The4thKen, a North Philadelphia native known for his cutting classes and videos, has become a social media sensation. On TikTok, the 20-year-old hairdresser has amassed more than 1.8 million likes and his most popular video has more than 2 million views. But not always people are drawn to its sharp edges and precise blur.
In one video, Carruth showed off a mid-fade and commented: “My client paid me $80 for this haircut.” Other videos list prices well above $100. Other videos have asking costs in excess of $100. While some viewers supported the cost, others called the haircut a “scam” and noted that their barber could do the same for $15.
Carruth also charged $15 per head before the COVID-19 pandemic. But he had to raise his prices because of increased demand and rising operating costs. Carruth said:
“I feel pre-pandemic, hairdressers were undervalued. “Now hairdressers are starting to realize their worth and see that it’s not just about the cut. You create an experience.”
But it’s not always his clean lines and tight fades that are attracting attention.
In one video, Carruth showed off a mid-fade and noted, “My client paid me $80 for this haircut.” Other videos list prices well above $100.
— Earl Hopkins (@Earl_Hopkins1) January 28, 2023
The Employment Office Statistics report that the price of a haircut increased by 6.8% in November 2022 compared to the same month last year, the highest annual increase since the organization began tracking the category. Men who are used to paying for their haircut with one bill notice this.
Local hairdressers competed on price with their competitors to attract customers. One store might sell pieces for $20, while another sells them for $15. According to Damon Dorsey, 61, president of the American Barber Association, the pandemic left small business owners helpless. Hardly affected groups included hairdressers and other service professionals.
Nicky Prosseda, 40, of Southwest Philadelphia, claims the seismic impact of the pandemic also motivated hairdressers to improve their operating procedures. According to Prosseda, hairdressers benefited from cash transactions and tax-free loopholes from the mid-20th century until today.
However, as the industry evolved, the gradual rise in hairdressing costs failed to keep up with the price of beauty products, booth rental, or Venmo and CashApp fees. And it made the hairdressing profession as the main source of income unliveable for many.
Prosseda, who charges $75 each, is the director of Philly’s Modern Male Barber Academy. He said:
“I do believe there is this kind of pain for the sins of our forefathers, barbers and the previous owners. “They didn’t teach us the best things in the business, so you pass it on.”
You can view more related articles useful to you whose links we have provided below:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculated that most hairdressing incomes are between $22,430 and $53,260 based on data collected in May 2021. That income may be what barbers claim to earn, but many have been making $50,000 to $100,000 for years, according to Prosseda. And with even more resources at their disposal, he predicts they’ll rake in more than $150,000 annually.
According to Dorsey, hairdressers can use their social media presence to attract more high-end customers and improve their business practices. Hairdressers can make appointments and manage customer data with apps like Booksy and StyleSeat. Barbers like Carruth have used them to build their brands beyond their local area.
Carruth launched his barber shop in Kensington by developing his social media following. After turning his social media fans into devoted customers, he saved up enough money to get a business license and rent the small commercial property in August 2021. Carruth said:
“I know a lot of hairdressers who are great at cutting hair, but they are bad at running a business. And with that, you can’t ask for what you want because you’re just going purely out of skill.
Jalen Thompson, a 23-year-old hairdresser in West Philadelphia, said some of his clients had left looking for a lower cost, though most of them appreciated his higher costs. Thompson is willing to jump at that chance because she charges $45 to $75 for haircuts and more than $120 for house calls. He said:
“We stopped being scammers and became CEOs. I became a hairdresser because I love haircutting, but I also knew how much money could be made in this industry. … There is an opportunity to retire early and really enjoy life and take on other business ventures.” Prosseda agrees that it has enabled him and others to live better, more balanced lives.
“A hairdresser’s career is not one of mental ease or physical, so you have to raise prices for the hairdresser to have a work-life balance where you can put your child on the bus and the coach of you can become your son’s football team, or whatever it is, you have to raise the prices for that.”
Carruth claimed that hairdressers who learn to adapt reap the benefits of the industry. In addition to cutting hair textures and adopting upgrades such as manly weaves, semi-permanent coloring and other treatments, it is critical to provide additional services such as hair washes, food, TV and Wi-Fi. He said:
“There are a lot of older hairdressers who are stuck in their ways and refuse to change, and unfortunately they will most likely be left behind,”
Ian Watson, an Overbrook resident and a Carruth’s customer for nearly a year, claims that customers are willing to spend more for superior service. Watson said:
“Depending on the quality of the cuts and the level of professionalism, people will pay to avoid the stereotypical hairdresser. “I say it’s worth it.”
Janice has been with businesskinda for 5 years, writing copy for client websites, blog posts, EDMs and other mediums to engage readers and encourage action. By collaborating with clients, our SEO manager and the wider businesskinda team, Janice seeks to understand an audience before creating memorable, persuasive copy.