Salon operator: "Beauty is a growing business in Phl"

CEBU, Philippines - Despite tough competition, a salon chain operator sees broader opportunities for growth in the Philippines while Filipinos have yet to embrace the importance of hair care in a person’s total well-being.

Hair dressing expert and David’s Salon president David Charlton said that while a number of salon businesses are mushrooming around the country, consumers are also expanding dramatically --- from all age brackets and social status.

Charlton was in Cebu recently to grace the opening of the sixth David’s Salon outlet in Cebu at SM City Consolacion. The branch is operated by his partner, South Seas Hair Incorporated led by Max and Jojing Telford.

In an interview, Jojing Telford said her company is planning to open more outlets in malls especially the upcoming Robinson’s in north reclamation area, and the one in South Road Properties (SRP).

 “Beauty is a growing business in the Philippines despite the competition. We just have to get people appreciate the importance of hairdressing,” Charlton said adding that at this point though, Filipinos have yet to realize that hair dressing is as important as buying expensive clothes to dress up and look good. 

Unlike in other countries where hair care is part of a personal priority, in the Philippines, hair care is still considered as “vanity” rather than part of proper grooming.

Because of this, Charlton said the hair dressing industry here has still a huge room for growth.

Ideally, hair care regimen such as hair cut, hair spa, hot oil, among others should be done at least once in every six weeks. For hair cut though, once a month is highly recommended.

“We all want to look our best. Hair care is another way of dressing up,” said Charlton reiterating that beauty is a growing market — it’s fluid and exciting industry.

Although there is a huge opportunity for growth, Charlton said salon operators should always be “on their toes” because sustainability is fragile due to the fast moving nature of the beauty industry.

At present, there are over 200 David’s Salons across the country, operated by different partners, Charlton said.

Instead of pushing for more outlets, Charlton said he is now concentrating on improving the quality of service to be more at par with international standard. However, if there is an opportunity to open up in a good location, Charlton said they are open for partnerships.

Aside from the over 200 outlets in the Philippines, David’s Salon has also presence in Hong Kong, Dubai, and United States (LA, California).