Nail Salons NAICS 812113

Nov 26, 2025 - Online Booking, Social Media Expected by Younger Generations: Survey

• Boulevard’s 2025 consumer survey highlights how Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping the salon and spa industry, with digital engagement now central to client acquisition, according to Salon Today. Some 55% of Gen Z and 47% of Millennials say Instagram or TikTok activity is very or extremely important in deciding where to book, and 20% of Gen Z look to social media first when choosing providers. Convenience is also important: 67% of Gen Z and 64% of Millennials have abandoned spas and salons due to clunky online booking. Loyalty hinges on personalization, with 66% of all respondents citing remembered preferences as essential and 55% expecting tailored add ons or memberships. Service quality remains decisive, as 71% would not return after poor results or negative staff interactions. Communication expectations are also shifting, with 41% of clients expect same day follow ups, and 44% prefer texting. For nail salon operators, these data points underscore the need to integrate seamless digital booking, personalization, and proactive communication into core business strategy.
• While 11 services industries reported growth in October, six industries reported a contraction, including the Other Services industry, which includes providers of nail services, according to the latest ISM Services PMI Report. Executives in the Other Services industry reported decreases in employment, order backlogs, and inventories while reporting an increase in new orders and prices paid for materials and services in October. Other industries reporting contraction during the period include Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation; Management of Companies & Support Services; Finance & Insurance; Public Administration; and Construction. Industries reporting growth during the period were Accommodation & Food Services; Retail Trade; Wholesale Trade; Real Estate, Rental & Leasing; Health Care & Social Assistance; Utilities; Transportation & Warehousing; Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting; Information; Professional, Scientific & Technical Services; and Educational Services. Overall economic activity in the services sector returned to expansion in October, registering 52.4%.

• According to a report in Vogue, the EU has enacted a ban on TPO, a key ingredient in gel nail products, which may prompt US nail salons to reassess product sourcing and safety standards as global reformulations take hold. TPO (trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide), commonly used in gel topcoats for its durability and low yellowing rate, has been classified as reprotoxic and carcinogenic in Europe, leading to mandatory disposal of affected products. The ban applies only in Europe for now, but it may influence US nail salons as brands reformulate gel products to comply with global safety standards. While the risk from topical use is considered low, growing consumer awareness, especially among health-conscious clients, could drive demand for TPO-free alternatives. US salons may face temporary shortages, rising costs, and increased scrutiny over ingredient transparency, requiring proactive supplier communication and inventory adjustments.
• Weaker consumer sentiment and confidence indices in late 2025 highlight mounting challenges for discretionary sectors such as nail salons. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment fell 6.2% month-over-month in November to 50.3, a nearly 30% annual decline, while the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index slipped to 94.6 in October. Rising inflation expectations, 4.7% year-ahead and 5.9% in consumer surveys, combined with concerns over higher interest rates, suggest households are tightening budgets. For nail salons, which rely on discretionary beauty spending, these trends point to softer demand, greater price sensitivity, and the need to adapt service offerings to maintain client retention in a more cautious spending environment.