Know Your Numbers: The Real Cost of Every Haircut

Many barbers and stylists know their prices but not their costs. That is how a busy week can still leave you short. Knowing the real cost of each service changes how you price, schedule and spend.

Add up your monthly costs

List everything you pay to work each month:

• Booth rent or your share of shop costs
• Products and supplies (blades, capes, neck strips, disinfectant)
• Tools and their replacement over time
• Booking software, phone and card fees
• Insurance, licences and education

Work out your cost per hour

Divide your monthly costs by the hours you actually work with clients. That is what every hour in the chair costs before you earn a cent.

Work out your cost per service

Multiply your cost per hour by how long each service takes, then add the products that service uses. Now compare it with the price. The difference is what you really earn.

Use what you find

• Services that take long and earn little need a new price or a shorter process.
• Gaps in your schedule cost you money, so fill them with quick services or rebookings.
• Card fees and small supplies add up, so check them every few months.

Review it twice a year

Costs change. Put a reminder in your calendar to repeat this every six months.

Go deeper

Profits Beyond the Chair, in the GSWAU members library, goes further into building income from your skills.