Salon Business
Running a salon is a business first and a craft second, and the margins are tight. This hub focuses on the decisions that keep UK salons profitable and growing — scaling, franchising, retention, productivity and the numbers behind them. We share real owner experiences, case studies and expert thinking on everything from restructuring to surviving the first 18 months. If you want fewer trends and more practical guidance on actually running a beauty business in Britain, this is the place to start.
95 articles
Salon Design: Wellbeing for Staff and Clients
Salon owners are prioritising staff and client wellbeing through thoughtful interior design, from open-plan layouts to private pods and functional break rooms.
Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck Takes Majority Control of TONI&GUY
Sacha Mascolo-Tarbuck assumes majority ownership of TONI&GUY Global Group and full control of LABEL.M, unifying leadership.
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.
Expert Marketing Insights for Salons from HJ's Business Boardroom
HJ's Business Boardroom on June 3rd, 2026, revealed marketing as a profit driver, emphasising client experience and storytelling over discounts.
Garage Hair Studio Owner Marks 40 Years in Industry
Janine Wood celebrates 40 years in hairdressing, proving that experience and consistency build lasting salon businesses through recessions and pandemics.
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.
Salon Software in 2026: Essential Features for Business Growth
Essential software features for UK salons in 2026 include automated reminders, integrated payments, and client profiles to boost efficiency and revenue.
Leeds Summit Tackles Salon Profitability and AI
Leeds Regional Growth Summit on June 8, 2026, features experts discussing salon profitability, team retention, marketing, and AI integration.
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.
Blonde Services Remain Top Earner for UK Salons
Blonde hair services remain the most requested and profitable offering for salons, demanding a holistic, personalised approach.
Leeds Summit Hosts AI and Growth Strategy Roundtables for Salons
Salon and spa professionals can attend free AI and business strategy roundtables at the Leeds Regional Growth Summit on June 8, 2026.
Leeds Growth Summit: Brands Connect Beauty Businesses
Over 20 professional brands and suppliers will exhibit at the Leeds Regional Growth Summit on June 8th, aiming to foster salon and spa business growth.
Leeds Growth Summit Tackles AI, Profitability for Salons
Leeds Regional Growth Summit on June 8, 2026, offers salon owners education on AI, profitability, and marketing, featuring expert-led sessions.
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.
ERGO Aids Cancer Patients with $33,000 Donation
ERGO Styling Tools raised $33,000 for HairToStay, a non-profit subsidizing scalp cooling treatments for cancer patients.
Birmingham Growth Summit Offers Salon Business Boost
The Birmingham Regional Growth Summit on 11 May offers salon professionals practical advice on profitability, team management, and AI.
Salon Owner Launches Podcast Amidst Franchise Expansion
Mooeys founder Amy Lewis launches 'Moo Chats' podcast to bridge disconnection as her franchise targets 50 locations.
Salon Payment Processing: Fees, Features, and Business Pitfalls
Integrated payment processing systems offer crucial revenue protection and operational efficiency for UK salons. Key features like card-on-file and deposit collection can recover thousands annually.
Salon Software Add-Ons: ROI Beyond Core Features
DaySmart Salon suggests six add-ons like text marketing and website builders can enhance salon profitability and client retention.
Salon Owner Backs National Litter-Picking Drive
Salon owner Samantha Cusick is backing The Great British Clean Up, urging the industry to join the national initiative against litter.
Glasgow Summit Tackles Salon Profitability and Team Loyalty
Glasgow Summit on 27 April addressed salon profitability, team loyalty, pricing, and social media with insights from industry leaders.
Heffy Wheeler: Passion Over Pressure in Hairdressing
HX Hair founder Heffy Wheeler built her business by overcoming self-doubt and early career discouragement, ultimately finding success with vivid colour techniques.
Salon Owner: Apprenticeships Build Skill and Fresh Ideas
Urban Hair & Beauty owner Marlene Lamont details how apprenticeships bring fresh skills, support senior staff, and foster innovation in salons.
Salon Business Winners' Day Focuses on Practical Takeaways
Salon Business's Winners' Day offers practical skills for salon owners on content creation and brand building. The event takes place tomorrow.
Salon Owner Finds Success by Scaling Down Operations
Sheona Will, owner of Bloom Group Salons, found greater impact and job satisfaction by scaling back her business after a period of aggressive growth.
Salons Embrace Sustainability: Team Roles Highlighted
Salon owners, managers, and stylists are adopting varied strategies to boost sustainability, from recycled furniture to client refill schemes.
Glasgow Summit 2026 Focuses on Salon Profit and Team Loyalty
Glasgow Regional Growth Summit 2026 on April 27 features expert talks on salon profitability, marketing, and team retention.
Nail Salon Rebrand Focuses on Client Mood and Owner Wellbeing
A Lancashire nail salon owner has rebranded to focus on client emotions and wellbeing, introducing a unique 'Mood Menu' for nail art.
HJ's Sustainability Week 2026 Focuses on Salon Eco-Practices
HJ's Sustainability Week 2026 runs April 20-24, offering salon owners practical advice and expert insights on eco-friendly practices.
NHBF Respect Live Event Highlights Sector Challenges and Government Input
NHBF's Respect Live event brought together industry figures to discuss survey data impacting government policy and sector growth.
Salon VAT Threshold Success: 244% Growth Post-Restructure
B-Unique Beauty and Aesthetics saw 244% revenue growth in two years by restructuring after hitting the £90,000 VAT threshold.
Beginner Nail Techs: Five Crucial Lessons for Sustainable Growth
New nail techs should prioritise boundaries, essential kit building, prep mastery, accurate pricing, and ideal client selection for sustainable careers.
Salon Owners Urged to Overcome Social Media Fears
Salon owners are encouraged to overcome social media fears to showcase their work and build a client base effectively.
Boardroom Salon Hires Matt Weiss for Franchise Operations
Boardroom Salon has appointed Matt Weiss as VP of Franchise Operations to drive expansion and franchisee success.
Ryan Power to Keynote Birmingham Salon Growth Summit
Ryan Power to headline Birmingham Regional Growth Summit 2026, focusing on building profitable salons without owner burnout.
Kent Home Salon Owner Prioritises Client Calm
Vicky Horne's Kent home salon, Victoria's Nails & Beauty, prioritises client calm with a dedicated garden space and modern amenities.
Salon Owners Told: Prioritise Profit Over Turnover
Profit strategist Jo Simpson will address the Glasgow Regional Growth Summit on April 27, challenging the beauty industry's discomfort with financial gain.
Salon Owners: Seek Expert Guidance, Not Just Familiar Faces
Salon owner Sean Hanna stresses that business guidance from experts is vital for salon owners beyond technical skills.
NHBF Survey: UK Salons Swamped by Costs, Profitability Suffers
A new NHBF survey shows 423 UK hair and beauty businesses are busy but profitless due to soaring employment and operating costs.
Salon Owners: Sources for Continued Industry Inspiration
Salon owners can maintain industry passion and inspiration through online communities, podcasts, magazines, education, events, and social media.
Salon Booth Rentals: Owner and Stylist Perspectives
Booth rental in salons offers stylists independence but requires them to manage business logistics and personal insurance costs.
Salon Software Buyers Guide 2026: Key Features & Costs
Key features, costs, and platform comparisons for salon management software in 2026 are detailed, highlighting essential tools for business growth.
Glasgow Summit Targets Salon Profitability and Growth
Glasgow Regional Growth Summit on 27 April 2026 offers salon owners practical insights into profitability, team building, and marketing.
Sheryl Findlay to keynote Glasgow Growth Summit
Sheryl Findlay to deliver 'Accelerating Your Ambition!' keynote at Glasgow Regional Growth Summit on April 27.
Birmingham Growth Summit Tackles Salon Profit and AI
The Birmingham Regional Growth Summit on 11 May 2026 will cover AI, profit strategies, and team building for salon owners.
Labour Costs Squeeze Profits for UK Hair and Beauty Salons
Rising labour costs are squeezing profits for UK hair and beauty salons, with many operating on razor-thin margins, according to an NHBF survey.
Salon Survival: Why 80% Close in 18 Months?
80% of salons close within 18 months; mastering business management is essential for survival and profitability beyond technical skills.
PB Group Extends Business Growth Events to Three UK Cities
Professional Beauty Group is bringing business growth education to Glasgow, Birmingham, and Leeds with new regional summits from April to June 2026.
Barber Apps in 2026: Efficiency, Client Care, and Data Overhaul
By 2026, barbershops must adopt digital appointment apps for efficiency, client satisfaction, and business growth. Key factors include features, pricing, integration, and ease of use.
Salon No-Shows Cost Thousands: How to Cut Losses
Missed appointments cost salons thousands yearly; implementing deposits, automated reminders, and clear policies can significantly cut losses.
Fresha Appoints New Brand Ambassadors Shaping UK Beauty
Fresha expands its Brand Ambassador programme, adding eight influential professionals who reach over 200 million people online monthly.
L'Oréal Professional Joins HJ for Salon Owner Business Mentorship
L'Oréal Professional and HJ launch a free, year-long business mentorship programme for UK salon owners focused on growth and profitability.
British Hairdressing Business Awards 2026 Photos Released
Photos from the British Hairdressing Business Awards 2026, held March 2, are now available online for industry viewing.
Salon No-Shows Cost Thousands: How Systems Protect Profits
Salon no-shows cost businesses thousands annually. A quiz reveals how scheduling systems and automated confirmations are key to protecting profits.
Coupang Profit Collapses 97% After Data Breach
Coupang's Q4 2025 operating income fell 97% to US$8 million due to a major data breach and regulatory fines.
New Salon Owner Shares Takeaways from First Six Months
Extension specialist Tracy Roche bought Kingsgrove Hair & Beauty in July 2025, sharing her first six months' lessons in delegation and business management.
Apprentices Seek Fulfilment, Not Just Paychecks
UK hairdressing apprentices prioritize job fulfilment and work-life balance, with a call for better school guidance on vocational careers.
Salon Owners Must Prioritise Apprentice Mental Health
Salon owners must support apprentice mental wellbeing by providing confidential support and training managers in mental health awareness.
Salon Owners Recount Apprentice Errors and Key Lessons
UK hairdressers share valuable lessons learned from apprenticeship mistakes, emphasizing patience, resilience, and meticulous attention to detail.
Salon Careers: Beyond Stylist Roles
Hairdressing offers diverse career routes from apprentice to owner, requiring continuous learning and evolving skills beyond styling.
HJ's Apprentice Week 2026: A Full Schedule of Support
HJ's Apprentice Week 2026, from Feb 9-15, provides a detailed schedule of content to support hairdressing apprentices and salon owners.
Wella Professionals Launches SmoothFiller Smoothing Service
Wella Professionals' new SmoothFiller service offers clients up to three months of frizz-free, smooth hair, presenting salons with a new revenue opportunity.
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.
Salon Owners: How to Fix Tax Return Errors and Missed Deadlines
HMRC allows 12 months to correct Self Assessment tax return errors; missed deadlines incur escalating penalties. Act swiftly and consider filing apps.
Rio Hair Founder Launches Social Media Business Course
Rio Hair founder Holly Fairley launches 'Post to Profit' social media course for hair professionals in March 2026.
Curl Mastery Class Targets Business Growth for Stylists
Marlo Steenman launches 'Curls Gone Wild,' an education program for stylists focusing on curl techniques and business growth.
Great Lengths Expands Hair Extension Certification Program
Great Lengths promotes its certification program, aiming to boost salon revenue through expert hair extension application and aftercare services.
UK Salon Events 2026: Business Growth & Industry Awards Calendar
The 2026 calendar features key events like the Phorest Salon Owners Summit, Salon Growth Summit, and various industry awards for UK salon professionals.
Nicky Pope Appointed Chair of British Beauty Council Hair Committee
Nicky Pope has been appointed Chair of the British Beauty Council's Hair Committee, leading a restructured body aimed at supporting the professional hair industry.
Salon Owners Tackle Blue Monday Negativity with Focus
Salon owners advise focusing on controllable business elements like clients and finances to combat negativity, especially during quieter periods.
Darrel Starkey's 17-Year Hairdressing Journey and Industry Advice
Darrel Starkey shares his 17-year career journey in hairdressing, from early struggles to industry awards and education.
Salon Owners on Navigating 2026: Adaptability is Key
Salon owners Casey Coleman, Andrea Dorata, and Charles Rose discuss business safety in 2026, stressing adaptation, community, and evolving employment models.
Salon Growth Summit Focuses on Profit and Future-Proofing
The Salon Growth Summit 2026 at Olympia London (1-2 March) offers practical advice on pricing, KPIs, and future-proofing for salon businesses.
Salon Owners' Advice for Beating January Stress
Three salon owners offer actionable advice for managing January stress and combating negativity, focusing on controllable business aspects.
Bridal Nail Niche Identified in Southampton Salon Launch
A Southampton salon owner capitalised on an underserved bridal nail niche, demonstrating a strategic approach to market identification.
Nail Techs Urged to Prioritise Time and Self-Care
Nail technician Marie-Louise Coster advises industry professionals to prioritise time and self-care, urging action over delayed ambitions.
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.
Salon Owners: What Are Your Go-To Hair Colour Formulas?
A new collection of hair colour formulas offers salons a recipe box for client satisfaction, but the true value lies in personalised application.
Salon lighting: How it impacts hair colour accuracy
Salon owner Lloyd Court explains how neutral, natural-like lighting is crucial for accurate hair colour results and client satisfaction.
Douglas Group Boosts Profit Amidst Shifting Consumer Spending
Douglas Group more than doubled net income in FY 2024/25, highlighting the power of omnichannel strategies in a challenging retail climate.
Salon Owners Eye Scalability and Flexibility for 2026
Salon owners are planning for 2026 by focusing on scalability, team development, and flexible working models.
2025 Hairdressing: Creativity Soars Amidst Business Pressures
2025 highlighted hairdressing's creative peaks and the significant business pressures faced by UK salons and barbershops.
NuCalm Offers Drug-Free Stress Relief for Salons
NuCalm, a neuroscience-based system, offers spas and fitness centres a drug-free method for deep relaxation, potentially creating new revenue streams.
Salon Owners: Embrace Competitions for Skill and Exposure
UK salon owners should leverage nail art competitions for skill development, team motivation, and crucial business exposure, moving beyond just prize potential.
BarberEVO North America: A Look Ahead for UK Barbers
BarberEVO North America's latest issue highlights UK talent and international trends, offering valuable insights for UK salon and barbershop owners on business strategy and creative evolution.
The Christmas Rush: Why Salon Owners Need Strategic Pauses
The festive rush shouldn't lead to burnout. UK salon owners are reminded of the strategic value of planned pauses for business health and personal well-being.
Vagaro CEO Launches Podcast on Business Real Talk
Vagaro CEO Fred Helou has launched a new podcast, 'You Know What I Mean', aiming to share unfiltered business and leadership insights relevant to beauty professionals.
Salon Owners: What Makes a Winning Colourist?
The NXT Colourist of the Year award highlights the blend of technical skill, creativity, and commercial appeal crucial for salon success.
Why Award Nominees Matter for Your Salon Business
High-profile award nominations offer UK salons inspiration and insights into industry excellence and creative innovation, driving business growth.
Salon Owners: Master Grey Blending & Social Media for Client Growth
Salon expert Nancy Stripe shares insights on mastering grey blending and leveraging social media to attract and retain clients, while navigating industry cost pressures.
Why UK Salon Owners Should Celebrate Industry Excellence
The British Hairdressing Awards highlight the importance of teamwork, skill development, and industry prestige for UK salon and barbershop owners.
Autumn Budget's Impact: What it Means for UK Salons
UK salon owners face continued cost pressures from frozen tax thresholds and rising wages following the Autumn Budget, highlighting the need for strategic business planning.
Salon Owners: Is Your Business Fit for the Future?
A new free Business Health Check tool from Vagaro offers UK salon owners a way to assess business stability, service diversification, and long-term growth potential.
Salon Owners: Your Voice Needed on Budget Impact
UK hair, barbering & beauty professionals urged to complete industry survey post-Budget to ensure their voice shapes future policy.
Beyond the Trends: What Nominees Teach Us About Craft
UK salon owners can learn from the dedication and artistry of British Hairdresser of the Year nominees, focusing on technical mastery and unique salon vision.