The pandemic had led countless people to colour their hair at home – a trend that played well for JustCuts,given that its stores,which do not offer appointments but instead welcome walk-ins onto a wait list,do no colouring in the salons.
“Only about 35 per cent of Australian women colour their hair in a salon,” Manning said. “A lot of people are getting their hair cut[with us] and then colouring their hair at home. People want to spend time with their family and friends instead.”
After a year-long shopping spree in 2022,when Australian consumers enthusiastically booked holidays,beauty treatments and restaurant outings after long periods of lockdown in 2020 and 2021,it seems they are finally slowing down.
National retail data shows a slowdown,and major retail bosses are reporting that shoppers are trading down everyday purchases and scouring for budget options.
‘Only about 35 per cent of Australian women colour their hair in a salon. A lot of people are getting their hair cut[with us] and then colouring their hair at home.’
Amber Manning,JustCuts chief executive
Manning says the budget focus is paying off for JustCuts,which had its biggest January in five years and recorded sales up 30 per cent on 2022 figures.
That momentum has continued,with the company noting higher demand now than it saw during the global financial crisis.