Beauty Industry
The wider beauty industry shapes what reaches your salon — through acquisitions, funding, brand strategy and the rise and fall of the businesses behind the products you use. This hub tracks the deals, market shifts and corporate moves across UK and global beauty, translated into what they mean for independent salons and suppliers. We cut through the press releases to the implications for prices, availability and trends. If you want the business context behind the beauty headlines, start here.
92 articles
Charlotte Tilbury CBE for Beauty Industry Impact
Charlotte Tilbury receives a CBE in the King's Birthday Honours 2026 for her significant contributions to the UK beauty industry.
Henkel invests €45m in warehouse amid regulatory and retail shifts
Henkel invests €45m in a new Düsseldorf warehouse as the beauty industry navigates increased regulatory checks and evolving retail strategies.
Modern 80s Hair: TONI&GUY Director's Volume Tips
TONI&GUY's Cos Sakkas details modern 80s hair trends for summer 2026, focusing on volume and healthy texture.
ODDITY Tech's Q1 Revenue Drops 26% Amid Ad Partner Issues
ODDITY Tech's Q1 2026 revenue fell 26% due to advertising partner disruptions increasing customer acquisition costs.
Curl Cult Offers Stylists and Clients Equity in Brand
Curl Cult is offering stylists and clients the chance to own equity in the brand, with investments starting at $100.
Celebrities Drive Beauty Brands Beyond Endorsements
Celebrities are increasingly becoming founders, investors, and strategic partners, driving beauty brands beyond traditional endorsements and into global expansion.
Hair and Beauty Industry Rallies for Charity Tennis Day
Hair and beauty professionals raised £500 at a charity tennis tournament for industry members facing hardship.
Beauty Sector Sees Retail, Investment, Supply Chain Merging
Beauty sector businesses are merging retail expansion, investment, and supply chain changes to grow internationally.
40-Year Salon Veteran Shares Blueprint for Business Success
Marlene Lamont, with over 40 years in hairdressing, shares key business principles focusing on team investment, ongoing education, and client care.
Handle-Free Dryer Aims to Combat Stylist Wrist Strain
GA.MA Professional's new handle-free iQsfera hair dryer aims to reduce stylist wrist strain, according to celebrity stylist Martino Cartier.
Beauty Investment Selects Innovation and Scalability Over Broad Reach
Beauty sector investment is increasingly favouring brands with clear differentiation and scalable growth, with venture funding and IPOs focusing on innovation.
Cosmetics Giants End Merger Talks; AI, IPOs and Packaging Innovation Dominate
Estée Lauder and Puig halt merger talks as Nykaa reports record profits, Oura files for IPO, and packaging innovation takes centre stage.
Salon Inclusivity: 10 Ways to Welcome Deaf Clients
London stylist Jo Haywood offers 10 practical tips for UK salons to better serve the country's 18 million Deaf adults, enhancing accessibility and client experience.
Hari's Salon Marks 50 Years with Era-Inspired Client Events
London salon group HARI’s celebrates 50 years in business with a year of client events and special offers.
Salon Owners on Social Media: Essential Tool or Time Drain?
Three UK salon owners discuss social media's impact, highlighting its power for marketing and client connection, but also its demanding nature.
LVMH Sells Marc Jacobs; Beauty Sector Sees M&A Activity
LVMH is selling Marc Jacobs to WHP Global amid a week of significant mergers, acquisitions, and portfolio shifts in the beauty sector.
Charlotte Paints Hair: Bold Design Challenges Salon Norms
Charlotte Paints Hair in Solihull showcases a bold, feminine design, challenging clinical salon norms and prioritising client experience.
Douglas Q2 Sales Climb 1.1% Amid Omnichannel Push
Douglas Group's Q2 sales rose 1.1% to €949.7 million, driven by e-commerce and loyalty programs, as investments shift to digital.
Dementia Care: Salons Must Adapt as UK Cases Near 1.4 Million
With UK dementia cases projected to hit 1.4 million by 2050, salons must adopt new communication and care strategies.
Chanel Tops Brand Finance List Amid Industry Slowdown
Chanel leads Brand Finance's Cosmetics 50 2026 ranking amid a sector slowdown, with Hugel and APR reporting record earnings.
Major Brands Report Q1 Growth Amid Geopolitical and Economic Pressures
Major cosmetics groups saw Q1 growth despite geopolitical pressures, with AI and M&A driving innovation and expansion.
Estée Lauder Invests in Clinical Skincare Brand 111SKIN
Estée Lauder Companies has taken a minority stake in luxury clinical skincare brand 111SKIN, founded by Dr. Yannis Alexandrides.
Margate Salon Reimagines Coastal Charm with Loft Aesthetic
Marcella Hair in Margate blends New York loft style with coastal charm, featuring a balcony with sea views and a social bar.
L'Oréal Q1 Sales Hit €12.15 Billion, Outpacing Market
L'Oréal's first-quarter sales reached €12.15 billion, a 3.6% reported increase and 7.6% like-for-like growth, outperforming the global beauty market.
Beauty Supply Chain Faces Cost Hikes and Innovation Push
Beauty supply chains are transforming, with rising costs, regulatory pressures, and a strong push for innovation in sustainability and wellness.
Beauty Sector Sees Merger Activity Amid Health & Tech Shifts
Unilever acquires Grüns supplement brand, Nykaa eyes 82°E stake, and K-beauty exports reach record highs in Q1. Regulatory actions also continue.
Stacey Ciceron: Specializing in Natural Texture Developed Her Business
Stacey Ciceron found success by specialising in natural hair texture, transforming clients' perception of beauty and expanding her business reach.
Give Me Cosmetics Administration Highlights Private Credit Strain
Give Me Cosmetics' administration reveals strain in private credit markets, with Beechbrook Capital writing down a £6.5 million investment.
Beauty M&A Surge: Consolidation and Innovation Drive Deals
Beauty M&A activity is accelerating, with consolidation, alliances, and portfolio expansion signalling renewed confidence and strategic shifts.
L'Oréal's Salon Emotion E-Learning Tackles Client Experience Gap
L'Oréal's new Salon Emotion E-Learning targets the 27% gap between clients expecting happiness from hair services and those enjoying their salon visits.
KilgourMD Secures Series A Funding for Scalp Health Innovation
KilgourMD secured Series A funding led by Prelude Growth Partners to advance scalp health and hair regrowth innovations.
Henkel Buys Olaplex for $1.4 Billion
Henkel agreed to acquire prestige hair care brand Olaplex for US$1.4 billion in a cash transaction, expanding its professional hair care portfolio.
Investment and AI Drive Beauty Sector Shifts in March 2026
March 2026 highlighted beauty sector shifts with SEMCAP's investment strategy launch and AI-driven retail expansion by Sephora.
SEMCAP Targets $6.8 Trillion Market with New Beauty & Wellness Fund
SEMCAP launches a new Beauty & Wellness investment platform, targeting the $6.8 trillion global market with industry veteran Vasiliki Petrou at the helm.
£900m Youth Plan Could Boost Salon Staffing
A £900 million government plan aims to boost youth employment and apprenticeships, with potential benefits for UK hair and beauty businesses.
Salon Services brings practical training to Sally Beauty stores
Salon Services and Sally Beauty are introducing in-store training sessions across 10 UK locations, focusing on practical skills and product knowledge for hairdressers.
Phenix Salon Suites Marks 5 Years with Community Event
Phenix Salon Suites celebrated five years in the UK with its first community event, Phenix Live, held in Manchester.
Beauty Sector Faces Growing Legal and Regulatory Hurdles
Beauty businesses face escalating legal challenges from trademark disputes to product liability, making legal strategy a core business concern.
Beauty Industry Legal Battles Rise: IP, Liability Concerns Grow
Beauty businesses face rising legal disputes over IP, counterfeit goods, product liability, and tariffs, demanding greater strategic attention.
Beauty Sector Sees $120m Funding, Brand Acquisitions & Legal Battles
Yatsen raised US$120 million, while Henkel acquired Not Your Mother's and Estée Lauder filed a lawsuit over name usage. Retail expansion and sustainability efforts also marked the week.
Beauty Bay Sold After Financial Difficulties
Online beauty retailer Beauty Bay has been acquired by French firm AA Investments Group through a pre-pack administration deal, following financial pressures.
Authentic Beauty Concept & Anna Cofone: LFW AW26 Hair Trends
Authentic Beauty Concept and Anna Cofone presented fluid power and glass-like precision hair at London Fashion Week AW26.
Beauty Suppliers Juggle Innovation with Financial Realities
Beauty suppliers are balancing innovation with financial pressures, seen in consolidation, R&D investment, and adapting to regulatory demands.
Cosmetics Industry Consolidation and Green Tech Drive Acquisitions
Major beauty brands pursue acquisitions and sustainability innovations amidst leadership changes and mixed financial results.
Bath & Body Works Q4 Sales Beat Forecasts Amid Brand Overhaul
Bath & Body Works reports Q4 net sales of US$2.7 billion, exceeding guidance despite a 2% year-on-year decline, as it pursues a brand transformation strategy.
Funeral Parlour Reimagined as Shropshire Beauty Haven
A former funeral directors in Shropshire has been transformed into NT Beauty Salon, focusing on client relaxation and personalised service.
London's First Textured Hair Co-Working Salon Opens
Tressly Studios, London's first co-working salon for Afro, curly, and coily hair, opens in Lewisham on 7 March.
Beauty Bay seeks administration amid cost pressures
UK online retailer Beauty Bay has filed to appoint administrators, seeking protection while exploring sale or investment options.
AW26 Hair Trends: Narrative and Contrast Dominate LFW
AW26 hair at LFW embraced narrative, contrasting raw textures with ultra-polished styles, reflecting travel, control, and rebellion.
Cosmetics Sector Sees Major Deals and Legal Hurdles
eBay to acquire Depop for $1.2bn as Natura sells Avon Russia, while legal scrutiny intensifies across the beauty sector.
Soft Skills Crucial for Salon Success: 85% of Job Performance
An estimated 85% of job success in the beauty industry relies on soft skills, emphasizing client connection and communication over technical ability.
Matrix Partners with KATSEYE for Inclusive Haircare Push
Matrix names girl group KATSEYE as Global Brand Ambassadors on 19th Feb 2026 to promote inclusive, professional haircare for all hair types.
Beauty Giants Report Mixed 2025 Results Amid Restructuring
Major beauty firms report mixed 2025 results, with L’Oréal and Unilever showing growth, while Shiseido faces losses amid sector-wide restructuring and regulatory scrutiny.
Warpaint London buys Barry M out of administration for £1.4m
Warpaint London acquired Barry M out of administration for £1.4 million, gaining the brand's IP, stock, and order book.
Superdrug plans 30 new stores and 60 refits for 2026
Superdrug will open 30 new UK stores in 2026, alongside refurbishing 60 existing locations, creating an estimated 600 jobs.
KH Hair Pledges £10k For Cancer Research UK In 2026
KH Hair commits to raising a minimum of £10,000 for Cancer Research UK during 2026 through various team fundraising activities.
Sparxell secures £4m for plant-based colour tech
Sparxell secures $5m in pre-Series A funding to scale its plant-based colour technology, aiming to replace synthetic colourants with a greener alternative.
Estée Lauder fined $750,000 in Canada for PFAS cosmetics violation
Estée Lauder fined US$750,000 in Canada for failing to report PFAS in eyeliner, prompting regulatory scrutiny.
Barry M Seeks Buyer Amidst Administration Filing
British cosmetics brand Barry M has filed for administration, urgently seeking a buyer after four decades of family ownership.
Wella Company Eyes US Stock Market Float by KKR
KKR is preparing Wella Company, owner of OPI and Wella Professionals, for a US IPO, with investment banks advising on a valuation potentially exceeding $4.3 billion.
PBA Expands Government Affairs Team for Industry Advocacy
The Professional Beauty Association has restructured its Government Affairs team with key appointments to enhance industry advocacy and support multi-state licensure initiatives.
Phia Secures $35M Series A for AI Shopping Agent Platform
AI shopping startup Phia raised US$35 million in Series A funding, reaching a US$185 million valuation to scale its intelligent shopping agent platform.
Amazon Considers US$50 Billion Investment in AI Firm OpenAI
Amazon is reportedly in discussions for a US$50 billion investment in AI developer OpenAI, underscoring the rapid global competition in artificial intelligence.
Beauty Sector Consolidation: Brands Streamline Operations in 2026
Beauty and personal care brands are consolidating operations in 2026, prioritising profitability and market focus over expansion.
Beauty Sector Faces Consolidation, Sustainability Push
Dove's refillable antiperspirant launch and AS Watson's plastic reduction target highlight sustainability efforts amid sector consolidation and evolving retail strategies.
Beauty Bay Explores Sale Amid Retailer Pressures
Beauty Bay hires advisers to explore a potential sale or new investment as it faces retail sector pressures.
Malin + Goetz UK Stores Shut as Brand Enters Administration
Malin + Goetz shutters UK stores and enters administration, pausing online sales as it shifts focus to e-commerce and wholesale.
Beauty Brands Face Shifting Sands: Investment, Acquisitions, and Closures
Beauty industry consolidation and brand shifts are evident with acquisitions, closures, and major investments in technology and retail expansion.
Blue Tit London Opens 18th Salon in Copenhagen
Blue Tit London has opened its 18th salon in Copenhagen, marking its first international location.
Studex Marks 50 Years Supplying UK Piercing Sector
Piercing supplier Studex celebrates 50 years in business in 2026, having supplied systems and jewellery across the UK.
Blackstone Invests $100 Million in Marketing Tech Firm Applecart
Blackstone leads a $100 million investment round in marketing tech firm Applecart, valuing the company at $700 million.
Henkel Eyes Olaplex Acquisition Amidst Industry Consolidation
German firm Henkel is reportedly exploring an acquisition of the prominent hair care brand Olaplex, according to industry sources.
Rihanna's Curly Hair Routine: What Brands Need to Know
Rihanna details her curly hair routine, ingredient preferences, and desired product packaging improvements for brands.
Beauty Sector Sees Blurring Lines Between Health, Tech, and Retail
Beauty sector reports show a convergence of health, technology, and retail influencing corporate strategy and consumer engagement.
Self Assessment Tax Deadline Looms for UK Self-Employed
UK self-employed individuals face a 31 January 2026 deadline for 2024-2025 Self Assessment tax returns.
Claire's, TOFS Administration Threatens 2,500 Jobs
Claire's and The Original Factory Shop are reportedly close to entering administration, putting around 2,500 UK jobs at risk.
Beauty Funding Shifts: Scale and Resilience Over Growth in 2025
In 2025, beauty industry funding shifted from indiscriminate growth to balance-sheet strength, portfolio focus, and long-term value.
Beauty Brands Prioritise Global Expansion in 2025
In 2025, beauty brands increasingly prioritized global expansion, targeting new regions, consumers, and retail formats as mature markets showed uneven growth.
Kiku Salon Builds Destination Status in Scottish Highlands
KIKU Salon is building its reputation for thoughtful hairdressing in the Scottish Highlands with a focus on diverse expertise and planned growth.
Salon Owners: Align Marketing Tools With Business Goals
UK salon owners must align digital marketing tools with specific business goals to drive growth and client acquisition effectively.
2025: Beauty Sector Jobs Cut As Firms Prioritise Future Talent
2025 saw major beauty and retail firms restructure, cutting jobs due to market uncertainty, yet some invested selectively in future-focused talent.
Valerie Health Secures $30M Series A for AI Doctor Front Offices
Valerie Health secured $30 million Series A funding to scale AI front offices for independent physician practices.
Hair Pros Set 2026 Goals: Mentorship and Kit Investment
Hair industry professionals are setting New Year's resolutions focused on mentorship, skill diversification, and kit investment for 2026.
Long Ponytail Braid Leads Festive Hair Trends for 2025
The long, low ponytail braid is highlighted as a key festive hair trend for 2025, offering versatility and understated glamour for party season styles.
EU Parcel Levy Threatens Small Salon Imports
The EU's new €3 levy on parcels under €150 will impact UK salons importing supplies from the continent.
Crimped Hair Returns for 2024 Party Season
Crimped hair, big blowdries, and sleek styles are predicted to dominate festive hair trends, according to Rush.
Gerrard International Buys Jessica Cosmetics Nail Brand
Gerrard International acquires Jessica Cosmetics, the UK distribution partner for the US nailcare brand, marking a significant consolidation in the professional beauty sector.
Stylist Kitbag Essentials: What Top Professionals Carry
Top UK hairdressers share their essential kitbag items, from everyday tools to sentimental keepsakes and emergency fixes.
Innerskin Raises €12.8M for European Aesthetics Expansion
Innerskin has secured €12.8 million to expand its European network of medical aesthetics and skin-health centres.
L'Oréal Ups Galderma Share to 20% for Aesthetics Growth
L'Oréal has increased its stake in Galderma Group AG to 20%, signalling a deeper investment in the medical aesthetics sector.
Yuv Smart Hair Colour Secures £9m Series A Funding
Beauty tech firm Yuv raised US$12 million (£9 million) in a Series A funding round led by Nineyards Equity.
Ulta's Growth Signals Optimism for UK Beauty Sector
Ulta Beauty's strong financial results and upgraded outlook suggest a healthy beauty market, offering valuable insights for UK salon and beauty business owners on consumer resilience and strategic growth.