Increasing prices as a barber or barbershop owner is all part of running and growing your business. Still, it’s not exactly the easiest call to make, as you don’t want to drive away your clients — especially the long-time ones.
If you’re dreading the idea of charging more and having to bring that up with clients, you’re not the only one. We’ve put together this guide on how to raise barbershop prices and when it makes sense to do it, so you can make changes confidently.
Why Barbers Might Need To Raise Their Prices
Raising prices at your barbershop can be an uncomfortable experience, but there are several factors at play that make it the practical move.
Rising overhead: Rent, utilities, insurance, cleaning supplies, and card-processing fees add up quickly over time. A modest increase helps you cover these fixed costs without cutting corners elsewhere.
Product and tool costs: Blades, disinfectant, shears, capes, premium tonics — these are likely pricier than they were in recent years. If your cost per service climbs, your price per service has to keep up, or your profit margins will take a hit.
Inflation and cost of living: Your life outside the shop is probably getting more expensive, too. That said, you deserve a sustainable paycheck, not just break-even.
Demand exceeding supply: When you’re already fully booked three or more weeks in advance, that may be a sign to revisit your rates. Adjusting your prices will help manage your workload and keep slots open for loyal clients or last-minute appointments.
Skill growth and education: Training for specialized services (e.g., advanced fades, precision beard design) costs money, so it’s only fair that your prices reflect that expertise.
Market positioning: If your results, service, and shop atmosphere outrank nearby competitors, then you should match your price with the quality you deliver and the clientele you want to attract. Setting your prices too low might send the wrong message.
Profit targets: A healthy profit margin keeps the lights on and the service level high for the long haul. It’s what lets you replace tools whenever needed, weather slow weeks, take a vacation, and maybe even hire more people.
6 Tips for Raising Prices at a Barbershop
If you’re unsure about how to raise barbershop prices the right way, then read on for some effective tips you should take note of.
1. Be transparent about the price increase
You’ll have to notify your current clients about which services are getting a price increase, what their new prices will be, and when these new prices kick in. Ideally, you should do this around two to three weeks before.
Also, give a short reason for the increase, such as higher product costs — no need for a long backstory. The goal is to reassure your clients (especially the regulars) and preemptively answer the question that’s probably on their minds.
Make sure to brief your team on what to say as well, so clients will hear the same message no matter who they talk to.
Example script:
“Just a heads-up — starting [Effective Date], our [Name/s of Service/s] will be [Updated Price/s]. We’re making the change to keep up with higher product and overhead costs while maintaining the quality service you expect.”
2. Show updated prices everywhere clients will look
Besides telling clients directly, you should also post an announcement on your website and social media pages a few weeks in advance. Include the effective date and short reason, and clarify whether the new prices apply to bookings made on or after the effective date.
Then, on the day the increase kicks in, every touchpoint should reflect the updated prices. This includes the service menu at your front desk, your online booking page, Google Business Profile, Instagram page, and everywhere else prices are shown.
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3. Try not to increase too much at once…
It’s best to do small, steady price adjustments, as this is easier for clients to accept and easier for you to manage. Making drastic increases overnight will likely catch people off guard and upset them.
That said, some barbers recommend keeping adjustments to $1–$2 (or around 10%–15%) per service, and doing so only every 6–12 months. This approach helps you keep up with rising costs without losing loyal clients to sticker shock.
4. …But if you do make big changes, stand by your decision
Although the more popular opinion is to introduce price changes gradually, there may be times when a larger increase is the right call. This is especially true if you’ve seen that gradual adjustments aren’t giving your barbershop the financial growth you’re aiming for.
Should you opt for a bigger move, expect some pushback from your current clients. Some might compare you to other “cheaper” barbershops in the area, others might simply stop booking with you — and that’s fine.
At the end of the day, it’s true you can’t please everyone. As long as the quality of your services justifies the higher price points, you’ll get clients who would be happy to pay for your results — whether it’s new ones or the regulars who stuck around.
5. Put your experience front and center
Showing your track record helps build (or maintain) trust among clients. That way, whenever you do increase your prices, clients are more likely to understand that what they’re paying for is absolutely worth it.
For instance, if your barbershop has been around for three years or longer, you can can add a line like, “Serving [City] since [Year Established]” everywhere clients see your brand. Place it on your website homepage, barbershop front door, service menu, booking page, and social media bios. Keep the wording identical so it sticks.
You can also back up your experience with a couple of credibility highlights shown at your store. Think of it as a sort of “mini résumé” that your clients can scan in a few seconds.
If you’ve trained with recognized programs or won awards, put up a “Credentials & Training” section near the front desk or waiting area. Alternatively, if your shop has been featured in a magazine or newspaper, frame that clipping on a wall where clients will see it.
Share your credibility highlights on your website and socials as well, so clients would see those even before they step into your store. Don’t forget to include a booking link with each post or Story to let them schedule an appointment the moment they’re interested.
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6. Measure, learn, adjust
Don’t expect instant results from increasing your barber rates. Instead, think of it as a test where you’ll track a few basics and compare how they were before the changes:
30/60/90-day retention: The share of clients who return within 30, 60, and 90 days
Rebooking rate: How many clients book their next visit before they leave (or within 24–48 hours)
Average ticket: Revenue per visit
Add-on attach rate: The percentage of appointments with at least one add-on. This shows whether clients see (and choose) upgrades.
No-shows/late cancellations: The percentage of missed or late-canceled visits
If some of these aren’t doing so well, it’s best to make a few adjustments — without rolling back your prices. For instance, you can try new ideas like a loyalty rewards program for your regulars or ramp up your social media marketing to draw in more newcomers.
The goal is to keep the new prices while continually fine-tuning the client experience and communication.
Also read: How Beginner Barbers Can Build a Steady Client Base
Final Word on How To Raise Barbershop Prices
Figuring out how to go about barber price increases may feel nerve-wracking, but it’s absolutely essential in protecting your bottom line, which is your top priority at the end of the day. After all, you can only keep serving clients if your shop is up and running.
While you’re at it, check out Bookedin and its many cool features that’ll help further grow your barbershop! On the fence? You can sign up for free and test it out with a 14-day trial.
