Two of the UK’s biggest electric clippers manufacturers have reported a surge in demand in recent weeks as the nation cuts its own hair during the cornavirus lockdown.
Philips and Wahl both reported an unseasonal uptick in sales as Britons have been forced to do a DIY job on their locks.
Chris Barleycorn, marketing manager at Wahl UK – Britain’s biggest electric clipper producer by volume – said demand for its haircutting products in recent weeks had exceeded levels it would expect during its peak sales period at Christmas.
Philips reported a “steep increase” in demand for hair clippers, especially since the beginning of April compared to the same period last year.
Mark Leftwich, managing director of Philips UK’s consumer business, said the firm had also seen a four-fold surge in customers watching its tutorial videos, which teach the public how to cut hair and to avoid any undesirable lines or patches.
Research by GfK showed that sales of hair clippers surged by 160pc towards the end of March compared to the same period last year, driven by a 365pc jump in online sales.
However, demand is expected to grow further as the lockdown stays in place until at least early May, forcing hairdressers and barber shops to remain shut.