In a report released by New Zealand’s Hair and Beauty Industry Training Organisation (HITO), it was found that the number of hair salons and hair stylists has been steadily growing throughout the region since 2006. In December 2010 there were 3,850 salons in the hairdressing and beauty industry, which is up 12 per cent since 2006. The industry also saw an overall growth of 11 per cent in total employees.
In this same report, it was forecast that the number of hair salons and individuals entering occupations as hair stylists was also expected to grow in the next ten years at a steady rate. Newer figures have not been released as of yet.
The Employment New Zealand has estimated that the number of jobs for hair stylists and barbers has increased in recent years, supporting the findings from HITO. Job prospects are considered average and the slightly below average income for this occupation is seen as one of the reasons for so much part-time employment. Those who are fully qualified, trained and experienced will typically have increased prospects and the demand for hair stylists is always present. The DOL projects the number of people in the profession will grow at a 2 per cent rate until 2020.
Which Hair and Beauty Businesses Will Trend Up?
One clear trend is that people will always need the services that hair stylists and barbers provide. From regular haircuts to colouring, highlighting and regular strengthening and rehydrating treatments; hair stylists provide a valuable service to their clientele.
Other beauty trends that are likely to increase are the online sales of beauty products. Customers are more likely to purchase luxury shampoos, conditioners and other hair products online instead of at the salon because they can enjoy competitive prices of online retailers.
Another service which has exploded over the last few years is beauty product subscription services. These services are available for all types of consumer goods, including food, jewellery, clothing and makeup. These companies often become profitable through smart data management. They collect information on market preferences and needs, then they offer a customer subscription service that involves clients paying for the opportunity to try samples. The companies can further use the feedback on the samples to launch better selling products and higher performing market campaigns. Customers who are already paying a small monthly subscription fee may also invest in full-size products online through catalogues or in retail stores. That makes the trend of subscription services a potential win for retailers and distributors in the sector and not just the brands themselves.
As always in the health and beauty niche, some of these trends will prove to be short-term in nature. What’s popular changes constantly and businesses must always have a plan for the future. This is true whether you’re a long-time stylist, a beauty retail business or if you’re just looking to invest in a company in this sector.
While it will be interesting to see how long the beauty box subscription trend lasts, some things seem certain to stay. Online sales of beauty products is only likely to ramp up, for example, but you can’t get your hair cut on the internet. The need for hair stylists and barbers will always be there so long as New Zealand residents need professionals to make them look and feel their best.
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