UK Beauty salons - Business Type Overview

UK Beauty Salons are evolving fast in 2026, both in format and in scale.

The industry remains dominated by small, independent salons, yet new hybrid models and specialist studios continue to reshape the market and client expectations (NHBF, 2024; PolicyBee, 2025).

At the same time, data shows that beauty treatment enterprises still contribute significantly to local economies across the country (ONS, 2024; Statista, 2024).

Overview of beauty salons in the UK

UK beauty salons form part of a wider hair and beauty services sector that remains heavily fragmented and local. Most businesses are micro‑enterprises, often run by owner‑operators with only a handful of staff (NHBF, 2024).

Moreover, the sector continues to show resilience, even as costs rise and consumer budgets tighten (PolicyBee, 2025).

The UK hair and beauty treatment market is estimated to be worth several billions of pounds annually, with tens of thousands of registered businesses providing services ranging from basic grooming to advanced aesthetic treatments (PolicyBee, 2025; IBISWorld, 2025).

In addition, the sector supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, many of them held by women and self‑employed practitioners (British Beauty Council, 2023).

Main beauty salon types in 2026

From above of crop faceless stylish female buyer in mini skirt and boots putting red paper bag on ground while standing on street after shopping

In 2026, UK clients can choose from a wide range of beauty salon types.

Each format serves distinct needs and price points, and each faces different opportunities and pressures.

The main categories below are descriptive rather than legal definitions, because businesses often blend several models at once.

1. High street beauty salons

Traditional high street beauty salons remain a core part of the UK market. They usually offer a mix of facials, waxing, brows, nails and massage in busy town and city locations (NHBF, 2024).

Additionally, many combine express treatments with longer appointments to maximise chair time and appeal to different budgets.

These salons typically rely on repeat local customers and walk‑ins. Therefore, location, visibility, online reviews and Google Maps optimisation matter just as much as treatment quality (Mintel, 2025).

However, high street rents and operating costs create strong pressure on margins, especially in the most competitive urban areas (IBISWorld, 2025).

2. Nail bars and specialist nail salons

Nail salons and nail bars have been among the fastest‑growing beauty business types in recent years. Several reports highlight net increases in nail salon units, even when other categories contract (Local Data Company, 2023; Professional Beauty, 2024).

Consequently, nails now account for a visible share of the overall salon landscape on UK high streets.

These businesses often focus on speed, high turnover and trend‑driven designs, such as nail art and seasonal looks. In addition, the model suits small units in shopping centres, transport hubs or secondary locations, so entry barriers can be lower than for large full‑service salons (MK College, 2024).

Still, they face challenges around staffing, pricing and adherence to safe working practices and ventilation standards.

3. Skin clinics and aesthetics salons

Alongside traditional beauty salons, clinical‑style skin and aesthetics venues are more prominent in 2026.

These spaces focus on treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and injectables, often delivered by medically trained staff or advanced therapists (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology, 2023).

Furthermore, regulation and insurance requirements are generally tighter than for basic treatments.

Client demand for results‑driven, anti‑ageing and corrective treatments continues to rise. Therefore, aesthetics clinics increasingly position themselves between medical settings and classic beauty salons, offering detailed consultations and treatment plans (Mintel, 2024).

However, they must manage complex compliance issues, including advertising standards, product safety and professional qualifications.

4. Hair and beauty combination salons

Many UK businesses still combine hairdressing with beauty rooms under one roof. These hybrid salons offer cut, colour and styling alongside nails, facials, waxing or massage, which supports cross‑selling and convenience for clients (NHBF, 2024).

In many smaller towns, one combined salon may serve as the main local hub for both hair and beauty.

However, data shows that some hair‑led businesses have struggled more than nail or pure beauty salons, with net declines in hair salon units reported in recent years (Local Data Company, 2023).

As a result, some owners now reconfigure space to introduce additional beauty chairs, treatment rooms or rentable cabins to diversify income streams.

5. Home‑based and mobile beauty salons

Home‑based and mobile therapists form a significant part of the UK beauty services ecosystem. Many practitioners operate as sole traders, offering treatments from home studios or travelling to clients’ homes and workplaces (PolicyBee, 2025).

Moreover, this model often allows flexible hours and lower fixed overheads than high street premises.

At the same time, professional bodies stress the importance of appropriate insurance, hygiene, patch testing and record‑keeping, regardless of location (NHBF, 2024).

Because home‑based salons frequently rely on word‑of‑mouth and social media marketing, reputation management and clear online communication become vital.

6. Destination, spa and hotel salons

Another important segment includes destination spas, hotel spas and resort‑based salons. These venues provide more immersive experiences, combining pools, saunas, relaxation areas and multi‑hour rituals with beauty and body treatments (Global Wellness Institute, 2023).

Additionally, some partner with global skincare brands to offer branded experiences and retail.

While this segment is smaller by outlet count, it contributes disproportionately to higher‑value wellness tourism and special‑occasion spending (VisitBritain, 2024).

However, these businesses are sensitive to changes in travel patterns, tourism demand and energy costs, given their reliance on large wet facilities.

Sleek laptop showcasing data analytics and graphs on the screen in a bright room.

Key statistics for UK beauty salons in 2026

Because official data lags slightly behind the calendar, most reliable statistics for 2026 still come from late 2024 and 2025 sources. Nevertheless, they give a meaningful picture of the market and its likely trajectory.

Number of businesses and structure

Industry reports indicate that there are tens of thousands of hairdressing and beauty treatment enterprises across the UK, with steady growth over the past five years (IBISWorld, 2025).

According to survey data cited by insurers and trade bodies, there were more than sixty thousand hair and beauty businesses operating in 2023, including salons and barbers (NHBF, 2024; PolicyBee, 2025).

Most of these businesses are very small. A large majority employ fewer than ten people, and many employ fewer than five, underscoring the sector’s reliance on micro‑enterprises and self‑employment (PolicyBee, 2025).

Furthermore, the British Beauty Council notes that beauty services account for a notable share of total UK employment, with around one in fifty jobs linked to the wider beauty ecosystem (British Beauty Council, 2023).

Turnover and performance

Revenue data for “hairdressing and other beauty treatment” enterprises shows a wide spread of turnover bands. Only a small number of VAT‑registered businesses exceed several million pounds in annual turnover, while the majority operate at much lower revenue levels (Statista, 2024; ONS, 2024).

Thus, the typical UK beauty salon remains a modest local business rather than a large chain.

Recent surveys suggest that just under half of salons and barbers reported a profit in late 2023, with a significant share breaking even and some operating at a loss (NHBF, 2024).

Rising energy costs, wage pressures, product prices and business rates all weigh on profitability (PolicyBee, 2025).

Nevertheless, consumer spending on hair and personal grooming services remains robust, which indicates resilient demand despite economic headwinds.

Openings, closures and growth

Retail location analysis for 2023 shows a complex picture. Overall closures across retail and leisure categories increased compared with the previous year, but some beauty segments still managed net growth (Local Data Company, 2023).

Nail salons and beauty salons were among the fastest‑growing categories by net unit change, while hair salons experienced net declines.

This pattern reflects shifts in consumer behaviour. Clients increasingly seek specialised nail, brow and aesthetics services, while hairdressing faces competition from at‑home hair colouring and longer intervals between salon visits (Mintel, 2025).

Consequently, independent beauticians and nail technicians put additional pressure on traditional full‑service salons, even as the overall services market grows (PolicyBee, 2025).

A collection of skincare products on a countertop in a contemporary beauty salon setting.

Client trends and expectations in 2026

Understanding client behaviour helps explain why different beauty salon types perform differently. Research indicates that trust, personalised advice and in‑person consultations remain highly valued in the UK (Mintel, 2025).

In addition, digital tools such as online booking, reviews and social media content now strongly influence where clients choose to spend.

Trust in independent salons

Consumer research shows that many UK clients trust independent treatment venues more than large chains. A majority report preferring in‑person consultations, despite the availability of automated recommendation tools and online diagnostics (Mintel, 2025).

Therefore, independent beauty salons can leverage personal relationships and consultation skills as competitive strengths.

However, that trust must be supported by clear communication on hygiene, qualifications, pricing and aftercare. Professional associations regularly emphasise the need for transparent client records, patch testing and consent processes, particularly for advanced treatments (BABETC, 2023; British Beauty Council, 2023).

Demand for special & results‑driven Beauty Salon services

Clients increasingly look for targeted solutions, whether for acne, pigmentation, ageing, or nail health. Consequently, specialist skin clinics, brow and lash bars, nail art studios and laser clinics gain visibility within the overall salon mix (Mintel, 2024).

Many clients now view the salon as part of a broader self‑care and wellness routine, not a rare treat.

At the same time, expectations around results are rising. Clients compare before‑and‑after photos, clinical claims and ingredient lists online, then arrive primed with questions. Therefore, therapists and salon owners need up‑to‑date technical knowledge and the ability to explain treatment plans in accessible language.

Strategic implications for different salon types

The diversity of beauty salon types in the UK creates both opportunities and challenges. Each model must adapt its strategy, pricing and marketing to match how consumers behave in 2026.

Independent high street salons

Independent high street beauty salons benefit from strong local relationships but face intense competition and cost pressures. To remain competitive, many now:

Focus on signature treatments that differentiate them from discount competitors.
Introduce membership schemes or treatment plans to smooth income and encourage repeat visits.
Optimise their online presence, including Google Business profiles, local SEO and social proof.

Because so many businesses operate at modest turnover levels, small improvements in average bill value, rebooking rates and retail attachment can significantly affect viability (PolicyBee, 2025; IBISWorld, 2025).

Specialist studios and clinics

Specialist nail, brow, lash and skin salons can command higher prices per treatment by offering advanced expertise. However, they also typically require more investment in training, equipment and compliance (BABETC, 2023).

To succeed, these businesses must:

Maintain clear treatment protocols and safety standards.
Communicate professional qualifications and affiliations visibly.
Pair clinical rigour with a welcoming, relaxing environment.

Market research suggests that clients are willing to travel further and pay more for perceived specialists, especially for higher‑risk or results‑driven services (Mintel, 2024).

Home‑based and mobile operators

Home‑based and mobile salons benefit from flexibility and lower fixed costs. Nevertheless, they must overcome potential client concerns about safety and professionalism.

Clear branding, online booking tools, insurance coverage and adherence to industry codes of conduct can help bridge this gap (PolicyBee, 2025; NHBF, 2024).

Because these operators often serve specific neighbourhoods or niche demands, they can tailor offerings more precisely.

For example, evening home visits for busy professionals or accessible services for clients with limited mobility.

Reference list (Harvard style)

BABETC (2023) Standards for advanced beauty, aesthetics and wellbeing. London: British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology.

British Beauty Council (2023) The value of beauty report. London: British Beauty Council.

IBISWorld (2025) Hairdressing and beauty treatment in the United Kingdom: industry report. London: IBISWorld.

Local Data Company (2023) Retail and leisure trends analysis: UK 2023. London: Local Data Company.

Mintel (2024) Aesthetic treatments and advanced beauty – UK. London: Mintel Group Ltd.

Mintel (2025) Salon services and consumer attitudes – UK. London: Mintel Group Ltd.

NHBF (2024) State of the UK hair and beauty industry 2024. London: National Hair & Beauty Federation.

ONS (2024) UK business activity, size and location: 2024. Newport: Office for National Statistics.

PolicyBee (2025) UK hair and beauty industry statistics 2025. Available at: https://www.policybee.co.uk/blog/uk-hair-and-beauty-industry-statistics (Accessed: 11 January 2026).policybee

Statista (2024) Number of enterprises for hairdressing and other beauty treatments in the United Kingdom in 2024, by turnover size band. Available at: https://www.statista.com/statistics/467845/uk-enterprises-of-beauty-treatment-facilities-by-turnover/ (Accessed: 11 January 2026).statista

UK Beauty salons – Business Type Overview

Overview of beauty salons in the UK