gains are outpacing the number of services performed due in large part to the 9.8% increase in pricing overall. Blowout services are the most popular and increased in price by an average of 12.2%. Both braiding and flat ironing saw prices rise by 27%. 

Hair Coloring

Hair coloring services make up 22% of all salon services performed and account for a hefty 40% of revenues, making it a cornerstone for salons. While coloring service prices are up an average of 5.2%, there is room for salons to raise prices and stay within or under inflation rates.   

Texturizing

Texturizing is a small segment within salon services but, like hair coloring, one that requires expertise and extended service time. Consequently, clients would likely be tolerant of a price hike. The Permanent Wave/Cut Combination and Keratin Straightening are both keeping up with inflation, but Relaxers and Thermal Conditioning saw a decline in prices versus YAG. 

Treatments

Thinning hair treatments saw a surge of 53% in pricing, and the scalp treatment pricing was up 10%. Both treatments are a part of the continuing skinification of hair trend. A third element of that movement, clarifying treatments, is a prime candidate for a price increase, witnessing a 70% increase in demand. However, the average price fell to $25.18, recording an 8% decline. 

Haircuts

Haircuts constitute 40% of the number of services for salons. Just because they are high in volume does not mean they should be loss leaders. In fact, the number of cuts has declined, which actually may necessitate a bump in pricing. The current average price stands at $35.40; if the period’s inflation rate of 9.1% for personal services had been applied, that would be $38.62.