Beautiful britain survey 2014 results released by salon services
Published
25th Mar 2014
by rachael
The Beautiful Britain Survey 2014 has been released by Salon Services, and the results are overwhelmingly positive.
The latest body of in-depth research undertaken annually by the wholesalers polled more than 2,200 hair and beauty professionals about issues effecting their industries, covering everything from celebrity inspirations to careers and business.
And, after a challenging few years, confidence appears to be returning to the UK’s hair and beauty industry.
Commenting on the research, Alan Revitt, Commercial & Marketing Director, Salon Services, UK & Ireland, said: “We commissioned this report to give hair and beauty professionals a snapshot of this dynamic industry, and provide valuable intelligence to help them succeed and grow their businesses in 2014.
“It’s clear that, despite a challenging few years on the high street, the UK’s hair and beauty industry remains resilient. Salons have shown real entrepreneurial spirit - adapting their business models and branching into new markets – and this is clearly starting to pay off."
Key findings from the Beautiful Britain Survey 2014 include...
- More than a third of salons (37%) plan to hire more staff in 2014, although there is an increased preference for part-time staff which could be an indicator of a cautious response to growth. The average salon now employs 2.5 full-time and 2.3 part-time staff, showing positive growth over the last two years. Two thirds of professionals (64%) feel more optimistic about the year ahead than at the start of 2013
- Consumer confidence is returning to the high street, but clients are still shopping around for the best value. This is perhaps the main reason for a fall in treatment prices - a strategy which has in turn seen an increase in client frequency.
- The average price of a female hair colour has fallen by £7, while the price of a men's haircut has dropped from £16 to £12 in the last twelve months. With women paying less but visiting more regularly, the average annual spend of female customers has risen to £1,033 a year.
- Wavy hair is the most in-demand finish, with almost half (49%) of respondents claiming that it's the style most clients want, followed by an 'undone updo' (46%) and pastel hair colour (26%).
- Despite this, Kate Middleton has taken the crown as the most-coveted celebrity look - proving waves and pastels might not be everyone. David Beckham remains in pole position as leading male style icon for the third year running, with Gary Barlow and Mark Wright in second and third place.
- High standards remain a must for employees, with almost half (49%) of salon managers admitting that a qualification was essential for a career in the industry and 38% considering it to be as important to be qualified as experienced.
- Putting those qualifications and experience to good use is a long-term career path for the majority of hair and beauty professionals in the UK too, with nearly three-quarters (72%) of salon workers confirming that they plan to stay in the industry for life.
