A record 235 salons failed in 2025, surpassing 215 in 2024, while average business lifespan fell to 13 years from 14.1.
Inflation, higher electricity and product costs, and labour shortages are squeezing smaller operators as customers shift to cheaper chains and discount cutters.
Nearly half of active salons are under 10 years old, yet about 250,000 still operate nationwide, suggesting long-standing oversupply and shrinking demand are deepening the industry's strain.
Is the collapse of Japan's hair salons a grim preview for its entire service economy?
With local salons failing, why are tourists flocking to Japan for world-class haircuts?