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.

Sep 29, 2026 - Longevity Care Expands Nail Services

• A September 2026 American Spa article on “longevity aesthetics” points to a growing opportunity for US nail care services to better serve aging and medically complex clients. The approach emphasizes age-informed, individualized care rather than traditional anti-aging services. For nail professionals, that can mean adapting services for clients with arthritis, neuropathy, fragile skin, reduced mobility, or treatment-related nail changes, while recognizing when referral to a healthcare professional is appropriate. Salons may also need to improve seating, lighting, accessibility, service pace, and communication to make visits safer and more comfortable. The trend could expand demand among older adults and other clients with changing physical needs, while creating opportunities for nail salons to differentiate through specialized training, safer service protocols, adaptive tools, and a more accessible client experience.
• Weakening consumer confidence in September 2026 points to a more cautious spending environment for US nail salons, where many services are discretionary and visits can be delayed or reduced. The University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment fell 7.0% from August to 48.1; its Current Economic Conditions Index slipped 1.9% to 50.9, while the Consumer Expectations Index dropped 10.1% to 46.3. Separately, The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell 6.7 points to 81.9, with its Present Situation Index declining to 109.3 and Expectations Index falling to 63.6. Weaker household finances and elevated price concerns could encourage clients to extend time between appointments, choose basic services over premium treatments, or seek promotions, pressuring visit frequency and average tickets.
• 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.
• 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.

Industry size & Structure

The average nail salon operates out of a single location, employs 2 workers, and generates around $179,700 annually.

• The US government reports over 72,800 firms that employ 158,600 workers and generate $13 billion in annual revenue.
• Non-employer statistics, which cover the self-employed and businesses with no paid employees, report over 318,000 establishments and over $13 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.