¥10 Quick Cut vs Traditional Barbershops? Young People in Mainland China Queue Up to Support

Originating from a Japanese haircutting model in the 1990s, Quick Cut has gained popularity across Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong in recent years. A survey shows that Quick Cut is rapidly gaining market share, leading to a sharp decline in the number of traditional barber shops. While it used to attract mostly middle-aged people, now younger generations are also joining the queue to support Quick Cut. The latest reports indicate that most clients of these shops seek only affordability and speed. For young people who merely want their hair to be cut neatly, Quick Cut seems to be the perfect choice.

Quick Cut, which originated in Japan in the 1990s and has since spread to cities on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, has seized market share and led to a sharp decline in traditional barber shops. A recent survey indicates that while Quick Cut shops once primarily attracted middle-aged customers, now it attracts even young professionals who no longer mind queuing to visit these establishments. According to a report by the Qi Lu Evening News, in the first quarter of 2026, over 213,000 traditional barber shops nationwide either closed, transferred ownership, or ceased operations. By contrast, Quick Cut shops, which offer service without unnecessary washes, product sales, or card signup, continue to open, with some lining up customers even in first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. This trend has led consumers to reassess their expectations of barber shops, leading to a shift towards cheaper, faster services like Quick Cut, and in some cases, opting to use hair-cutting devices at home.

The success of Quick Cut can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it offers a transparent and straightforward service that appeals to consumers who are tired of the upselling tactics and frequent card signings at traditional barber shops. Some consumers have found that a hairdresser’s title has little to do with their skill level, which can change monthly with a raise, while the actual haircut remains unchanged. Secondly, the affordability and speed of Quick Cut have proven popular among urban young professionals, particularly those who are socially anxious, for whom simplicity and speed are paramount. They see Quick Cut as the ideal solution for obtaining neatly trimmed hair without any additional services. While some people argue that the rise of Quick Cut reflects a decline in consumer standards, the trend also indicates that young people are more aware of their needs and willing to spend on experiences they value, such as a cup of coffee or concert tickets.