What's happened
The UK hairdressing industry is experiencing a significant recruitment crisis, with a 70% decline in apprenticeship enrollments over the past decade. This shortage, coupled with salon closures, is leading to longer wait times for appointments and threatens the quality of hair services in the country.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Zoe Wood in The Guardian, the number of trainees enrolling in hairdressing apprenticeships in England has plummeted from 13,180 in 2015 to just 4,160 in 2023. Millie Kendall, chief executive of the British Beauty Council, emphasizes the global reputation of UK hairdressers, stating, 'Britain is recognised all over the world for the quality of its haircuts and skill of its hair stylists, but this is being threatened by this recruitment crisis.' Meanwhile, salon owners express frustration over the perception of hairdressing as a low-paid profession, which deters potential apprentices. The Independent highlights the importance of investing in quality tools for home styling, reflecting a broader trend of consumers seeking professional results at home, which may further complicate the industry's recovery. Emma Beddington in The Guardian discusses the potential of new treatments like Pfizer's Litfulo for those with hair loss, indicating a growing interest in hair health and beauty products.
How we got here
The decline in hairdressing apprenticeships has been attributed to perceptions of low pay and a preference for college courses over hands-on training. The pandemic exacerbated existing challenges, leading to salon closures and increased operational costs.
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