If you've been living in a cave somewhere in the middle of country without Internet access, maybe you would be surprised to learn the world has changed drastically over the past 5 years.
One of the key changes in the hair industry is the death of asshole hairstylists.
What are the changes in the hair industry and the world which have contributed to the death of arrogant, know-it-all hairstylists.
Old Hairstylist Behaviors Die Hard
You know the ones. They charged more than a month's mortgage payment for a simple haircut, were chronically late, if they showed up at all, and basically didn't listen to a world their clients said.
Why? They knew best. They were hair gods and goddesses.
It's a brand new world.The perpetual global recession tripped in 2007-2008, the rise of super digitalized Millennials (born between 1980 and 2000) and several game changers in the hair industry have rendered arrogant asshole hairstylists irrelevant.
Importance Of Best Value And Service
Millenials, also known as Generation Y or GenY, number 80+ million strong in the US alone. Each year they spend an estimated $600 billion on goods and services.
It's estimated by 2020 Millenials will control 1.4 to 1.6 trillion of retail sales.
Common Millenial buying habits have emerged. A large percentage of Millenials surveyed by Accenture in a report published in 2013 noted the importance of value and service. While price is extremely important, service is also key.
Customer-Centric Experience
Millennials are demanding to be treated as a Very Important Customer (VIP) where their customized needs are eagerly met.
The same is true in the hair world.
Millennial hair consumers want to be courted by their stylists and actively listened to. They don't want to be kept waiting for an appointment by an arrogant stylist, because they consider their time to be more valuable.
After all, they're the client paying for a service with hundreds, if not thousands, of other hair care choices.
Unhappy Experiences Equal Negative Social Media Sharing
Millennials will walk out of a hair styling establishment if they're unhappy with their experience.
Not only will they walk out, they'll never return. Even worse, they'll tell all of their real and virtual friends about their unfortunate hair happening.
They'll post negative reviews on Yelp, blog about it and then instantly share their unhappy hair styling experience throughout the Social Media universe in short order.
Millennials Want Haistylists Who Know They're In The Service Business
Millennial believe hairstylists are in the service business and they expect, no demand, an exceptional experience. They also aren't willing to sell their prized possessions on Craigslist to pay for a great hair cut, color or blow out.
Maybe they might, if the stylist is Ariana Grande, Beyonce or some other big name celebrity. Certainly not for a stylist who makes claims to be a celebrity hairstylist.
Good News - Loyalty Does Live In Millennialville
While Millenials demand the highest quality service with the lowest possible price, if they feel they've had an exceptional experience, they'll become loyal customers and spread the word.
Summary - Death Of Asshole Hairstylists
The Millennial hair customers of today demand a highly personalized hairstyling experience. They want to be engaged, treated as a VIP and not kept waiting for their appointment.
They want to be listened to and taken seriously. Unique, one-of-a-kind hairstyles, colors and extensions are their desires.
The Millennial generation wants their hair to be treated as unique and special. Millennial hair customers don't want to be told how they should love their hair, they want to make up their own minds.
Ultimately Millennial hair consumers are all about the death of asshole hairstylists.
They're also over their arrogant overpriced celebrity hairstylists cousins with six month waiting lists, rude front desk receptionists or anyone else who doesn't provide them with 5 star service.
Blog Dediation: This blog is dedicated to Rose Zuniga, my amazing hairstylist and haircolorist for many years. Thank you Rose for always providing me with the highest service and support.Please follow us on Twitter at: https://Twitter.com/HairBoutique. I look forward to meeting new people from all walks of Twitter and learning from their Tweets.