The New Wave… how the hair industry is quietly transforming

The hairdressing industry is experiencing a transformation amongst its creatives. Blossoming colour technicians and hairstylists are harnessing confidence like never before, honing in on their niches and seeking out their own ways of working, taking control of their life balance, and finding peace by respecting what they need to create to the best of their ability (says the hairdresser who just finished the artists way)

No longer just a service-driven profession, hair cutting and colouring have evolved into an art form. Hairdressers are now celebrated as creative professionals sought out for their distinct and individual expertise. Balayage specialists, mullet specialists, bob specialists, razor specialists, and so on—just to name a few fellow freelancers I see thriving.

Clients are also shifting their approach to seeking out what they want. The choice to build your own ‘dream team’ or ‘glam squad’ of specialists is becoming more and more common. Finding professionals via research on social media and recommendations, and making multiple trips to achieve the perfectly tailored results, is quite the norm.

When Eva travels from Where or when Manuela travels from the Cotswolds to SoBob, I’m not just grateful; I’m self-assured that I am offering something specific that simply can’t be found elsewhere.

The traditional salon set-up is a sticky one still for many freelancers. Often, a shared experience has brought us to our knees. Long hours, hierarchy, demanding schedules, and significant commission cuts are prompting hairdressers to prioritise independence and creativity over conventional salon structures.

The rise of ‘hair design’ - an art form

In the past, clients often booked their hair appointments based on convenience or the reputation of a salon as a whole. Today, clients seek out specific hairstylists whose work resonates with a personal aesthetic. Social media has played a huge role in this shift.

My Instagram is my portfolio. You can see skill, style, and inspiration within seconds of scrolling on someone's Instagram or TikTok, allowing us to present ourselves to a global audience and attract the clientele of our dreams.

For me, this is a positive change and values creativity and diversity for all, allowing us to just be ourselves.

The future of hairdressing is dynamic. I am proud of the artists, visionaries, and entrepreneurs carving out their unique spaces in this new wave of hairdressing.

Are you here for the shift?

SoBob xx