When it comes to getting a great haircut, more and more men are turning to Ulta Beauty. Best known as a mega retailer of cosmetics and skincare, Ulta has been expanding its salon services in recent years. With over 1,200 locations across the U.S., there‘s probably an Ulta near you offering a full range of hair services for men, women, and kids.
But for guys who are used to going to a traditional barbershop, the idea of getting a cut at Ulta might seem foreign or even intimidating. What‘s it really like to get a men‘s haircut at Ulta? Will you get good results? How much does it cost? As a consumer expert and self-proclaimed picky shopper, I dug into the details and visited my local Ulta salon to get the full scoop.
The Growth of the Men‘s Grooming Market
First, some context on the booming men‘s grooming industry. According to a report by Allied Market Research, the global men‘s grooming market was valued at $60.9 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $81.2 billion by 2027. That‘s a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% from 2021 to 2027!
Clearly more men are investing in high-quality products and services to look and feel their best. A survey by market research firm Mintel found that 80% of men believe their appearance is important and 58% are interested in trying new grooming services. Salons and retailers are taking notice, expanding their offerings to cater to this growing male clientele.
Overview of Haircut Services at Ulta Beauty
Ulta Beauty is a prime example of a retailer riding the men‘s grooming wave. The company now operates full-service hair salons in most of its store locations, with a menu that includes haircuts and styling for men and women, as well as color, treatments, and facial waxing.
For men‘s haircuts specifically, Ulta offers several options:
| Service | Description | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Clipper Cut | Basic short haircut using clippers for an even length all over | $25-35 |
| Classic Haircut | Cut, trim, and shaping using shears | $35-50 |
| Signature Haircut | Haircut plus a customized deep conditioning treatment | $45-60 |
| Bang or Neck Trim | Trimming just bangs or neckline (no shampoo/styling) | $12-15 |
All of Ulta‘s full haircut services (except bang/neck trims) also include a relaxing shampoo, conditioning treatment, soothing scalp massage, and of course, the cut itself. You‘ll receive a blow dry and style to finish the look.
The Ulta Men‘s Haircut Experience
To truly assess the Ulta men‘s haircut experience, I booked an appointment for a Signature Haircut at my local Ulta salon. From the second I walked in, it was clear this was a step up from your typical strip mall haircuttery.
The salon area was clean, modern, and well-appointed, with a soothing ambiance. According to Diane Randall, Ulta‘s Chief Salon Officer, the company aims to create a "multi-sensorial experience, from the music to the visuals to the smells to the touch" in its salons.
My stylist, Erica, greeted me warmly and led me to her chair for a consultation. All of Ulta‘s 6,500+ stylists complete extensive training through the Ulta Beauty Pro Team, including education specifically on men‘s cutting and styling techniques. "Our stylist education covers everything from the latest trends in men‘s haircuts to how to work with different hair types and textures," says Randall.
Erica asked detailed questions about my hair routine and the look I wanted to achieve. As she shampooed and conditioned my hair, she explained the benefits of the products she was using from Redken Brews, Ulta‘s salon haircare line made for men.
During the haircut itself, I was impressed by Erica‘s skill and attention to detail. She took her time to carefully execute the cut, regularly checking in to make sure I was happy with the progress. Using a blend of clipper and scissor-over-comb techniques, she tapered the sides and back while leaving some length on top for a modern, textured look.
After a thorough rinse and invigorating mint-menthol conditioning treatment, Erica finished the service with a blow dry and style using Redken Brews molding paste. The result? One of the best haircuts I‘ve ever had. My hair had a natural, effortless look but felt healthier and more manageable.
What Other Guys Are Saying
Of course, one great experience doesn‘t necessarily mean Ulta is hitting home runs with every men‘s haircut. So I checked online reviews and ratings to get a broader perspective.
On Influenster, Ulta‘s hair salons have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars across over 5,900 reviews. Diving into the men‘s haircut reviews specifically, I found a lot of satisfied customers:
"I‘ve been going to Ulta for my haircuts for over a year now and I‘m always impressed. My stylist takes the time to listen to what I want and makes helpful suggestions. Plus you can‘t beat the scalp massage!" – Mark L.
"I was nervous to try Ulta for my haircut because I normally go to a barber. But I‘m so glad I did! The whole experience felt really high-end and my stylist absolutely nailed the cut. I‘ll be back!" – Theo W.
Across major review platforms like Yelp, Google, and Facebook, Ulta salons also rate very highly, with an average of 4.6 stars. While no salon can satisfy every single client, it‘s clear that Ulta is consistently delivering great results and service for men‘s haircuts.
How Ulta Stacks Up to Other Salon Chains
So how does Ulta compare to other major salon chains when it comes to men‘s haircuts? I looked at average prices and customer ratings to see where Ulta fits into the landscape.
| Salon Chain | Avg. Men‘s Haircut Price | Avg. Customer Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Ulta Beauty | $35-50 | 4.6 stars |
| Great Clips | $15-25 | 3.7 stars |
| Supercuts | $20-30 | 3.5 stars |
| Sport Clips | $25-35 | 4.1 stars |
As you can see, Ulta‘s prices are on the higher end compared to budget chains like Great Clips and Supercuts. However, Ulta also earns significantly higher customer ratings on average, indicating the quality of service is generally better.
Sport Clips, a salon chain that caters specifically to men, is perhaps Ulta‘s closest competitor. While Sport Clips‘ prices are slightly lower, Ulta still edges them out in terms of average customer rating.
The Psychology of Men Visiting Salons
So why are more men choosing to visit salons like Ulta over a traditional barbershop? I spoke with grooming industry expert Elena Arboleda to get her take.
"For a lot of men, going to a unisex salon feels like less of a chore and more of an indulgence. It‘s a chance to treat themselves and practice some self-care," Arboleda explains. "Salons like Ulta offer an elevated experience with more pampering elements like scalp massages and conditioning treatments."
Arboleda also points to the broader trend of men embracing skincare, hair care, and wellness. "Guys are realizing that investing in their appearance and taking pride in their grooming isn‘t ‘unmanly‘, it‘s a form of self-respect. Visiting a salon like Ulta is a natural extension of that."
The Bottom Line
After thoroughly investigating Ulta‘s men‘s haircut offerings and experiencing the service for myself, I can confidently recommend Ulta as a great option for guys seeking a high-quality cut in a refined environment. While you‘ll pay a bit of a premium compared to budget salons, the difference in skill, service, and overall experience is noticeable.
A few tips to make the most of your Ulta haircut:
- Book with a senior or elite designer for the most expertise
- Come to your appointment with an idea of what you want, but be open to your stylist‘s suggestions
- Take advantage of add-on treatments like conditioning or scalp therapy
- Ask your stylist for product recommendations and styling tips to maintain your look at home
While the traditional barbershop isn‘t going away anytime soon, salons like Ulta are offering men a fresh take on grooming with more upscale service and pampering. With Ulta‘s continued focus on delivering great men‘s haircuts, it‘s well-positioned to ride the wave of the booming male grooming market.
