Raising your prices is one of the hardest decisions in this business.

You worry about losing clients. You wonder if you're "worth it." You put it off for another year.

Meanwhile, your rent goes up. Supplies cost more. And you're working harder for the same money.

If you haven't raised your prices in over a year, you've already given yourself a pay cut.

This guide will help you figure out when to raise prices and how to do it without drama.

1. Signs it's time to raise your prices

You don't need permission. But if you need confirmation, look for these signs:

You're fully booked weeks out — demand exceeds supply
You haven't raised prices in 12+ months — inflation did it for you
Your skills have improved — training, experience, better results
You dread certain services — they're not worth your time at current rates
You're burning out — working more, earning the same

If three or more apply, it's time.

2. How much should you raise?

There's no universal answer, but here are guidelines:

Small increase (5-10%)

Annual adjustment for inflation
Minimal client pushback
Example: $40 → $44

Medium increase (10-20%)

You're underpriced for your market
Significant skill improvement
Example: $40 → $48

Large increase (20%+)

Major repositioning (new location, rebrand)
You're way below market rate
Example: $40 → $50+

Pro tip: Check what others in your area charge. If you're 20% below average, you're leaving money on the table.

3. The "grandfather" debate

Should loyal clients get to keep old prices?

Arguments for grandfathering:

Rewards loyalty
Reduces immediate pushback
Feels fair

Arguments against:

Creates resentment when they find out
Administrative nightmare
Delays the inevitable

My take: Don't grandfather. Apply new prices to everyone, but give loyal clients extra notice and appreciation.

A client who leaves over $5 wasn't that loyal.

4. How to communicate the increase

The way you announce matters more than the amount.

Do:

Give 2-4 weeks notice
Be direct and confident
Thank them for their support
Focus on value, not apology

Don't:

Over-explain or justify
Apologize excessively
Blame external factors
Surprise them at checkout

Example script:

"Hey [Name], just a heads up — starting [date], my prices will be updating. A haircut will be $[new price]. I really appreciate you being a regular, and I'm excited to keep delivering great cuts. Let me know if you have any questions."

Short. Professional. Done.

5. When to announce

Best times:

Beginning of a new year
After a slow season
When you move or rebrand
After completing significant training

Worst times:

Right before holidays
During your busiest period
Same week as other changes

Give yourself breathing room to handle questions.

6. What if clients push back?

Some will. Most won't.

For mild pushback:

"I understand. My costs have gone up, and I want to keep delivering the quality you expect. I hope you'll stick with me."

For price shoppers:

"I get it — if price is the main factor, I totally understand if you need to look around. No hard feelings."

For longtime clients:

"I really value you as a client. The new prices reflect the time and quality I put into every cut. I'd love to keep working with you."

You don't need to convince everyone. You need clients who value your work.

7. The clients you'll lose (and why it's okay)

After a price increase, expect to lose 5-15% of clients.

Here's the thing: you'll make more money anyway.

Math:

100 clients × $40 = $4,000
90 clients × $48 = $4,320

Fewer clients. More money. Less burnout.

The clients who leave are usually:

Price-sensitive shoppers
High-maintenance, low-value
Not your target audience anyway

Let them go.

8. Raise prices regularly (not dramatically)

The biggest mistake is waiting too long and then making a huge jump.

Better approach:

Small increases every 12-18 months
Communicate consistently
Track your numbers

A $3 increase every year feels normal.

A $15 increase after 5 years feels like a betrayal.

Stay ahead of it.

9. Your prices reflect your value

Pricing isn't just about money.

It's about positioning.

Cheap prices attract price-sensitive clients. Premium prices attract clients who value quality.

Ask yourself:

What kind of shop do I want to run?
What kind of clients do I want to serve?
What's my time actually worth?

If you're good at what you do, charge like it.

Your prices are a business decision

Raising prices isn't greedy. It's necessary.

Every year you don't raise them, you're earning less in real terms.

The best barbers and stylists:

Know their worth
Communicate confidently
Build clientele that values quality over price

Your chair. Your rules. Your prices.

👉 Vinci 26 helps barbershops and salons manage clients, bookings, and business growth — without marketplace fees eating into your hard-earned revenue.

Build something that's truly yours.

When and How to Raise Your Prices as a Barber or Stylist