After a period of uncertainty - battling surging costs, inflation, and lower consumer confidence - the hair and beauty treatment industry in the UK is looking stronger again heading into 2025.
The hair and beauty market continues to thrive and evolve as self-care becomes increasingly important to consumers.
An increase in independent therapists and a growing digital presence is rapidly transforming the industry. The traditional high street salons are having to adapt to keep up with the fast-changing trends.
So here's an overview of the latest hair and beauty industry statistics for the UK, as well as those of the last few years. We’ve focused on salons as well as self-employed hairdressers and beauty therapists.
The UK hair and beauty industry at a glance
- According to the National Hair & Beauty Federation’s (NHBF) most recent report, there were more than 61,000 hair and beauty businesses operating in the UK in 2023.
- The hair and beauty industry is largely represented by small businesses: three-quarters of businesses employ fewer than five people, while 95% employ fewer than ten people.
- 60.5% of people working in the beauty and hairdressing industry are self-employed and 86% of the workforce is female.
- The number of people working in the hair and beauty industry declined by around 7%. The number of people taking up apprenticeships also declined.
- Over 86% of people working in hairdressing, barbering, and beauty are female.
The UK hair and beauty market in 2025
The personal care and beauty industry as a whole grew its contribution to the UK economy by 11% in 2023, and is set to continue on an upwards trajectory.
The hair and beauty treatment market size in the UK is now £5.8 billion. It makes up a considerable chunk of the sector’s overall contribution which is £8.5 billion.
The large majority of hair and beauty businesses turnover less than £100,000.
In the September 2024 industry survey, the NHBF found that 46% of salons and barbers surveyed made a profit. 41% broke even.
Clients certainly don’t seem afraid to spend money. Women who visit salons regularly spend, on average, a staggering £1,000 a month on hair, nails, beauty, and aesthetic treatments.
In the fourth quarter of 2023 alone, consumers spent £2 billion in hairdressers and personal grooming salons.
UK hair and beauty salon statistics
Independent beauticians and hairdressers are on the rise, putting more pressure on the traditional salon industry.
The hair salon industry in particular is struggling and salon numbers on the high street are declining. In 2021, there were 17,505 hairdressers in the UK. Barbers continue to do well though, as the demand for male grooming services grows.
However, the number of new beauty salons and nail salons were still increasing, as of 2023.
The beauty salon industry, although growing, faces a lot challenges with regulatory changes, rising costs, staff shortages, and changes in consumer behaviour. In 2021, there were 10,675 beauty salons in the UK.
The NHBF reported that rises in wage costs were listed as the biggest concern for salons, which is resulting in higher treatment costs for customers.
London, Birmingham, and Glasgow are considered the top beauty spots in the UK, with highest number of hair and beauty salons.
Hair and beauty industry demographics
The British Beauty Council’s 2023 Value of Beauty Report shows that the beauty industry accounts for 1 in 50 jobs in the UK. They also found that growth in the industry was not just city-based. Equal opportunities were found in rural areas, as well as in deprived areas.
Around 224,000 people work in the hair and beauty services industry.
According to data gathered by the Office for National Statistics, there were, in fact, 53,435 beauty and hairdressing businesses operating in the UK in March 2022. The geographical breakdown went like this:
North East – 2,215
North West – 6,400
Yorkshire and the Humber – 4,190
East Midlands – 3,435
West Midlands – 4,485
East – 4,595
London – 9,905
South East – 6,550
South West – 3,615
Wales – 2,335
Scotland – 4,105
Northern Ireland – 1,605.
Hairdresser industry statistics
In 2024, there were around 121,500 hairdressers and barbers working in the UK. The NHBF reported that 60.5% of people working in hairdressing and barbering in 2023 were self-employed.
The average hourly salary for hairdressers in the UK is £13.30 (£25,935 annually), according to talent.com.
The number or hair salons on the high street is declining, with 414 salons closing in the first half of 2023 alone.
Trying to hire new hair stylists is becoming more difficult too. Interest in a career in the hairdressing industry amongst younger generations is dwindling, with only 4,160 people enrolling in an apprenticeship in England in 2023 (down from 13,180 in 2015).
Hair and beauty business insurance
Anyone running their own hair or beauty business needs to think about getting the right insurance protection.
If things go wrong when providing a treatment, a client could make a claim against your business for negligence or bodily injury. That’s when you need treatment and public liability insurance. It pays your legal costs and any compensation due too.
You’re covered whether your work is salon-based or you go out and about visiting clients. Plus, there’s your kit to think about. As well as potential claims from clients who’ve slipped, tripped, or had some other sort of mishap that’s caused them an injury or damage to their property.
There’s more advice and info on our hairdressers’ insurance, beauty therapist insurance, and nail technicians' insurance pages.
All beauty industry statistics quoted are the most up-to-date available at the time of publishing.
Image used under license from Shutterstock.
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