Modern Traditional vs Appointment Based Barber Shops

By Jimmy Rod

There are a lot of different types of barbers out there these days, in the past few years we’ve had a lot of barbers apply and only want to do 1 haircut per hour whereas our business model is about doing 3 quality haircuts per hour.

Barber shops today have evolved far beyond their roots as simple spaces for haircuts and shaves. From casual walk-ins to high-end, appointment only studios, the barbershop industry is now a diverse and dynamic space offering varied experiences tailored to different customer preferences.

Barbers not only have to master the art of cutting hair, but they also need to adapt to the changing demands of clients who expect more than just a basic trim. One of the most exciting ways barber shops can and have increased their sales revenue is through adding colour services to their service menu, creating new revenue streams and making the client experience that much better.

On the traditional side, we have the walk-in barber shops. These shops typically attract customers who prioritise convenience and efficiency. People drop in for a quick trim or shave, often without an appointment. Walk-in shops are fast-paced, and barbers work quickly to accommodate multiple clients in a day.

While the focus is often on speed and volume, some walk-in shops manage to create a comfortable, welcoming environment that keeps customers coming back. That’s definitely what we aim for!

However, with a focus on speed and efficiency, the ways to increase revenue through additional services is somewhat limited in walk-in shops. That’s where creative thinking comes into play. One way for walk-in shops to boost sales is by introducing retail products, like creams, pomades, beard oils, or shampoos.

As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, barbers should aim to sell at least 10% of the shop’s turnover in retail products to enhance the profitability of the store. This is especially crucial in a high-volume environment where service margins are slim. Barbers can recommend products based on client needs, providing the whole circle of service right from the client coming in, getting a great haircut and confidence boost to making sure they can maintain their look at home.

Appointment-only barber shops are often able to offer these colour treatments more easily. With a more relaxed pace and the ability to schedule longer appointment times, these shops can charge a premium for colour services. Modern barber shops typically charge $120 per hour for basic haircuts and adding colour services can raise this rate significantly.

For example, a beard dyeing session may cost an additional $30–$50, while colour can add anywhere from $50 to $150 to the final bill. Over time, these additional services can become a substantial revenue stream for the business, especially when clients are willing to pay for a full experience that includes both a cut and colour.

By diversifying their offerings to include colour, barber shops can also increase client retention. Clients who come in for a simple cut may be enticed to try something new, like a beard dye or colour service, and then return for future appointments. When it comes to wages in Australia, adding services like colour & treatments can also have a direct impact on earnings.

Barbers working in appointment-only shops or modern barber shops that charge a premium for these services can expect to earn more due to the higher average ticket price. A full-time barber can still expect to earn between $50,000 and $85,000 annually, but with the addition of colour services, their total earnings could exceed that range, particularly if they’re working in a highend shop where clientele are willing to spend more.

For example, if a barber specialises in colour and sells at least one colour service per day, this could result in an additional $1,500 to $2,500 per month, depending on the pricing structure in store. This could be further added to with commission-based bonuses, where barbers receive a percentage of the revenue generated by colour services.

Some shops might implement a bonus structure tied to both service performance and retail sales, which encourages barbers to sell grooming products alongside colour services, creating an even larger revenue boost for the business.

In addition, the bonus structure could include incentives like a 5–10% bonus for barbers who meet certain sales goals (both retail and service-based) or consistently deliver high-quality service. These types of performance-based rewards not only motivate barbers to excel in their work but also encourage them to build a loyal customer base that appreciates both their cutting and colour skills.

A barbershop that offers these additional services—colour, retail sales, and personalised care—helps its barbers feel valued and financially rewarded, ultimately fostering a happier and more motivated team.

To finish it off, today’s barbershop industry is about more than just haircuts. To stay competitive and increase sales revenue, barber shops must look for innovative ways to enhance their services and cater to changing client needs. Adding colour services can be a highly effective strategy and can boost both service charges and product sales.

When barbers embrace colour services and retail recommendations, they can expand their skill set, increase their earning potential, and create a more fulfilling experience for their clients. Whether in a fast-paced walk-in shop or a premium appointment-only studio, expanding services to include colour is an exciting way to drive both client satisfaction and business profitability.

Live Fast, Look Sharp.

Jimmy Rod.