Hair Care Services NAICS 812111, 812112

Mar 17, 2026 - Salons Offset Lower Traffic with Higher Prices

• 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.
• According to the Consumer Price Index from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the cost of haircuts increased 4.9% in February 2026 compared to a year ago and rose 0.3% compared to the previous month. Hair care services employment fell in November 2025 compared to a year ago while labor costs rose, per the BLS. 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.

• 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.
• 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.