By Denise Prichard
There’s no denying that the popularity of barber shops has skyrocketed over the last few years. In fact, the cultural resurgence of men getting professionally coiffed is expected to become a $26 billion industry by the year 2020. Forty-four percent of American men (among those who regularly get beauty and grooming services) went to a barber in the past year. Those who aren’t already in on the trend are looking to join. Barber services are one of the top services that men say they’re looking to try next.* And with numbers and momentum like that, barbering has now become the fastest-growing profession in the U.S.
There are numerous reasons we can pinpoint that have made a contribution to the resurrection of the men’s grooming industry. These include the introduction of several professional hair care products being targeted specifically towards men or men becoming increasingly more interested in self-care year after year.
Why men’s grooming is creating quite the buzz
The main reason barbershops have taken the industry by storm is due to men focusing on establishing a strong identity and sense of masculinity through professional grooming. Another thing to consider here is the idea that men are being marketed to differently when it comes to professional hair maintenance–they are being pitched a lifestyle.
Let’s just say that the barbershops that are currently popping up all over the country aren’t the type of barbershops your grandfather may recall from back in the day. Now, men are treated to the full, luxurious experience of receiving high-end services while also being able to sip on a tasty brew–something offered at Mindbody customer, The Men’s Refinery.
Men love good style, and we’re not just talking about hair
Something else to take note of is the evolution of interior design with the barbershop space. It would be rare to come across a sterile, white-walled barbershop with plain black chairs lined up along the walls–instead, you'll start seeing spaces with a more vintage vibe like Mindbody customer, Beardsgaard Barbers.
It’s almost as if the barbershops of today are aiming to redefine a "man's space" within the hair care industry by infusing these once drab spaces with the ultimate experience. It would be hard to come by one of these hip locations that didn't sport a lounge, TVs or the option to have a beverage or two. Entrepreneurs in this space are dead-set on creating a barbershop that men want to associate themselves with. And while the trend of barbershops is on fire right now, don't expect that flame to die down anytime soon.
*November 2018, Mindbody Wellness Index Survey (October 26-November 12, 2018).
