～The theory that "Comprehensive hair styling = 9,000 yen" based on a labor cost of 150 yen per minute～

Introduction

The barbershop industry has continued to take the "low-cost route" for many years due to the prevailing consumer perception that "barbering should be cheap" and the popularity of haircut chains that charge under 1,000 yen. However, the services that barbers provide actually involve a wide range of value, including specialized techniques, hygiene management, and customer service , and require a significant amount of man-hours and costs.
In this article, we will first focus on the familiar "ramen set meal" as an everyday indicator, comparing the serving time and price , and then consider the appropriateness of comprehensive hair styling in terms of labor hours: "150 yen per minute x 60 minutes = 9,000 yen (excluding tax)."

1. Comparison of ramen set meals and barbershop services

(1) Difference in time and effort

Time required for a ramen set meal (approximately 1,000 yen):
- It takes about 10 to 20 minutes from cooking the ramen until the customer finishes their meal.
・The actual cooking process usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to around 10 minutes to complete.

Time required for a full haircut (approximately 30-60 minutes):
・The consultation, cut, shave, shampoo, and styling takes 30 to 60 minutes.
- Barbers manually perform treatments that are tailored to the scalp and hair type, requiring highly specialized skills and time costs .

From this perspective, the price of a ramen set meal at 1,000 yen, compared to 9,000 to 10,000 yen for a comprehensive haircut, is quite reasonable considering the time required and the level of expertise .

2. The impact and reality of "haircuts in the 1,000 yen range"

(1) Image and reality of low-cost routes

-As a result of the popularity of chain stores with prices in the 1,000 yen range, many consumers tend to reinforce the belief that "barber shops should be cheap."
However, there is a big difference between what is offered at a "speed cut salon" and a full haircut salon. The latter includes shaving, styling, and comprehensive hair and scalp care , and staff put in the time and effort required.

(2) Did QB House have a “high labor cost unit”?

-QB House, a representative speed cut shop, charges 1,350 yen for 10 minutes.
・While the image of being a "low-price store" prevails, customers are actually charging 135 yen per minute .
・If you maintain the same rate for 60 minutes, it would be equivalent to 8,100 yen per hour . This is a higher rate than the market rate.

In other words, even if a price seems "cheap," there are many cases where the hourly rate is high. On the other hand, if a full haircut takes 30 to 60 minutes and you are only charged around 3,000 to 4,000 yen, it is likely that the price is too low to justify the barber's labor .

3. Labor-hour conversion rate of 150 yen per minute

(1) Minimum service fee

・If you set the rate at 150 yen per minute, it will cost 9,000 yen (excluding tax) for 60 minutes.
-This can be said to be the minimum level of labor costs including tool costs, utility costs, labor costs, and technical fees, and is actually a reasonable landing point assuming that there are no discounts.

(2) Ripple effects on management and reinvestment

- If you can secure a fee that is commensurate with the time and labor involved, it will be easier to generate profits that can be used for technological development and capital investment .
- As a result, the quality of service will improve, creating a virtuous cycle that leads to increased customer satisfaction and repeat business.

4. The benefits of fair pricing at a barber shop

• Stabilizing management <br>By securing profit margins, it becomes easier to invest in staff training and improving the in-store environment. It also becomes easier to break away from the low-price competition.
• Improve your brand image and shift to becoming a store chosen by "customers who value quality over price," allowing you to forge your own unique path.
• Improving value across the industry <br>If some salons are able to offer fair prices, it will be an opportunity to reconsider the overall trend among barber shops that "cheap is the norm."

5. Practical steps and points to note

1. Identify labor hours and costs <br>Calculate labor costs, rent, utilities, equipment costs, etc., and accurately determine the cost per minute.
2. Clarifying the service content <br>The processes involved in comprehensive hairdressing, the equipment used, and the barber's qualifications and skills will be made visible, and the justification for the price increase will be shown.
3. Inform customers and give them a sense of satisfaction by carefully explaining "why the hourly rate has been revised" and "what price is being offered for high-quality treatment."
4. Raise prices in small steps If it is difficult to raise the price to 9,000 yen all at once, consider ways to gradually approach the price. Taking care of existing customers is also important.

Conclusion

While a ramen set meal costs about 1,000 yen and can be completed in a short time, a complete haircut at a barbershop takes 30 to 60 minutes and requires specialized skills. Furthermore, if you take a speed cut shop (QB House) that charges 1,350 yen for 10 minutes as an example, you can see that it is by no means cheap from the perspective of "hourly rate."

The 9,000 yen (excluding tax) , calculated at 150 yen per minute as labor hours, could be said to be an appropriate level for restoring the proper value of the profession of barber.

By charging a fee that is commensurate with the service provided, it is possible to reinvest in improving skills and the store, which ultimately contributes to customer satisfaction and the image of the industry as a whole. To break the stereotype that "barbershops should be cheap" and foster a culture where professional skills are fairly compensated , start by reevaluating your store's cost per minute.