Hair Care Services NAICS 812111, 812112

Apr 17, 2026 - Salon Revenues Tick Up, Driven by Larger Operators

• Hair salon performance is holding steady, though results vary by business type, according to the latest Pro Beauty Pulse monthly index tracking industry sentiment. In February 2026, commission-based salons posted 3.3% year-over-year growth, while independent stylists were essentially flat at -0.5%. Month-over-month declines (-4.3% for salons; -5.1% for solopreneurs) were largely due to February’s shorter calendar, with daily activity actually improving when adjusted. For salon owners, the takeaway is a stable but competitive environment. Larger, multi-stylist salons appear better positioned to capture growth and maintain consistent revenue, while independent operators may see slower gains and more fluctuation from month to month.
• According to the Consumer Price Index from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the cost of haircuts increased 4.5% in March 2026 compared to a year ago and fell 0.3% compared to the previous month. Hair care services employment fell in January 2026 compared to a year ago while labor costs rose, per the BLS. Employment at barber shops and beauty salons fell 3.1% in January 2026 compared to a year ago. Meanwhile, average wages for nonsupervisory employees in the hair, nail, and skin care services industry grew 7.6% in January 2026 year over year, reaching $26.22 per hour.

• Softening demand for hair color services is prompting salons to rely more on pricing and service mix to sustain revenue, according to the recently released KIM Report in Salon Today. The total number of salon color services declined 2.16% in 2025, reflecting more cautious client behavior and longer gaps between appointments. Despite lower volume, color service revenue rose 0.94%, driven by a 3.2% increase in average ticket prices, highlighting strong pricing power. Non-color services such as haircuts and treatments also supported performance, with revenue increasing 2.0%, indicating continued consumer spending on maintenance. The report suggests salons are offsetting softer demand by raising prices, upselling premium services, and focusing on higher-value offerings. For the US hair care services industry, these trends point to a shift toward value-driven growth, where profitability depends more on pricing strategies and service mix than on client volume alone.
• While US salon professionals remain strongly committed to sustainability, they are narrowing their focus to practical actions within their immediate control, an important signal for the hair care sector, according to the 2025 Sustainability in the Beauty Industry report in Salon Today. More than 90% still prioritize sustainability, but attention has shifted from broad global issues to tangible, short-term steps. Data shows 72% plan to recycle, 69% aim to remove toxic cleaners, 69% intend to invest in color management, and 66% are considering water-saving appliances. However, only 43% are likely to switch to a more sustainable brand, down 15% year over year from 2024, indicating reduced appetite for brand changes despite continued environmental commitment. Professionals are increasingly looking to brands to take greater responsibility, particularly around plastic packaging and sustainability communication, positioning 2026 as a key opportunity for supplier-led leadership in the US hair care industry.