by Stefania Revelli
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- 2009 style and trim trend: Go stealth? As consumers go to great lengths to stretch their dollars, home hair-cutting parties are an accessible option. Private coif parties aren’t new, but a struggling economy has caught stylists illegally accepting evening shifts, offering up lovely locks for fewer bucks (NewYorkTimes.com 12.10.08).
- Some stylists report an uptick in consumers asking for these “under-the-table” deals.
- Consumer and hair-party regular Manoush Zomorodi says she regularly attends hair soirees in Manhattan, where she pays $60 for a high-tier salon stylist (whose name and employer she keeps anonymous), a fraction of the price she would pay at the salon she’d like to go to, but can’t afford.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- Hairy times call for creative cost-cutting measures. Women are still indulging, but approaching indulgence with a bargain-hunting mindset.
- A beautiful deal: quality service with a hint of social subversion mixed in.
RESOURCES
- Tips on how to throw a ladies hair party
- New York State Division of Licensing Services: Natural Hair Styling: Hair cutters who trim clients’ hair in private apartments may be in violation of the New York State Department of State.
