Aditya Sharma, CEO of Cut & Style Salon India, on balancing luxury and affordability, franchise growth, and the future of beauty and wellness
Q: Cut&Style has built a strong legacy over the past 25 years. What do you believe has been the key to the brand’s sustained success in the beauty and wellness industry?
Our success is rooted in our unwavering commitment to our customers. We have always prioritised exceptional service, staying ahead of industry trends, investing in skilled professionals, and fostering a customer-centric culture. Our goal has been to create a welcoming and personalised experience for everyone who visits us. This dedication, combined with our ability to innovate and adapt, has enabled us to grow and build a loyal customer base that trusts and values our brand.
Q: What are some of the most significant milestones the company has achieved over the past two and a half decades?
Our journey began in 2000 as a humble barber shop, and today, we are India’s fastest-growing salon chain with over 130 franchise-operated outlets. Expanding our services to include specialised treatments, advanced styling techniques, and premium product lines has been instrumental in our growth.
We have also invested heavily in our team, offering continuous training and development programmes to maintain a culture of excellence. On the operational side, we have integrated modern booking systems, digital marketing strategies, and customer feedback platforms to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience.
Our dedication has been recognised with prestigious awards, including honours from Times, Franchise India, L’Oréal Business, IHA Best Digital Marketing (two consecutive years), the Indian Business Award, ProExpo, and the 24M D2C Award.
Q: Cut & Style prides itself on bridging the gap between luxury and affordability. How has the brand managed to maintain this balance while expanding across India?
Balancing luxury with affordability is central to our philosophy. We achieve this through strategic sourcing, operational efficiency, and a commitment to delivering exceptional value. By optimising processes and leveraging our scale, we provide premium services and products at competitive prices.
However, luxury is not just about cost—it’s about experience. We create a warm, inviting atmosphere where every customer feels valued. Our skilled professionals provide personalised attention, ensuring each visit is indulgent yet accessible.
Q: With 130 salons operating under a franchise model, what measures does Cut&Style take to ensure consistency in quality and service across all locations?
Consistency is the foundation of our brand. We ensure uniformity through a structured approach that includes rigorous training and certification programmes at our dedicated training academy. Standardised operating procedures guide all aspects of salon operations, from service delivery to customer care.
To maintain excellence, we conduct regular audits and quality checks, with our brand auditors ensuring compliance. Ongoing support and open communication with franchise partners foster a collaborative environment. Additionally, we ensure that all locations use the same high-quality products, reinforcing our commitment to excellence.
Q: The company aims to reach 200 stores nationwide by 2025 and expand internationally to Southeast Asia and the UAE. What challenges do you foresee in this expansion, and how do you plan to navigate them?
Expansion comes with challenges, and maintaining quality control is our top priority. To address this, we are strengthening our training and quality assurance programmes.
Adapting to diverse market preferences is also crucial. As we did when expanding from North to South India, we will conduct thorough market research to tailor our approach to each region. Regulatory and logistical complexities will be managed through strategic partnerships with local experts and strong relationships with suppliers and distributors.
Brand awareness in new markets will be driven by targeted marketing and PR campaigns. Additionally, recruiting and training qualified staff is critical, and we will implement comprehensive training programmes while actively seeking local talent.
Q: The beauty industry has changed dramatically over the past two decades. How has Cut&Style adapted to evolving customer preferences, technology, and market trends?
We have always been proactive in adapting to industry changes. Embracing digital technology has been a key part of our strategy, including in-house custom software that gathers customer data to offer tailored services. We also partner with digital platforms for bookings, ensuring seamless customer interactions.
Expanding our service offerings has been another priority. We have introduced advanced skincare, specialised hair treatments, and wellness programmes to align with evolving trends. Recognising the growing demand for personalised solutions, we emphasise consultations and customised services to enhance the customer experience.
Our professionals undergo regular training on new products and techniques, ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry advancements. Additionally, we have integrated technology to better serve our clients online.
Q: What emerging trends in the beauty and wellness industry do you foresee shaping Cut&Style’s services in the coming years?
Several trends will shape our future services. Personalised and tech-driven beauty solutions are gaining traction, and we will continue leveraging technology to offer customised services. With increasing awareness of ingredients, customers are seeking organic and natural formulations. We are committed to refining our offerings with meticulously curated organic products that ensure effectiveness and environmental responsibility.
The men’s grooming sector is also experiencing rapid growth, and we are expanding our services to cater to this rising demand. Additionally, the popularity of non-invasive treatments is increasing, and we will stay ahead of the latest beauty technologies to provide innovative and effective solutions for our clients.
Cut&Style Salon India has come a long way from its modest beginnings, emerging as a leader in the beauty and wellness industry. With a clear vision for the future, a commitment to excellence, and a customer-first approach, the brand is set to redefine beauty standards in India and beyond. As Aditya Sharma aptly puts it, “Luxury is an experience, not a price tag.”
