Core Viewpoint - The hairdressing industry is facing significant challenges, with many shops closing down due to changing consumer preferences and poor business practices [4][11][30]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The hairdressing industry has seen over 180,000 businesses shut down between 2022 and mid-2024 [11]. - The once-thriving hairdressing market, which peaked with nearly 1.144 million shops in 2021, is now experiencing a downturn [20]. - The average price for haircuts has increased, with male customers paying an average of 95 yuan and female customers 137 yuan in 2020, reflecting a 26.4% rise in customer spending [22]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are increasingly dissatisfied with traditional hairdressing services, leading to a rise in alternative options such as quick-cut services, which have seen a 200% increase in the number of shops by April 2025 [44]. - There is a growing trend of individuals opting to cut their hair at home, with sales of hairdressing tools increasing by 133% last year [44]. Group 3: Business Practices - Many hairdressing shops have adopted aggressive sales tactics, leading to customer frustration and a decline in repeat business [33][35]. - The lack of transparency in pricing and services has resulted in negative consumer experiences, with reports of significant price discrepancies during payment [37][40]. - The industry is plagued by a focus on upselling and membership cards, which has eroded trust between customers and service providers [40][41]. Group 4: Future Directions - To survive, hairdressing businesses must return to core service values and avoid manipulative sales tactics, focusing instead on customer needs and transparent pricing [46][55]. - Successful examples, such as the "Xiao Hua Hairdressing Shop," demonstrate that personalized service and clear pricing can attract customers back to traditional hairdressing [47][48]. - The industry must innovate and adapt to changing consumer expectations, either by offering genuine value or by providing high-quality, specialized services [54][56].

Core Viewpoint - The resurgence of the "hand-pushed wave" hairstyle in Suzhou reflects a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern consumer interest, attracting both local and national visitors to experience this unique cultural offering [3][21][22]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The "hand-pushed wave" hairstyle has gained popularity since March, leading to increased foot traffic and customer demand at traditional barbershops in Suzhou [5][12]. - The revival of this vintage hairstyle is part of a broader trend where consumers seek personalized and immersive cultural experiences in tourism [22][24]. - The influx of visitors has positively impacted local businesses, including small shops and cultural studios, creating a ripple effect in the local economy [26][27]. Group 2: Business Operations - The "hand-pushed wave" hairstyle requires a complex and time-consuming process, taking approximately two hours to complete, which includes rolling, drying, and cooling [9][11]. - The barbershop "A-Wang" has seen a significant increase in customers, with long queues forming as early as 4 or 5 AM, indicating high demand for this service [7][21]. - The barbershop's owners have adapted to the surge in popularity by enlisting family members to assist, showcasing the business's growth and community involvement [11][21]. Group 3: Cultural Significance - The "hand-pushed wave" hairstyle is not just a fashion statement but also a representation of Suzhou's historical and cultural heritage, connecting traditional techniques with contemporary aesthetics [12][28]. - The hairstyle's elegant lines resonate with Suzhou's classical charm, enhancing the overall cultural experience for tourists [26][28]. - The experience of getting a "hand-pushed wave" has become a part of a larger cultural narrative, where visitors engage with the local heritage through various activities, such as wearing traditional clothing and exploring historical sites [27][28].