It's a truth universally acknowledged that women pay more for a haircut than men – right? Not anymore, if Chop Chop London has anything to say about the blatantly unfair practice.
The new hair salon, which recently opened its doors in Islington, London, bases its whole ethos on a gender-neutral pricing system. It also has a commitment to helping time-poor individuals spend as little time as possible in the salon, while still ensuring everyone gets a brilliant haircut.
We spoke to the co-founder and director Kaye Sotomi to find out why the service is the hair saviour all genders and hair types have been waiting for.
Why is gender-neutral pricing so important?
'Gender-neutral pricing is important because equality is important. You can no longer justify in this day and age, living in a cosmopolitan city, why the price point for a man or woman should differ.'
So, why do women normally pay more?
'I think part of it is because the beauty industry has historically always been geared towards women, and products and experiences for them have been marketed as a luxury. For men, the barber-shop concept was a simple space at a much lower cost.
'A lot of the industry is still stuck in that way of thinking. A haircut is still seen as a luxury service for women, price points are based on the stylist's experience and as most women have more hair than men, there's a belief that they need to pay more.'
How does Chop Chop London work?
'At Chop Chop London, we've created gender-fluid prices based on the time the appointment takes and not gender. We've focused on creating a series of styles that can be created in 20 minutes, regardless of hair type, texture or gender to ensure equal costs and equal service.'
Is 20 minutes enough time?
'Through tests, trials and research, we've identified that for quick cuts and styling, 20 minutes is the amount of time it takes to achieve fantastic hair for both genders. Our service is also designed to provide people with the quick on-the-go service they require. This is for people with crazy schedules; they don't have the time to spend hours in the salon but want to look good in their everyday lives.'
Are there any styles that don't qualify?
'When it comes to qualifying for a gender-neutral price point, absolutely not, our seasonal menus have been designed to allow for a diverse array of styles to be achieved. The only point when a customer has to pay more is when the customer comes in for more than one service, for example a cut and then styling on top of that.'
At just £20 for haircut and styling, do you have to compromise on quality?
'The fact that we are able to offer this price point does not mean that our service is cheap. We use a premium organic haircare range, Phyto, our freelance session stylists have years of experience, and their diversity allows us to deliver a quality service regardless of age, hair texture or gender. As a brand, Chop Chop London is inclusive and forward thinking – we aren't hiding behind a cheap price point.'
Chop Chop London, haircut and styling appointments, £20 each, book now at: chopchoplondon.com
