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Bodycare and “blue beauty” among trends predicted to grow in 2024

Pinterest’s annual Pinterest Predicts report is back for 2024, as the “not-yet-trending” report gives insight to emerging trends for the next in beauty and more. Based on stats from September 2021 to August 2023 it named three stand-out beauty trends to have on your radar for 2024.

Blue beauty: The brand’s global search data revealed that searches for “fun blue nails” have increased by 260% as nail art lovers use the platform to search for their next set, as well as searches for “blue eyeshadow aesthetic” rising by 65% and “aqua make-up look” by 100%.

Pinterest UK’s head of beauty Tom Spratt said, “Inspire clients to opt for all things blue as the ‘Blue Beauty’ trend will take over.

“This may be cobalt blue gel nails, pastel blue eyeshadows or aqua mascara.”

Head to glow: From suncare to spa experiences, “Pinners” are searching for more bodycare content as the subcategory sees huge growth with searches for “body skin care routine”, up a huge 1,025%.

Spratt suggests, “Beauty professionals can promote rest through head and hand massages, rejuvenating scrubs and luxury moisturisers.”

Make it big: The final trend prediction in the beauty subcategory sees consumers opting for bigger and bolder hairstyles and accessories as searches for “fluffy hair” aesthetics, “big braids hairstyles” and “sculptural jewellery” all increase.

Boomers revealed as the most engaged beauty consumers

Women in the “baby boomer” generation have been revealed as the most engaged beauty consumers, according to new research from data company Kantar.

The data revealed that women in the 55-plus age group currently account for nearly half of all beauty sales in markets such as the UK, France, Spain and Portugal, with sales in this age group rising 2% since 2019, despite the overall market declining 7%.

89% of women in the 55-plus age group shared they have suffered from at least one facial skin condition in the last year, with 86% of 35 to 49-year-olds and 84% of under 35s also suffering from skincare issues.

As a result, this age group invests more in skincare products, with sales volumes up in the UK, Spain and France, despite the price increases across the board because of inflation.

Kantar also revealed the number of “beauty occasions” women engage in each week, with women over 55 taking part in an average of 47 per week – eight more than the average woman.

The data also revealed men in the 55-plus age group as “enablers”, willing to explore and try out new products if it lines up with their value and need.

Boomer men take the time for an average of 35 “personal care occasions” each week, just 12 less than women in the same age group, and higher than men and women in every other age group.

Beauty industry revenue forecasted to reach £4.6 billion by 2029

The UK hair and beauty industry is on track to reach £4.6 billion in revenue over the next five years, according to new stats from salon and spa software provider Vagaro.

The figure reflects steady economic growth despite 85% of salons having had to adjust their pricing in line with current inflation rates.

Vagaro analysed data from researcher Ibisworld, alongside a new survey of its own, in an effort to understand the industry’s pain points.

With the survey revealing that 85% of respondents had raised their prices due to inflation, many indicated they did so due to rising wholesale prices.

49% of respondents said their wholesale costs increased by more than 10%, while 45% said these costs grew by 5-10% and only 4% said they went up by less than 5%.

To keep their business performing at top level regardless of the current economic climate, 39% of hair and beauty pros said they had accessed their savings, while 16% accessed new lines of credit or business loans in the past year.

While some respondents strategically reduced their expenses – for example, 28% cut back on products and inventory, and 13% cut hours of operation – they have also implemented promotional communication methods via social media, text and email marketing, and by offering special deals and discounts to keep customers engaged and active.

Despite industry struggles with no-shows and cancellations, the majority of those surveys reported that they did not see a decrease in the number of services booked.

Ectoin skincare and brown-toned make-up named top trends for 2024

Ectoin, a skincare ingredient which helps reduce inflammation and lock in moisture, is set to take the lead in the skincare category next year, according to new stats.

The ingredient saw a 163% surge in interest over the last six months, according to online beauty buyer’s club Beauty Pie’s 2024 Beauty Trends Report.

The report set out to reveal the hottest skincare, make-up, body, wellness and nail trends that are set to be everywhere in 2024.

Its make-up trends showcased a return to brown-toned elegance. Cherry cola lips claimed the top spot with Google searches increasing by 2,215%, and blusher was also key for next year, with red, coral and bold blush all seeing a huge rise in searches.

In the nails category, research showed chrome is here to stay, with lavender chrome nails seeing a popularity increase of 369%, oyster nails up by 161% and nude chrome nails seeing an increase of 128%.

The classic French mani also featured, but with a twist, as neon French tips, metallic and double French tips all appear in the ranking.

To discover the trends, Beauty Pie’s research team tracked and analysed Google search volume for hundreds of new trends.

By calculating the total number of Google searches over the past six months and comparing it with the previous six months, the report revealed which ones are seeing the biggest spike in popularity.

This is how the Autumn Statement will impact beauty businesses

On November 22, the Government’s Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt revealed the Autumn Statement for 2023, outlining tax and spending plans that could impact beauty businesses.

Key changes include:

• National Insurance (NI) cuts: Main employee contributions will reduce from 12% to 10%. Class 2 NI for self-employed people will be abolished, while Class 4 NI for self-employed decreases from 9% to 8%.

• Wage increases: National Living Wage will rise to £11.44 and will also be applicable to 21 and 22-year-olds. Minimum wages for 18-20-year-olds and apprentices will also increase.

Caroline Larissey, chief executive of NHBF (National Hair & Beauty Federation) said, “With £50m allocated to apprenticeships in key growth sectors, we look forward to hearing more about how the hair and beauty sector will be supported. Employer incentives to support education and training, particularly apprenticeships, are desperately needed.”

Toby Dicker, co-founder of the Salon Employers Association, added, “No concessions have been made with VAT thresholds or tax for employers, despite a two-year campaign to raise the profile of this issue with DBT and HMRC.”

NHBF reveals Top 100 Influencers Index

The third annual National Hair and Beauty Federation (NHBF) Top 100 Influencers Index recognised industry professionals who use their social media platform to influence the sector and create change.

Beauty professionals appeared throughout the top 10 0, with nail artist and PB favourite Kirsty Meakin taking the fifth spot.

Nail techs Michelle Humphrey, Charlotte Cliff and Harriet Westmoreland also secured spots in the top 20, while make-up artist and regular PB contributor Lan Nguyen-Grealis came in at number 32 and massage therapist and Professional Beauty Awards finalist Hayley Snishko at 67.

“Peach Fuzz” revealed as Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2024

For 2024, the Pantone Colour Institute has revealed “Peach Fuzz” (shade 13-1023), a “compassionate and nurturing soft peach shade conveying a heartfelt kindness”, as the colour set to trend.

Leatrice Eiseman, executive director for the Pantone Color Institute, said, “Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration, and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel and heal, and to flourish from, whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves.”

Professional Beauty London 2024 theme and speakers announced

Professional Beauty London is back for 2024, and this year we’ve got two jam-packed days of brands, competitions, live education, networking and more at ExCeL on March 3–4, 2024.

The theme for 2024 is “elevate your business with treatments, trends, and training”.

Treatments: See live treatments and demonstrations on the show floor and even experience some of the treatments firsthand. Meet different brands and compare services to decide what to add to your treatment menu. 

Trends: Keep up to date with what’s happening in the industry, and stay ahead of competitors by seeing the latest trends on the stages and show floor.

Training: Level up your business by attending our spa and supplier conferences, sessions across our three live stages, as well as the Beauty Workshops and Beauty Round Up Networking Event.

Key names to keep an eye out for on the stages include Pinterest’s head of beauty Tom Spratt, make-up artist Belle Hassan, leading nail artist Kirsty Meakin, celebrity facialist and skincare expert Teresa Tarmey, marketing expert Ryan Power, aesthetics trainer Andrew Hansford and more.

Lynton announces roadshow and new training

Aesthetic device manufacturer Lynton has announced the launch of “The Lynton Roadshow” which will visit key cities, delivering an immersive experience for owners and operators.

Attendees will witness live demonstrations of devices and a series of educational sessions featuring industry-leading speakers, with insights into the latest trends, best practices and the transformative potential of aesthetic technologies.

The brand is also launching two aesthetics qualifications – the Level 3 Certificate in Access to Aesthetic Therapies and the Level 4 Core of Knowledge qualification.

These certifications will provide access for newcomers and knowledge for practitioners in laser and light treatments.

Gharieni forms partnership with Yon-Ka Paris

Spa equipment supplier Gharieni Group has signed a deal with skincare brand Yon-Ka Paris, joining forces to create a showroom at Yon-Ka’s distribution, training and office centre in Rockaway, USA.

The showroom will showcase Gharieni’s technology beds and be used to invite potential clients and press to experience the equipment.

Gharieni has also fitted out Yon-Ka’s training centre with a selection of its treatment beds and equipment, and Gharieni will maintain substantial inventory in Yon-Ka’s warehouse.

Gharieni chief executive Sammy Gharieni said, “By blending Yon-Ka’s expertise in holistic skincare with Gharieni’s innovative mind/body wellness technologies, we’re setting new standards in the wellness industry.”

Treatwell appoints Claire Davenport chief executive

Treatwell, the beauty and wellness booking and management software company, has appointed Claire Davenport as its new chief executive.

Davenport replaces Giampiero Marinò in the role. She joins Treatwell from Not On The High Street, where she was chief executive for three years.

At Treatwell, Davenport will lead the company across more than 13 countries, managing over 800 employees.

Treatwell, which is the headline sponsor of the upcoming Professional Beauty London show at ExCeL London on March 3–4, said Davenport is set to lead Treatwell into a new era of growth and innovation.

Davenport said, “I am thrilled to be joining Treatwell at this pivotal moment. The opportunity to make beauty services more accessible and convenient for people, and support salons’ prosperity, aligns with my drive to simplify and streamline everyday life – for both consumers and businesses – through the power of technology“.

Shared Beauty Secrets celebrates 15 years with £15,000 giveaway

Spa brand Shared Beauty Secrets turns 15 in January 2024 and is celebrating by giving back to the industry with 150 gifts of training and products, worth a total of £15,000. Beauty professionals can enter by scanning the QR code on page 44.

The company, founded by Clare Anderson in 2009, launched with selfheating Lava Shells before branching out into heated masks under the Sensory Retreats brand.

The group’s latest sleep massage treatments have just been taken on by Four Seasons (see page 70).

After training as a therapist in 1993 before working in roles at brands including Champneys, Clarins and Decléor, Anderson came across Lava Shells while on holiday in Turks and Caicos in 2008 and saw an opportunity to launch the product into the UK market.

Sensory Retreats is the sister company to Shared Beauty Secrets and launched with retail products before branching out into spa treatments that encompass the self-heating masks.

Sauna company Klafs acquired by Kohler

Klafs, the German manufacturer of saunas and other hydrothermal features, has been acquired by Kohler, which is known for bath equipment as well as running Kohler Waters Spas in the US and at Old Course Hotel, Scotland.

Kohler signed a deal to acquire Klafs from The Egeria Group for an undisclosed sum. The deal is expected to be closed in the first quarter of 2024.

Klafs chief executive Phillip Rock and chief financial officer Jens Friedrich will continue in their roles, and the company will join Kohler’s Luxury Brands division.

David Kohler, chair and chief executive of Kohler, said, “Klafs is an international market leader with a stellar reputation that shares our passion for innovation and delighting customers.”