The Hairdresser’s Report

Ask any woman and she will tell you that her hair dresser absolutely has a finger on the pulse of America.  Anytime I need to check in with what is going on in the world, I look no further than my neighborhood salon.  Therefore, with that in mind, Beacon Marketing is proud to bring you The Hairdresser’s Report, a brief, occasional, qualitative, not-statistically-significant survey of things heard (or overheard) in the hair salons of America.  The purpose of this brief report is to spark some inspiration and give some qualitative indications about what people are talking about right now.  If you would like to have some more reliable strategic research conducted specifically for your consumer base, please give us a call. 

December’s  ‘Top Three’ Topics

Not surprisingly, this month’s top three topics from the hair dresser this month are all related to consumer reactions to the current economic adjustments in today’s marketplace. 

Fewer Elves at the North Pole

Apparently, several  young clients who are preparing for Christmas have been told that Santa has fewer helpers this year, so he will not be able to bring quite as many toys this year as in years past. 

Please note that this is not the report of one isolated child.  Many kids coming into the salon have reported these staffing changes in Santa’s organization to those who cut their hair.

Longer Locks and Darker Roots

In an effort to stretch their dollars, more women are waiting longer between salon visits.  By scheduling them farther apart than the normal 6-8 weeks, they can save on one visit (or more) per year.  The downside is that those who color their hair have darker roots that show more strongly underneath their blonde hair, and those who enjoy short hair learn to live with a slightly “shaggier” look.

Adjustments are Being Made At Every Level of the Economic Scale

Blue collar workers currently employed are expecting to be laid off after the New Year and are bracing for the change by cutting back on spending where they can.  Those who have more discretionary spending are refinancing their 15-year mortgages into 30-year mortgages in order to manage cash flow and “ride out the storm.”

Beacon Marketing welcomes contributions from any and all hair salons nationwide.  If you’ve heard something at your salon that you’d like to share, drop us a line at info@beacon-marketing.com.  We’d love to hear what’s abuzz in your neighborhood.