Nail Salons

The 72,800 nail salons in the US provide nail care services, such as manicures, pedicures, and nail extensions. Manicures and pedicures account for over 85% of industry sales. Nail salons may also offer skin care, hair removal, or other spa-related services. Specialty services include waxing, eyebrow shaping, massage, wraps, reflexology, and eyelash services. Nail technicians may be employees or may rent booth space from the salon and act as independent operators.

Competition From Alternative Service Providers

Nail salons face competition from a variety of alternative service providers, including full-service beauty salons, spas, and clients themselves.

Health Risks For Workers

Nail care services expose workers to chemicals from polishes, removers, and glues, such as formaldehyde, toluene, and methacrylate compounds.

Jul 29, 2026 - Press-On Popularity Pressures Nail Salons

• The rapid growth of press-on nails is increasing competition for US nail salons by offering consumers a lower-cost, time-saving alternative to traditional manicures, prompting salons to emphasize premium services and customization, according to a Marie Claire report. Artificial nails became the fastest-growing nail category in 2025, according to Circana data cited in the article, and surpassed traditional nail polish sales for the first time. The article also notes that the global press-on nail market, valued at $738 million in 2024, is projected to exceed $1 billion by the end of the decade. While the trend may reduce demand for basic manicures, it creates opportunities for salons to differentiate through custom nail art, Gel-X extensions, luxury treatments, and personalized services that are difficult to replicate at home. Salons that compete on expertise, creativity, and experience are likely to be better positioned as DIY nail products continue gaining popularity.
• Consumer confidence improved over the past two months, with June's Conference Board survey and the University of Michigan's preliminary July survey pointing to a gradually improving outlook for US nail salons as consumers become more optimistic about discretionary spending despite lingering inflation concerns. The Conference Board's June Consumer Confidence Index edged up to 91.2, with the Present Situation Index falling to 116.4 as labor market perceptions softened, while the Expectations Index rose to 74.4 on improving outlooks for business conditions and household incomes. The University of Michigan's preliminary July survey showed further gains, with the Index of Consumer Sentiment rising 9.9% to 54.4, the Current Economic Conditions Index increasing 15.1% to 54.9, and the Index of Consumer Expectations climbing 6.5% to 54.0. Together, the surveys suggest improving consumer sentiment could support demand for manicures and other beauty services, though elevated inflation expectations may keep some clients price-conscious.
• According to an American Salon report, proposed Department of Education regulations could put up to 92% of US cosmetology programs at risk of closure, creating a major workforce threat for the US nail care services industry. Industry groups warn the new earnings-based accountability rule could eliminate federal financial aid access for roughly 1,400 cosmetology programs, disrupting the pipeline of licensed salon and nail care professionals. Because 70% to 90% of cosmetology students rely on federal aid, widespread school closures could intensify existing labor shortages, raise hiring costs for nail salons, and reduce industry growth potential. Advocates also argue the rule fails to accurately reflect beauty industry career paths, where professionals often take years to build clientele and income. For nail care businesses, the proposal could limit access to new talent while increasing operational and staffing pressures across salons, spas, and independent beauty service providers.
• Shifting beauty preferences among Gen Z and Gen Alpha are reshaping demand for nail salons, as younger consumers prioritize “slow beauty” rituals over fast, trend-driven services, according to a Beauty Matter report. Despite strong spending power—Gen Z teens spend $374 annually on beauty and drive 35% of beauty website traffic—these consumers are more intentional and less brand loyal (20% less likely to repurchase the same brand). For nail salons, this signals opportunity and risk. Demand may shift toward experiential, routine-based services that emphasize wellness and in-person engagement, as more than half of Gen Z prefer shopping in-store. However, success will depend on delivering differentiated, ritual-driven experiences, as younger consumers increasingly research, compare, and seek meaningful, non-transactional service interactions.

Industry size & Structure

The average nail salon operates out of a single location, employs 2 workers, and generates around $176,600 annually.

• The US government reports over 72,800 firms that employ 151,900 workers and generate $12.9 billion in annual revenue.
• Non-employer statistics, which cover the self-employed and businesses with no paid employees, report over 296,000 establishments and over $12.1 billion in annual sales. Non-employer statistics cover nail technicians who rent booth space from individual establishments and act as independent operators.
• The industry is highly fragmented; the top 50 companies account for less than 3% of industry revenue.
• The nail salon industry includes small chains, franchises, and independent operators. With 800 locations, Regal Nails is the largest franchise in the US and operates locations in Walmart stores.
• Many business owners are immigrants. Vietnamese and Vietnamese-American owned salons dominate the industry, although Korean immigrants have established a stronghold in New York City. Vietnamese and other Asian-owned salons account for about 75% of the industry's employer establishments.