When Parisians discovered last week that President François Hollande paid his hairdresser more than $10,000 a month, shockwaves rippled through the city. The news sparked memories of President Bill Clinton’s infamous $200 haircut aboard Air Force One in 1993, which grounded two runways. But the era of the $10,000 haircut has revealed a new reality: men’s grooming has gone mainstream, and with it comes a hefty price tag.
Men’s grooming, once considered a low-maintenance affair, has become a booming industry with no signs of slowing down. From hedge fund managers to rock stars, many men are now paying top dollar to maintain their looks. So, why are men willing to shell out hundreds — or even thousands — for a simple trim? Let’s explore the growing phenomenon of high-end men’s haircuts and what it reveals about modern masculinity.
The Rise of Luxury Men’s Haircuts
Tim Rogers, a top stylist at Sally Hershberger’s New York studio, charges up to $800 for a men’s haircut. His clients include hedge fund managers, investment bankers, and even tennis champion Roger Federer. For these men, grooming isn’t just about looking good; it’s about maintaining a consistent appearance, no matter the cost.
“Men’s prices should be the same as women’s,” Rogers explained in an interview. He pointed out that men are often more demanding than women when it comes to grooming. They expect their stylist to be available around the clock, whether they’re flying out to the Hamptons or hosting a late-night event. Rogers notes, “Everything has a price.”
This shift in pricing is relatively new. In the late 1990s, star stylist Frédéric Fekkai caused a stir when he started charging women $300 for a cut. By the mid-2000s, Sally Hershberger raised the bar with her $600 shaggy mops, popularized by Meg Ryan. Now, men’s haircuts in New York regularly cost $300 or more, especially at top-tier salons like Martial Vivot’s Salon Pour Hommes.
Why the Steep Prices?
Martial Vivot, a former Parisian stylist who founded his salon in 2008, charges $320 for his signature cuts. Vivot’s clients include investment bankers, celebrities, and even everyday New Yorkers. For some, the price tag raises eyebrows. For others, it’s a necessary investment in their appearance.
“I saw a client bagging groceries at Whole Foods recently,” Vivot said, “and I wondered if he could still afford my services.”
Lakshman Achuthan, a chief operations officer at the Economic Cycle Research Institute, has been a loyal client of stylist April Barton since the 1990s. Although he pays slightly less than her usual $300 rate, he visits her every four weeks for advice and grooming. Achuthan credits Barton with helping him navigate the challenges of aging, such as thinning hair.
In a world where appearance often correlates with professional success, men are turning to top-tier stylists to ensure they’re always camera-ready. Achuthan, who frequently appears on television, emphasized the importance of a perfect haircut. “Like every New Yorker, we are jammed up and don’t want something to go wrong,” he said.
The Barber vs. Stylist Debate
As high-end barbershops proliferate across New York, men with more challenging hair types are finding themselves in a tricky position. Many barbers are skilled at quick, clean cuts, but when it comes to longer or unruly hair, men often fare better with more experienced stylists.
“Most barbers don’t seem to be artful stylists,” Barton noted. She has trained many of her investment banker clients in the art of using root concealer to hide gray hair. Last week, one of her clients paid $670 for a cut, straightening, and toning session, proving that some men are willing to pay a premium for top-notch service.
However, not all men are splurging. Salvatore Anzalone, an Italian barber with a salon in the Conrad Hotel, charges just $30 for a dry cut. His clientele consists mostly of Goldman Sachs bankers who appreciate the no-frills, efficient service he provides. “A shampoo is $7 extra,” Anzalone said with a chuckle, emphasizing that even in the world of luxury grooming, there are more affordable options.
The Cultural Shift in Men’s Grooming
The rise in men’s grooming prices reflects a broader cultural shift. As men become more concerned with their appearance, they are willing to invest more in their upkeep. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global male grooming market was valued at $55.22 billion in 2020 and is expected to continue growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0% from 2021 to 2028.
The normalization of high-end grooming has blurred the lines between male and female beauty standards. Men now expect the same level of service and attention to detail that women have long received. This shift may be driven by the increasing visibility of male celebrities and influencers who place a premium on their appearance.
Is It Worth It?
So, is $10,000 a month for a haircut excessive? For most of us, the answer is a resounding yes. But in the world of luxury grooming, where a flawless appearance can open doors to professional and social success, some men see it as a necessary expense. Whether it’s a $30 cut at a neighborhood barber or an $800 appointment with a top stylist, today’s men are more invested than ever in their grooming routines.
In the end, the price of grooming comes down to personal priorities. For some, looking their best is worth every penny. For others, a simple cut will do just fine.