Hair Care Services NAICS 812111, 812112

Feb 18, 2026 - Sustainability Report Signals Pragmatic Turn in US Salons

• 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.
• Per the Bureau of Labor (BLS) statistics, hair care services employment fell in November 2025 compared to a year ago while labor costs rose. Employment at barber shops and beauty salons fell 3% in November 2025 compared to a year ago. Average wages for nonsupervisory employees in the hair, nail, and skin care services industry grew 2.1% in November 2025 year over year, reaching $25.30 per hour. According to the BLS's Consumer Price Index, the cost of haircuts increased 5% in January 2026 compared to a year ago and rose 0.6% compared to the previous month.

• GlossGenius data point to strong momentum for the US hair care industry in 2025, driven by surging demand for color services and higher-value appointments, according to a report in American Salon. Based on bookings from roughly 100,000 US beauty professionals, hair was one of the fastest-growing categories, led by dramatic increases in color services. Salon bookings for root touch-ups jumped 185% year over year, partial highlights rose 133%, toner increased 126%, and full highlights climbed 126%. Client consultations also expanded sharply, up 138%, reflecting greater emphasis on personalized, higher-ticket services. In barbershops, color consultations and partial foils also posted strong gains. Notably, the most popular hair services included premium offerings, with highlights and haircuts ranking first, followed by multiple extension services. Together, the data indicate robust consumer willingness to spend on specialized, professional hair services, supporting revenue growth and margin opportunities for salons and hair care providers.
• Illinois’ decision to continue taxing tips, despite a new federal exemption, has implications for the US hair care industry, particularly salons with tipped stylists and service staff, according to a report by WTVO. Under the federal law enacted in July, eligible service workers can deduct up to $25,000 in tip income from federal taxes for 2025–2028. However, several states, including Illinois, Maine, and Washington, D.C., opted out, citing potential revenue losses, meaning tip income remains fully taxable at the state level. For hair care businesses operating in the opted-out states, the policy may affect take-home pay expectations and workforce retention, as employees will not realize the full tax benefit advertised under the federal rule. The divergence also increases administrative complexity, requiring accurate tip tracking and employee education ahead of 2026 filings. Analysts caution that exemptions for tips can introduce disparities across service roles, adding operational complexity for salon operators balancing labor costs and employee expectations.