The SHIFT.

PRE-Covid 19

Before the year 2020, a basic haircut might have hit your pockets for about $15-$20 and an upscale shop could charge for a full cut, beard trim and outline with the straight razor approximately $25-$30 depending on the location. These Prices were based on a steady demand for the various services that fit into most budgets. The industry was stable and competitive, catering to a wide range of clients, from kids to professionals. Barbershops were staples in the neighborhoods, offering affordable confidence, great conversations, news about the community, various items for sale, life advice, business advice and ideas, marriage and relationship counseling and an introduction to the next star athlete in basketball or football.

DIY Barbers

Its 2020 and the world is turned upside down and Barbershops are among the first businesses classified as non-essential. This forced barbers to close their doors leaving clients in limbo without access to adequate grooming for months. Quarantined and confined to homes meant no fresh haircuts, no beard trims, no clean or creative looks became a sudden reality. This took a toll on peoples appearance, confidence and more critically their mental health.

During the lockdown DIY barbers were created in an attempt to recoup what little confidence and self esteem remain from the hermit type lifestyle caused by covid. Social media post showed countless pics and videos of botched DIY haircuts, highlighting the struggle to maintain personal grooming without professional help. The absence of barbers wasn't just a minor inconvenience, it was a dagger to self esteem at a time when people were already isolated, and gasping in anxiety and uncertainty.

ESSENTIAL vs NON-ESSENTIAL

A fresh haircut does more than just clean up your appearance, it boost confidence, self worth and fosters a sense of control. The clasification as non-essential overlooked the vital role barbering plays in mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that personal appearance influence how we feel about our selves and how others sees us.

The inability to socialize, maintain personal grooming elevated the feeling of helplessness and low self-worth. A simple haircut could have provided a small but meaningful way to reclaim the agency. Barbers went through a thorough and indepth lessons on bacteriology and sanitation. With the proper safety protocols like masks, limited capacity, social distancing and sanitization, barbershops could have been deem essential

The argument for essential status wasn't just about aesthetics, it was about recognizing the holistic role barbershops plays in fashioning wellness. Closing these HUBS where people connects, share stories and find support was a huge blow the social fabric of the community.

POST-COVID 19

Haircut prices soared from $15-$30 to $40, $60 or even $100 for full service grooming.

Increased Operational Cost: Barbers faced new expenses due to the new requirement, Personal Protective Equipments (PPE), sanitation measures, and social distancing

Higher Demand: After Months of overgrown beard, shags and afros, clients flooded the barbershops, willing to pay a premium for a professional cut. The surge in demand allowed barbers to raise their prices.

Value Reevaluated: The pandemic highlighted the skills and the emotional connection involved in barbering, Clients have struggled with DIY cuts and have now gained a new appreciation for a professional service, justifying higher rates.

Recovery: Many Barbers faced financial hardship during the closures and this was their oppertunity to stabilize their income. Higher prices reflect the need to build against future disruptions.

Culture: Grooming became more than a necessity, it evolved as part of the culture, a luxury experience. Hot towles, scalp treatments, personalized consultation and servives catering to clients who want to disapears in an experience for a few minuites and leave the stresses and hardship of the days and life behind.

THE NEW NORMAL

Barbering inflation is a testament to the resilience and eduring value of the industry, the price surge reflects economic realities, cultural shifts and a renewed approach and appreciation for barbers; however, the designation of barbers as non-essential was a misstep. A haircut is more than a cosmetic idea or fix, it is a lifeline of confidence, self esteem and community connections. Recognizing barbers as essential could have provided a small but significant bridge against the mental challenges of quarantine. Next time, let's not handcuff the ones who can save us, let's not underestimate a fresh CHOP!