Men's Hair Trend Watch...

... meeting the Unique Salon Needs of Male Clients

Quality, experience and service—three keys to meeting men’s unique needs in the salon space, according to Vaughn Acord (@vaughnnewyork), founder of V76 by Vaughn.
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1. Laws of Attraction
Men want to know their stylist or barber has experience and expertise in working with men’s hair, and they want to feel comfortable in the environment, Acord notes.

WAHL Professional educator Kevin Nguyen (@yakuzabarber) agrees that men crave a combination of phenomenal service and top-tier cuts.

2. Trend Watch
Nguyen notes that some of the biggest men’s trends now involve textured hair and disconnections with fades. Meanwhile, Acord observes that men’s looks are leaning toward longer, looser locks—think variations of mullet shapes and shags, heavily ’70s-influenced. “I love this transition away from uptight hair, with more movement and touchability,” Acord enthuses. “Even guys with shorter hair are allowing their sides to be warmer and not skinned down to the scalp.” Much of this trend can be attributed to men visiting their groomers less often in pandemic times—but, Acord warns, that reality places even more of an emphasis on the quality of the cut.

3. Retail Redux
As stylists and clients alike cope with so many COVID-related changes at salons and barbershops, Acord notes that not all of them have been negative. “Now, everything is so much more focused and tailored for that client in the chair, with 100 percent attention,” he asserts. “Your products, tools, supplies—everything you’re using is geared to him, and you can ask questions about his routine, his challenges. You can really educate him on his specific needs and product solutions.”

Still, pandemic-era retailing remains challenging, with clients now accustomed to ordering online. “Because of that new dynamic, I definitely keep less in the salon for retailing,” Acord relates.