Electric Rates for Hair SalonsWithin the United States, the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, West and Great Lakes regions have the highest number of hair salons and barbershops. In fact, the Mid-Atlantic region alone makes up 23.3% of the industries hair salons and barbershops. The reason this area has such a high percentage of salons and barbershops is because states like New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania all have a very high concentration of residents and businesses.

Total Number of Hair Salons: 76,000
Total Number of Barbershops: 8,000
Total Annual Revenue (2012): $42 Billion
Average Square Feet: 1,000 – 1,500
People Employed: 1,400,744
Typical Location: Strip Mall (Mall)

Products and Services

Many hair salons in the last few years have moved away from providing traditional services and now often specialize in providing a relaxing experience with a touch of luxury. For example, instead of offering simple standard hair cuts, hair salons offer a wide range of products and services to purchase including,

  • Hair straightening, and perms
  • Skin care services
  • Massages
  • Hair coloring
  • Nail care
  • Shampoo, conditioner, hair serums and treatments

The industry is expected to grow over the next 5 years, to bring in a total of $49.3 billing by 2017. It is estimated that consumers will see a decline in unemployment and an increase in disposable income, which will drive the purchase of the services and products listed above.

Barbershops on the other hand have remained fairly traditional, offering its clients hair cutting and styling services, as well as a shave. Many barbershops within many communities also serve as a place for discussion, debate and camaraderie.

Energy in Hair Salons and Barbershops

Hair salons and barbershops require a lot of energy to run different equipment such as, hair dryers, razors, and hair straighteners, not to mention air conditioning, water heating, washers, dryers, and lighting. A lot of this equipment runs constantly, and while client volume and customer retention can make or break a business, so can the cost of electricity.

Hair salons and barbershop owners living in energy deregulated states should strongly consider exploring their options before settling on an energy supplier. Energy deregulation allows consumers of energy to choose between many different retail energy suppliers within their area. These retail energy suppliers all compete to retain and gain customers, which means that their products, services and initiatives are competitive and fair – especially when it comes to electricity rates and prices.

Utilities are still responsible for the delivery of electricity, as well as the maintenance of poles and wires. In many states and areas, there is a specific utility that provides those types of services. This is the utility that business owners will need to sign-up with and pay every billing period.

Hair Salons and Barbershops – Small Business

Small businesses in the United States, and especially those opened in energy deregulated areas, often have opportunities for energy savings outside of selecting an energy supplier.

There are many different options to choose from when it comes to the different appliances that hair salons and barbershops use including, hair dryers, or even washing and drying machines. Energy Star is one place to obtain a list of the best brands and equipment to purchase and many come with a rebate. Picking appliances that don’t consume as much energy and unplugging them when not in use will truly save a hair salon or barbershop on an energy bill.