Rodrick Samuels on The Silent Work, Modern Beauty Education and Why Empathy Wins
MODERN SALON sat down with Samuels to discuss the book, beauty education, mentorship and the habits that help beauty professionals thrive.
by Anne Moratto
Make July 1 "Raise Your Haircut Prices Day in the USA"
July 1 every year is “Raise your haircut prices day in the USA”. I started this campaign four or five years ago. I promote and discuss this campaign every year during May and June. You have just a short time left to put your plans in place for your price increase this year.
June 19, 2014
Ivan Zoot
3 min to read
July 1 every year is “Raise your haircut prices day in the USA”. I started this campaign four or five years ago. I promote and discuss this campaign every year during May and June. You have just a short time left to put your plans in place for your price increase this year.
Here are my top five ideas to help you to get behind this program and raise your haircut prices on July 1 this year… and every year.
1. Everything goes up – Why are you sitting on the sidelines watching gas get more expensive? Why are you paying more for milk and bread and not expecting your product or service to go up along with these other consumables? Friends and family get raises at work. You should, too. They way to get a raise in the haircut business is to raise the price.
2. The formula works – How much should you go up? The formula is 80% + 80% = 10%. If you are 80% occupied with 80% repeat clients you can raise your prices 10%. This represents a healthy book that can sustain the increase. If your numbers are softer, just go up $1.
3. You are overdue – Most haircutters do not raise their prices every year… or any year for that matter. I speak with many haircutters who have not had a price increase in years. Haircut prices have not kept pace with the economy. Your commission dollars are with less than they were a few years ago. You need more dollars and increases commission percentages will not get you there. The price MUST go up.
4. Clients will happily pay it – Very few haircutters are selling on price. Clients love you. They love your haircuts. They will find the dollars and find the way to pay you. People have priorities and make choices. Odds are high that if you take good care of people, people will make the choice to find the $. Some will not. These are bottom feeder clients. They do not buy take-home hair care product. They do not tip well. They do not send referrals. Lose these low value clients and the open space in your book will fill with referrals from remaining high value clients. Onward and upward. It just takes confidence.
5. Do it 2 years in a row and clients will come to expect it – Raise your prices on July 1 two years in a row and the 3rd year clients will be asking for the “new price” during June. You will have trained them and created the expectation.
Raise your prices. Make more money. Enjoy your work. Get on board with this ideas and encourage your haircutter friends to do so as well. It is not all hat complicated. I am happy to help you with your price increase. Send me an email with questions you may have.
Happy clippering.
Ivan
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
More Career
AI Won't Replace Your Voice—Unless You Let It
"The mistake people make is treating AI like a vending machine instead of a personal assistant." Digital marketing expert Scott Moon shares how beauty professionals can use AI while staying authentic
by Anne Moratto
50 Smart Things Beauty Educators Have Told Us
Real-world advice on creativity, consultations, color, burnout, business, boundaries, inclusivity, client care, and career growth from educators and industry experts.
by Anne Moratto
What Salon and Spa Professionals Need to Know About Skin Longevity
Today's clients are hearing more about longevity, biohacking, inflammation, and healthy aging than ever before. This article explores the science and language behind the skin longevity movement, and what it could mean for client consultations, treatment recommendations, and professional credibility.
Financial Educator Anna Manukyan Launches Masterclass for Early Career Stylists
Licensed to Thrive, Anna Manukyan's all-in-one beauty career and financial masterclass, is being gifted to professionals who enroll in L'Oreal LEVEL Rewards for a limited time.
6 Ways Self-Love Will Help You Crush Your Goals
From breaking free of external validation to creating joy-based goals, discover a more sustainable and fulfilling path to success.
MODERN SALON Boot Camp Heads to Austin: One-Day Beauty Business & Career Education Event for Beauty Professionals
A full day of education for hairstylists and salon pros focused on pricing, personal branding, client experience, social media, and long-term career growth.
How Michelle Bowden Had a Breakout Year (and How Other Stylists Can, Too)
From working backstage at multiple Paris Fashion Week shows to collaborating on four creative collections and expanding her international stage work, Michelle Bowden has had an incredible year of growth. Here, we break down her approach that drove her momentum, offering a framework for stylists looking to elevate their own careers.
Ulta Beauty and Beauty Changes Lives Launch “The Possibilities Are Beautiful” Cosmetology Student Scholarship
This marks Ulta Beauty’s first scholarship partnership with Beauty Changes Lives, building on years of enthusiastic support for the organization and its mission.
A Path for Everyone: Great Clips Salons Offer Diverse Career Opportunities
Locally owned Great Clips salons offer a wide variety of career opportunities, competitive compensation, supportive salon teams and opportunities to grow your skills, both technically and professionally.
Sponsored by Great Clips
Are Salon Suites Becoming Too Cheap? The Hidden Risks of Low Salon Suite Rent
Salon suite consultant Karen Kaminski explains why cheap salon suite rent can destabilize the salon suite business model and why value-based pricing may be a smarter strategy.
Magical Creatures: Why These Stylists Love Creating Fantasy Hair Color
These stylists practice hairdresser magic, transforming clients into unicorns, mermaids, rainbows and living works of art.
by Anne Moratto
Keratin Complex Launches KC on Tour 2026 with Tabatha Coffey
Keratin Complex is taking education on the road in 2026 with the launch of KC on Tour, a live event series featuring industry icon and salon business coach Tabatha Coffey.
by Anne Moratto
Why Soft Skills and Client Communication Matter More Than Ever in the Beauty Industry
Modern professionalism is evolving beyond hard skills. Technical training is essential but about 85 percent of job success comes from soft skills. In a world where AI and automation are increasing, human connection becomes more valuable, not less.
by Anne Moratto
Author Daniel Cubillo Drops the Blueprint for Building a Career in the Content Arena
In his new book "The Creative Mastermind," a writer and creative executive behind brands such as "Top Chef," "Fear Factor," and "Real Housewives," shares his insider knowledge for navigating today's chaotic content landscape.
What Custom Notifications Tell Us About the Personalized Future of the Salon Client Experience
Personalization is no longer just the cherry on top; it’s the whole sundae. If clients don’t feel like you designed and personalized the experience just for them, they’ll find a salon that does.
Beautiful Careers Happen Here
Ulta Beauty is always innovating to meet professionals where they are. Amazing transformations happened at The Salon at Ulta Beauty in 2025, and Ulta Beauty artistry and education will be everywhere you want to go in the year ahead. Come see all The Salon at Ulta Beauty has planned for you in 2026!
Sponsored by Ulta Beauty