The pandemic evolved clients' relationship to beauty—but now that salons are back to business, how are things looking? According to Booksy, compared with bookings in May and June 2019 to those in May and June in 2021 there was an increase in a few services: pedicures (up by over 200 percent), manicures (166 percent), box braids (140 percent), dreadlocks (120 percent) and braids (120 percent)—which means if you aren't offering these services already, doing so can help boost your business. Celebrity hairstylist and Booksy ambassador Kim Kimble weighs in.
Which services are you seeing an increase/decrease in since opening after the shutdown? Why do you think this is?
I think a lot of people are doing more easier natural styles, wigs, braids, because a lot of stylists are still not back to work so they need styles that are easy to do and maintain.
Booksy specifically sees an increase in box braids, dreadlocks, and braids – to what do we owe this spike?
These styles are easy and last for a while and you don't have to go get it done as often.
Do you think COVID-19 changed the consumer relationship with beauty/salons, or do you think everything will return to the way it was pre-pandemic? Why?
I think things are going to change. I think the whole system—appointments, how services are provided— and all of that will change because people will still be nervous about COVID-19.
What are you doing to help increase your business during trying times?
I no longer have my physical salon—I am mostly working with private salons or house calls. It's extremely important to build your relationships with your private clients to keep business going.