The professional salon industry in South Africa is facing one of its most challenging chapters. Clients are spending less, overheads are rising, and many businesses — from single-chair stylists to larger salons — are being forced to rethink how they operate.
At DeMar Agencies, we work with salons, barbers, and beauticians every single day. We hear the frustration. We see the shift in buying habits. And we’re feeling the pressure too.
This blog is our open message to the industry: to acknowledge the reality, to stand behind our professional partners, and to help you navigate the uncertainty — without compromising your standards.
Pressure on Every Level
Clients are under financial pressure, which means fewer visits, smaller ticket sizes, and a greater demand for affordability. That puts salons in a difficult position: trying to maintain quality while competing on price.
Suppliers feel the squeeze too. Import costs are up, local transport is more expensive, and order sizes have become inconsistent. Yet we’re still expected to offer top-tier service, product education, local stockholding, and professional reps on the road.
The whole chain is feeling it — but professionalism and service shouldn’t be the first things to go.
The Damage of Undercutting the Industry
One of the most damaging trends in our industry today is how some brands and distributors aggressively discount products online — often well below the Recommended Retail Selling Price (RRSP), and in spaces where salons simply cannot compete.
This kind of behaviour:
- Undermines your ability to retail
- Erodes the trust between supplier and salon
- Destroys the margin you rely on to keep your business running
At DeMar, we choose a different path. While we supply a variety of channels, we are deeply committed to protecting the value of our brands and the integrity of our salon partners. We respect RRSP guidelines, focus on servicing the trade, and believe in building long-term relationships — not quick wins.
We do not believe in racing to the bottom, and we will not compromise the professional standards that keep our industry alive.
It’s also important to understand the long-term impact. When salons continue to support suppliers who undercut the trade, it only strengthens those practices — and weakens the suppliers who still choose to respect RRSP and invest in service. Over time, this creates a market where trusted, service-driven distributors struggle to survive, and the very structure of the professional industry begins to collapse.
Why Cheaper Isn’t Always Better
We understand the temptation to buy from smaller, cheaper suppliers who offer “bargain” pricing. But those savings often come with a cost:
- No product accountability
- No technical support
- No trained sales reps
- No product history, registration, or compliance
When something goes wrong, you’re on your own — and your reputation is the one at risk.
Remember: your clients don’t just come for a haircut or colour. They trust your professional judgement — and that includes the products you use and recommend.
Your Support Fuels Progress
One of the most overlooked truths in this industry is that only with the support of our professional clients can we continue to innovate.
At DeMar Agencies, we don’t just distribute — we invest in research, development, testing, and local manufacturing. Many of the products you’ve seen from us — from sulfate-free shampoos and hair-loss treatments to cradle cap cleansing foams and professional styling aids — are born from our desire to respond to real salon needs.
But to keep innovating, we need your support. Every order placed with a trusted supplier helps us:
- Test and launch new formulations
- Improve packaging and performance
- Source better raw materials
- Offer more competitive, value-driven options
Together, we can keep the professional sector evolving — without losing what makes it special.
We’re Still Here — Let’s Work Together
We’re not asking salons to spend more — we’re asking for partnership. If you’re under pressure, speak to us. Let us help you:
- Find affordable alternatives within your current range
- Reduce order sizes or bundle intelligently
- Access new products before they hit the market
- Get support and training for your staff
We’re not just a supplier — we are your partner in a very real sense. And if we keep working together, we’ll come out of this stronger, smarter, and better equipped than ever.
Closing Thoughts
This is not the time to drop your standards or let go of what makes your salon professional. Instead, it’s a time to double down on service, quality, and trust.
We are here. We are listening. And we are ready to work with every salon that still believes in doing things right.
Let’s hold the line — together.
– The DeMar Agencies Team