Is the Australian Hairdressing Industry Cannibalising itself?

By Justin Pace

The Australian Hairdressing Industry is facing significant challenges that threaten its growth and sustainability. Two of the most pressing issues are the increasing focus on individual success over industry collaboration and the lack of comprehensive in-salon training. These trends are not only impacting service quality but fragmenting the industry (weakening its long-term viability.)

Focus on Individual Success Over Industry Collaboration

In recent years, the emphasis on individual success has become increasingly prevalent. With social media and personal branding at the forefront, many hairdressers are now focused on building their own brands and gaining recognition as influencers or celebrity stylists. Whilst this can lead to personal success, it can also come at the expense of broader industry unity and progress.

Fragmented Industry Standards

When hairdressers prioritise their personal brand, there is less incentive to adhere to or establish industry-wide standards. Consequently, this can lead to inconsistencies in service quality, pricing and professional ethics, which can erode trust in the profession. Without a unified set of standards, clients may experience varying levels of service depending on where they go (undermining the industry’s reputation.)

Reduced Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

The industry has historically thrived on collaboration, with professionals sharing techniques, trends and innovations. However, as more stylists focus on their own brands, there is a growing reluctance to share knowledge. This competitive mindset stifles innovation and slows down the collective advancement of skills within the industry. Instead of working together to push boundaries, stylists may guard their methods closely (leading to stagnation.)

Short-Term Gains Over Long-Term Sustainability

The pursuit of individual success can prioritise short-term gains over the longterm health of the industry. For example, stylists might focus on trendy, high-visibility techniques that attract attention but may not be sustainable or beneficial in the long run. This can create cycles of boom and bust, leaving both stylists and clients disillusioned.

Isolation and Burnout

Whilst personal branding can be rewarding, it can simultaneously be isolating. Hairdressers focused solely on their own success may find themselves cut off from the supportive networks crucial in such a demanding profession. This isolation can lead to burnout, as stylists push themselves to constantly stay ahead without a community to lean on. Burnout affects not only the individual but the quality of service they provide, leading to dissatisfied clients and potential business decline.

Missed Opportunities for Collective Advocacy

A unified industry is better positioned to advocate for its needs, be it fair regulations, educational standards or recognition of the profession’s value. However, when hairdressers focus primarily on individual success, the industry loses its collective voice. This results in missed opportunities to influence policy, secure better working conditions or drive industry-wide initiatives that could benefit everyone.

Lack of In-Salon Training Due to Cost and Time

Another significant issue cannibalising the industry is the lack of in-salon training, this driven by cost and time pressures. Many salons (most operating on tight margins) find it challenging to invest in comprehensive training programs. Consequently, the focus shifts from developing deep, professional skills to simply ushering apprentices through their qualifications as quickly as possible.

Minimal Skill Development

When the goal is just to steer apprentices across the line, training often becomes superficial. Apprentices might learn the basics well enough to pass their exams, but they miss out on the in-depth education and hands-on experience needed to refine their craft. This approach leads to a workforce that lacks the confidence and competence to handle complex hairdressing tasks, ultimately affecting quality of service.

Pressure to Perform Quickly

Salons under financial pressure may prioritise speed and efficiency over thorough training. Apprentices are often pushed to take on clients and tasks they aren’t fully prepared for, this leading to mistakes, stress and a lack of job satisfaction. Consequently, rushed training doesn’t allow for the development of critical thinking nor problem-solving skills (both essential for becoming a capable professional.)

Long-Term Impact on the Industry

The focus on qualifying apprentices rather than fully training them can have longterm repercussions. A new generation of stylists may enter the workforce without the necessary skills to innovate or maintain high standards (leading to a gradual decline in the profession’s overall quality.) This can also contribute to higher turnover rates, as under-trained staff may feel overwhelmed and leave the industry prematurely.

Missed Opportunities for Mentorship

In-salon training isn’t just about learning techniques, it’s about mentorship. Experienced professionals can impart wisdom, share best practices and help young stylists develop their style and approach. When training is rushed or minimised, apprentices miss out on these valuable interactions, which can affect their growth and development as hairdressers.

Conclusion

The Australian Hairdressing Industry is at a critical juncture. The trend toward individual success at the expense of industry collaboration, combined with a lack of comprehensive in-salon training, is cannibalising the industry from within. If these issues aren’t addressed, the industry risks becoming fragmented, less innovative and less sustainable. By fostering a more collaborative approach and investing in thorough training programs, the industry can build a stronger, more unified profession that benefits all.

@pacejustin