Core Viewpoint - The hairdressing industry is facing significant challenges as many traditional barbershops are closing down, leading to a rise in "assassin" businesses that cater to younger consumers seeking more affordable and efficient services [1][3][4]. Industry Overview - Over 180,000 hairdressing businesses have been deregistered or revoked between 2022 and mid-2024, indicating a severe decline in the industry [4]. - The number of hair salons surged to over 1.14 million by 2021, with new openings peaking at nearly 200,000 in 2020, but the market is now saturated and struggling [9][10]. Pricing Trends - The average customer spending in China's hairdressing industry increased by 26.4% in 2020, with prices in first-tier cities exceeding 1,000 yuan for basic services [9][10]. - The shift towards premium pricing and complex service offerings has alienated many customers, leading to a decline in patronage [10][12]. Customer Experience Issues - Many customers report negative experiences due to aggressive sales tactics employed by hairdressers, which detracts from the quality of service [15][20]. - Complaints regarding hidden fees and forced purchases have led to a significant loss of trust in hair salons, with 26.5% of complaints in the beauty and hairdressing sector related to membership card issues [23]. Market Adaptation - The rise of "quick cut" services has seen a 200% increase in the number of such establishments by April 2025, indicating a shift towards faster, no-frills haircuts without aggressive upselling [26]. - Successful salons are adopting transparent pricing and personalized services, as exemplified by "Xiao Hua Hair Salon," which has gained popularity through clear pricing and no hidden costs [27][30]. Future Outlook - The hairdressing industry must either embrace transparency and honesty in pricing or focus on high-quality, specialized services to survive in a competitive market [30][31].

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].