The India men's grooming products market was valued at USD 2.1 billion, and is expected to reach USD 25,893.2 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9%. Men across India from metro professionals to college students in tier-2 cities are spending more on their appearance than any previous generation. And yet, the majority of Indian salons still serve women only. That is not a cultural limitation. It is an untapped revenue stream.

Adding men's grooming services to your existing salon does not mean rebuilding from scratch. It does not require a separate barbershop. With the right services, the right pricing, the right team training, and the right marketing your existing salon can start generating significant revenue from male clients within 30 to 60 days.

WHY MEN'S GROOMING IS YOUR NEXT REVENUE STREAM

Before we get into the how, let us understand the why because the numbers make a compelling case.

Unisex and men's salons have become more common, reflecting social acceptance of men's grooming. And it is not just a metro trend. Social media, e-commerce platforms, and celebrity endorsements have played a pivotal role in normalising grooming conversations and broadening awareness across metros as well as tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

Here is what this means practically for your salon:

THE DEMAND IS REAL AND GROWING:

Indian men today want professional haircuts, beard trims, skin fade styling, face clean-ups, de-tanning treatments, and hair colour. They are no longer embarrassed to walk into a salon. They are actively searching for one that serves them well.

THE COMPETITION IS LOW:

Most salons in India still cater primarily to women. The few dedicated barbershops that exist are often basic, unbranded, and do not offer skin services. A well-run salon that adds professional men's grooming is not entering a crowded market — it is filling a visible gap.

THE SPENDING POWER IS STRONG:

Haircare and deodorants currently contribute the largest share of revenues, owing to their widespread adoption and repeat usage patterns. However, skincare and beard care are emerging as the fastest-growing segments. Male clients who find a salon they trust tend to visit regularly — often more frequently than women — because haircuts, beard maintenance, and skin clean-ups have shorter service cycles.

THE CHAIR UTILISATION BENEFIT:

Your salon chairs sit empty during certain hours. Male clients often prefer morning and lunchtime slots — exactly when women's bookings are slowest. Adding men's services fills your dead hours with paying clients without disrupting your existing female client schedule.

If you are serious about growing your salon revenue as we discussed in How to Grow Your Salon Business in India men's grooming is one of the highest-ROI additions you can make in 2026.

WHICH MEN'S GROOMING SERVICES TO ADD FIRST

Do not try to offer everything on day one. Start with the services that are easiest to add, highest in demand, and require the least additional investment.

TIER 1: START HERE (Week 1 to 4):

These require minimal training and no new equipment if you already serve women.

Men's Haircut (Scissor Cut): ₹300 to ₹800

The most searched men's service. If your stylists already cut women's hair, scissor cuts for men are a natural extension — just requires understanding male hair structures and popular styles.

Beard Trim and Shaping: ₹150 to ₹400

High demand, quick service (15 to 20 minutes), and clients return every 2 to 3 weeks. One of the best repeat-revenue services available.

Men's Face Clean-Up: ₹400 to ₹800

A basic facial cleansing and moisturising treatment. Skincare products such as face washes, moisturisers, sunscreens, serums, and anti-aging solutions have gained mainstream acceptance among male consumers — and the in-salon equivalent is the face clean-up.

Hair Wash + Blow Dry / Styling: ₹200 to ₹500

Simple, quick, and appreciated — especially by professional men before an important meeting or event.

TIER 2: ADD AFTER 30 DAYS (Once demand is established):

Skin Fade / Undercut Haircut: ₹400 to ₹1,200

Requires a clipper and training. The skin fade is the most requested men's cut in India's urban market. Instagram and YouTube have made every young man familiar with the style — they just need a skilled stylist to execute it.

Men's De-Tan Treatment: ₹600 to ₹1,200

Extremely popular in India due to sun exposure. Uses brightening masks and gentle peels to even out skin tone. A 45-minute service with high perceived value.

Head Massage + Scalp Treatment: ₹400 to ₹800

Deeply relaxing. Men who experience this service become among the most loyal repeat clients. Easy to upsell alongside a haircut.

Men's Hair Colour: ₹800 to ₹3,000

Grey coverage for older male clients and fashion colour for younger ones. A growing service category driven by social media influence.

TIER 3: FOR ESTABLISHED MEN'S GROOMING SECTION:

Men's Waxing (Chest, Back, Arms): ₹500 to ₹1,500

Growing acceptance, especially among gym-going and younger male clients.

Clean Shave with Hot Towel: ₹300 to ₹600

A classic barbershop service that feels premium when delivered in a professional salon environment.

Men's Pedicure and Manicure: ₹500 to ₹1,200

More male clients are open to nail care than most salon owners expect. Offer it quietly and let demand grow organically.

WHAT EQUIPMENT AND PRODUCTS DO YOU NEED?

The good news: you do not need to spend lakhs to start offering men's services. Here is the essential equipment list.

MUST-HAVE EQUIPMENT:

• Professional hair clipper cost around ₹3,000 to ₹8,000 used for Skin fades, undercuts, buzz cuts
• T-blade / detail trimmer cost around ₹2,000 to ₹5,000 used for Beard shaping, neckline clean-up
• Straight razor / safety razor cost around ₹500 to ₹2,000 used for Clean shave service
• Shaving brush and bowl cost around ₹300 to ₹800 used for Hot lather shave
• Cape (men's style) cost around ₹500 to ₹1,500 used for Separate from women's capes

PRODUCTS TO STOCK:

For face services:

• Men's face wash and scrub
• De-tanning mask (charcoal or clay-based)
• Men's moisturiser with SPF
• Aftershave balm

For hair services:

• Men's styling pomade and wax
• Beard oil and beard balm
• Men's shampoo (anti-dandruff and regular)

Total investment to start men's services: ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 extremely low compared to the revenue potential.

TRAIN YOUR TEAM THE RIGHT WAY

The most common reason salons hesitate to add men's services is uncertainty about their team's skills. This is a real concern — but a solvable one.

THE SKILL GAP IS SMALLER THAN YOU THINK:

Most experienced stylists already have the foundational skills for men's grooming consultation, scissors technique, scalp treatment, facial services. The specific additions required are:

• Clipper technique for fades and undercuts
• Beard shaping and beard trim geometry
• Men's skin analysis and product selection

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR TEAM:

Option 1: Brand Training Sessions:

Philips the major clipper brands offer free or low-cost professional training workshops for salons. Most men's grooming product brands also offer technical training. Contact your product supplier and ask about available sessions.

Option 2: YouTube and Online Courses:

Platforms like Udemy and YouTube have comprehensive clipper technique courses. Assign your stylist 5 hours of structured learning followed by practice on willing friends or models before going client-facing.

Option 3: Hire One Specialist:

If you want to move fast, hire one experienced men's grooming specialist a trained barber and have him or her train your existing team. This investment pays back quickly once men's services go live.

For a complete framework on how to structure staff training for new services, refer to our detailed guide: How to Train New Salon Staff and Maintain Quality.

THE CONSULTATION IS DIFFERENT FOR MALE CLIENTS:

Men communicate differently about their hair than women. They often say "short back and sides" or "same as last time" without much detail. Train your team to ask specific questions:

• How much length would you like to keep on top?
• How tight do you want the fade — high, mid, or low?
• Would you like the neckline tapered or blocked?

These questions show expertise. Male clients respect specificity. A stylist who asks the right questions immediately earns trust.

PRICE YOUR MEN'S SERVICES CORRECTLY

Pricing men's grooming services requires a specific approach — because male clients are price-aware but will pay for quality and consistency.

THE MALE CLIENT'S PRICING PSYCHOLOGY:

Male clients are more likely to become loyal regulars than women but only if the price-to-quality ratio feels right from the first visit. If your first-time men's haircut is priced too high without the quality to back it up, you will not see them again. If it is priced too low, you will attract price-sensitive clients who switch at the slightest discount elsewhere.

RECOMMENDED STARTING PRICE RANGES:

Entry-level men's services should be priced at your market's mid-point not the cheapest, not the most expensive.

Check what the nearest barbershop charges. Your salon should be 20 to 40% above that because you offer a cleaner environment, better products, appointment-based convenience, and a more complete service experience. For a complete pricing framework including tiered pricing and cost calculation, refer to: Salon Pricing Strategy: How to Price Your Services in India.

CREATE MEN'S COMBO PACKAGES:

Packages drive higher average bill value and encourage male clients to try multiple services on their first visit.

Popular men's combos:

• The Essentials: Haircut + Beard Trim = ₹550 to ₹900
• The Full Works: Haircut + Beard Trim + Face Clean-Up = ₹1,000 to ₹1,500
• The Weekend Refresh: Hair Wash + Haircut + Head Massage = ₹800 to ₹1,200

CREATE A WELCOMING SPACE FOR MALE CLIENTS

A male client walking into a salon designed exclusively for women will feel out of place and he probably will not come back. You do not need to renovate your entire salon. Small, intentional touches create an environment where male clients feel welcome and comfortable.

LOW-COST WAYS TO CREATE A MEN'S-FRIENDLY SPACE:

• A dedicated men's grooming station: Even one chair with a slightly different aesthetic — darker tones, a barber-style cape, good lighting — signals that this space is for him.
• Men's products on display: A small shelf with beard oil, men's shampoo, and a face moisturiser at the styling station. Male clients notice and appreciate this.
• Men's magazines or content: A few copies of GQ, Men's Health, or a sports magazine in the waiting area. Again, a small signal that communicates: "we thought about you."
• A simple waiting experience: Male clients dislike waiting. If you are running behind, acknowledge it immediately and give an honest time estimate. This matters more to male clients than almost anything else.
• Separate booking flow for men's services: In Skhaira, create a specific men's services category in your booking menu. Male clients searching for a haircut should immediately find men's services listed — not have to scroll through women's hair colour options.

As we covered in Top 5 Features Every Salon Booking App Needs, a clear, well-organised booking menu directly affects conversion. Male clients who find your booking process confusing simply go elsewhere.

MARKET YOUR MEN'S SERVICES TO REACH MALE CLIENTS

Adding men's services is only half the equation. The other half is making sure male clients in your area know you exist.

GOOGLE BUSINESS PROFILE: DO THIS FIRST:

Update your Google Business Profile to include your new men's services — "Men's Haircut," "Beard Trim," "Men's Facial." When a man in your area searches "men's haircut near me" or "beard trim salon [city]," your profile needs to show up. This is free and takes 10 minutes.

INSTAGRAM: YOUR MOST POWERFUL FREE CHANNEL:

Male clients discover new grooming options primarily through Instagram. Here is what works:

• Post before-and-after transformation photos of male clients (with permission)
• Show your stylist's technique in short Reels a skin fade being done, a beard being shaped
• Use hashtags: #MensGroomingIndia #BarberIndia #SkinFade #[YourCity]Barber #MensHaircut

One strong before-and-after Reel of a male transformation can reach thousands of potential male clients in your city organically.

REFERRAL FROM FEMALE CLIENTS:

Your existing female clients are your fastest route to male clients. They have partners, brothers, fathers, and male colleagues who need haircuts. A simple message to your broadcast list:

"Exciting news we now offer men's grooming services at [Salon Name]! Professional haircuts, beard styling, and skin treatments for the men in your life. Forward this to someone who deserves a great grooming experience 💈"

This leverages the trust your existing clients already have in you and generates bookings without any ad spend.

For a complete organic growth strategy, refer to our guide: How to Increase Salon Bookings Without Spending on Ads.

TARGETED OFFERS FOR FIRST-TIME MALE CLIENTS:

Remove the barrier to try. Offer first-time male clients a specific introductory offer:

• First men's haircut at ₹299 regular price ₹550
• Free beard trim with your first haircut this month

The goal is to get male clients through the door once. If the experience is great — and with the right training and environment, it will be they come back at full price and become regulars.

BUILD LOYALTY WITH MALE CLIENTS

Once a male client visits once and has a great experience, your next goal is simple: make sure he comes back automatically, without you having to chase him.

WHY MALE CLIENTS ARE HIGHLY LOYAL (WHEN THEY FIND THE RIGHT SALON):

Male grooming has shorter service cycles than most women's services. A haircut every 3 to 4 weeks. A beard trim every 2 weeks. A face clean-up every 3 to 4 weeks. A male client who visits regularly for just a haircut and beard trim generates ₹6,000 to ₹15,000 per year before any upselling.

The challenge: male clients do not naturally rebook the way women do. They tend to show up when they feel they need a haircut, not on a schedule.

HOW TO CREATE THAT SCHEDULE:

1. Rebook before he leaves:

Train your stylist to say at the end of every men's appointment: "Your hair will be at its best again in about 3 to 4 weeks would you like me to hold your slot now so you do not have to think about it?" This simple ask converts many male clients into scheduled regulars instantly.

2. Automated follow-up via Skhaira:

Skhaira sends an automatic post-visit message to every client male or female. For male clients, set the rebooking nudge at 3 weeks (shorter than women's cycle). The message goes out automatically: "Hi [Name], it is been 3 weeks since your last visit your signature look is probably ready for a refresh. Book your slot here: [link]"

3. Add male clients to your loyalty programme:

As we covered in detail in How to Create a Salon Loyalty Programme That Actually Works, loyalty points work powerfully for male clients because:

• They make repeat visits feel rewarding rather than routine
• A milestone reward (free beard treatment, free head massage) gives a specific reason to keep coming back
• Birthday offers are particularly effective male clients are often pleasantly surprised when a salon remembers

4. Build personal rapport:

Male clients are extraordinarily loyal to stylists they trust. When the same stylist consistently delivers a great result and remembers preferences, favourite style, how tight the fade should be that client will not go anywhere else. Skhaira's client notes feature stores these preferences so every visit feels personalised, even if the client has not been in for 6 weeks.

MANAGE MEN'S BOOKINGS SMOOTHLY WITH SKHAIRA

Adding a new service category to your salon means more bookings to manage, more clients to track, and more data to review. Without the right system, this complexity creates chaos. With Skhaira, it runs seamlessly.

HOW SKHAIRA SUPPORTS YOUR MEN'S GROOMING EXPANSION:

SEPARATE BOOKING CATEGORIES:

Create a dedicated "Men's Services" category in your Skhaira service menu. Male clients browsing your booking page see a clear, organised section designed for them not a confusing mixed list.

STYLIST ASSIGNMENT:

Assign which stylists offer men's services. As your team builds skill, update their profiles to include the specific men's services they are trained for. Clients only see availability from qualified stylists.

BOOKING ANALYTICS:

Track your men's services performance separately:

• Revenue from men's services vs women's services
• Which men's services are most popular
• Utilisation rate during morning slots (where men typically book)
• Rebooking rate for male clients

This data tells you whether your men's grooming launch is working — and what to invest in next. For more on using data to drive decisions, refer to: How to Use Data to Grow Your Salon Business.

AUTOMATED REMINDERS:

Male clients have even lower reminder-response rates than women. Set Skhaira's automated reminders to send 24 hours before every men's appointment a simple "Your haircut at Noor Studio is tomorrow at 11AM we are ready for you [Confirm/Reschedule]" message cuts no-shows significantly.

The men's grooming opportunity in India is not coming it is already here. The Indian salon industry has evolved dramatically, and unisex and men's salons have become more common, reflecting social acceptance of men's grooming.

Salon owners who add men's grooming services in 2026 are not taking a risk. They are capturing a demand that already exists one that their competitors have not yet moved to serve.

You do not need a separate barbershop. You do not need a major renovation. You need the right services, a trained team, a welcoming environment, smart pricing, and a booking system that handles everything automatically. Start with a men's haircut and a beard trim. Get three male clients in this week. Deliver an experience so good that each of them sends you two more. That is how a men's grooming revenue stream begins.

Skhaira makes the entire operation seamless from the first male client who books online, through his loyalty points accumulation, to the automated reminder that brings him back every 3 weeks without fail.