As market trends continue to change, there has been a notable decline in retail locations. From small shops to national retailers, hundreds of businesses are reducing their physical locations as more and more consumers take their business to online retailers. Interestingly enough, there is one field that seems to be growing, despite how many businesses are closing their doors. Grooming, especially men’s grooming, has been making a comeback as barbershops are experiencing a cultural resurgence. As more and more men realize that money spent on their skincare and haircare is a worthwhile investment to make, barbershops and other grooming professionals are stepping up to meet the demand.

Barbering is one of the fastest-growing professions in the U.S., according to Forbes.

The men’s grooming industry is predicted to grow to more than $26 billion by 2020, up from $20.3 billion in 2015.

For commercial property owners, hair-cutting businesses are welcome tenants, since these businesses cannot be replaced by e-commerce. Brick-and-mortar stores account for approximately 81% of total men’s grooming product sales, despite the progress made by certain razor companies to encourage subscription services and online sales.

How Barbering Franchises are Meeting the Demand

Men are looking for more than a simple haircut. Rather, they’re seeking a unique experience while they tend to their grooming needs.

More men are exploring grooming services that offer added amenities and more upscale haircare and skincare services.

As they gain more knowledge and pay more attention to their looks, men are actively hunting for services and products that can help them achieve the styles they desire.

In addition to the actual services, many men are looking for an experience that is a return to the way barbershops used to be, with an upscale twist—a neighborhood location to not only get a shave, but also to socialize and spend some time relaxing.

Unlike your grandfather’s barbershop, modern barbershop places are also somewhere that allow for networking and relationship building both professionally and personally. Barbering is becoming a lifestyle brand, which is a far cry from a simple trim every two weeks.

As marketing is selling masculinity in new ways, barbershops and grooming services are helping to define and enhance what it means to be a man.

These services offer far more than shaves and haircuts — they provide a more satisfying way for men to express themselves. Men’s grooming services are offering confidence and empowerment, while also exposing men to products and treatments that can help them look and feel their best.

What Do These Changes Mean for Men’s Grooming?

While it’s hard to perfectly predict the future of men’s barbershop franchises and the industry as a whole, it looks like the corner barbershop is here to stay. Part empowering grooming services and part social club, it’s clear that barbering franchises are offering men a new experience that not only meets their needs, but encourages them to redefine masculinity and what it means to be a gentleman.

This trend in popularity shows that men are becoming more aware of their perceptions of grooming and self-care. While the tasks of getting a haircut or shaving can seem mundane, many men are taking pride in their appearance and are experiencing a newfound pleasure in these activities. These men are also showing a willingness to spend money on these services and products.

Are you ready to tap into this growing industry with your own men’s grooming franchise opportunity? Learn more about becoming one of our Strategic-partners today! Our next-level men’s grooming franchise is ready to help you find rapid success in this growing industry. Let’s bring back the gentleman in all of us.

Contact our team to get started!