As 2026 approaches, salon and barbershop owners are focusing on evolving business models rather than relying on past successes. Benjamin Shipman of The Hair Movement, having achieved seven years of consistent growth culminating in exceptional 2025 results, now prioritises scalability, leadership shifts, and maintaining high standards. He notes clients are increasingly informed and values-driven, demanding continuous refinement from businesses. Shipman anticipates the co-worker model, offering autonomy with structure, becoming more mainstream as professionals seek independence without isolation. This points to a future where businesses are more human-centric and flexible.
Billy Ryan of Tribe Salons observes that the current climate has separated businesses with substance from those relying on mere visibility. He predicts 2026 will reward salons focused on fundamentals like trust, clear progression, and calm environments. Ryan highlights an widening gap between well-run establishments and others, with clients becoming more selective amid rising costs. Salons built solely on personality may struggle, while those prioritising structure and team development are better positioned for longevity. The key advice is to focus on controllable elements and make decisions that align with clear business objectives.
Sean Hanna, a salon entrepreneur and consultant, believes tough trading conditions will drive owners to become more business-focused. He stresses the importance of auditing costs, team motivation, client experience, and marketing for 2026. Hanna advocates for proactive strategy meetings to identify small, cumulative improvements across these areas, warning that repeating 2025's methods may yield similar or worse results.
Harry Andreou of Studio U, Winchester, anticipates his recently opened studio thriving by offering stylists flexibility and autonomy. He sees the industry shifting towards self-employment and rental models where stylists control their careers. Andreou's advice for 2026 is to remain open to new ideas and working methods, emphasising that evolution, not adherence to familiar but potentially limiting systems, will drive success and better work-life balance.
