Hair Trends Shift as Costs Rise for UK Salon Visits

Longer styles gain popularity amidst economic pressures.

Rising costs are reshaping hair trends in the UK, with longer styles supplanting shorter, more high-maintenance looks. Budgetary concerns, driven by a cost of living crisis, appear to be influencing choices at the salon.

The Price of Style

Since 2020, haircut costs in the UK have jumped more than 30%, government data shows. Many people have reacted by embracing longer hairstyles that require less frequent salon visits.

Phil Smith, owner of Smith England in Salisbury, says “We’re still in a cost of living crisis. Most people are struggling. Anything that’s going to give your hair a bit of a longer life is going to stay in fashion.”

Barbers Feeling the Pinch

For salon owners such as Smith, the shift towards lower-maintenance styles is affecting business, leading to fewer appointments. The popularity of skin fades, which demand regular upkeep, is decreasing among men.

Instead, the taper fade, offering a similar blended appearance but with more length, is gaining traction. As Smith notes, “Short hair is dying out and longer hairstyles are back in fashion… When the taper grows out, it looks a bit cooler and messier.”

Mullets are also experiencing a revival, though Smith advises caution, lest the cut resemble a throwback to Chris Waddle if poorly executed.

Coloring Trends Evolve

For women, the cost of living crunch impacts hair coloring choices. Omitting regular root touch-ups, balayage is now favored. This technique, with color applied directly, requires salon visits only twice a year.

Smith has increased prices by 15%-20% to offset rising operational costs. “I’ve been doing this for 41 years and this is by far the hardest I’ve ever seen it. The recession and 2008 banking crisis was a walk in the park compared with how things are now,” he stated.

Barbers Catching Up

Bobby Gordon, owner of Fella barbershops, echoes these difficulties, citing a limit to what customers will spend. Gordon observes, “For a long time, people just assumed a men’s haircut was a tenner. But the quality of work that barbers are doing now is, on the whole, a lot better.”

Skin fades and shorter styles are declining, while longer styles gain appeal. With clients seeking detailed, Instagram-inspired cuts, appointments now take 40-60 minutes.

To accommodate budget-conscious clients, Fella now offers a “back and sides” service for those needing only minor touch-ups, as these areas tend to be the most problematic as hair grows out.

Salon Experiences Valued

Richard Scorer, creative director at Haringtons salons, says clients want fewer, higher-value services. Balayage treatments are increasingly popular.

According to a recent study by Mintel, 53% of consumers are now cutting back on non-essential grooming services to save money (Mintel 2024).

Scorer notes his salons offer a premium experience: “People want experiences now, having a haircut here is a lovely experience… Beware of false economies. If you come to a salon like ours, the initial price might be more, but we do things like fringe trims for free for three months.”

Expert Tips for Long-Lasting Styles

Men’s Styles

Taper Fade: Balances shortness with length. It grows out well, so fewer barber visits.

Mod Cut: A textured trim that offers versatility. The fringe can be styled in different ways. Cuts every 4-6 weeks.

Women’s Styles

Forward Graduation: Layered, textured cut that adds bounce and accentuates facial features. Shorter layers in front, longer in back, for even growth.

Square Layered Haircut: Layers cut at a 90-degree angle for a neat, bouncy look. Low maintenance and grows out evenly.