NEWS

72% of Gen Z now demanding AI-powered beauty experiences

Nearly threequarters (72%) of Gen Z consumers expect AI-powered personalisation in their beauty experiences, making technology essential for brands targeting this audience.

With a strong preference for hyper-personalisation, Gen Z is drawn to AI tools like virtual try-ons, skin analysis and customised recommendations.

In fact, 64% say they’re more likely to buy from brands using AI, according to a new report from digital beauty platform Revieve.

Based on a survey of Gen Z (born late 1990s–early 2010s), alongside industry trends and digital metrics, the study explored purchasing behaviour, tech adoption and sustainability values.

It found gamification is also a major trend, with 58% engaging with brands that offer interactive quizzes or reward-based loyalty programmes.

Sustainability is another top priority: 68% prefer refillable or eco-friendly packaging, and 54% seek cruelty-free and vegan products.

Although Gen Z embraces digital, human connection still matters – 61% want a mix of AI and expert advice when making purchases.

Almost half of Brits are still not wearing SPF daily, new report finds

Almost half (45%) of UK consumers still don’t wear SPF daily, according to Face the Future’s 365 Days of SPF report, despite growing awareness of sun protection.

While 32% prioritise moisturiser, only 23% rank sunscreen as the most important skincare step.

The YouGov survey of 2,081 adults revealed a shift from last year, when just 22% used SPF daily.

Yet education is still lacking – only 55% knew UVA rays are the leading cause of premature skin ageing.

Additionally, 40% of consumers prioritise SPF products that provide hydration over those marketed for antiageing benefits (32%).

This may explain why many people favour SPF-infused moisturisers or makeup over standalone sunscreens.

Public support for making SPF more affordable is strong, with 70% backing the removal of VAT.

Interestingly, the report found that people in the UK learn more about SPF from beauty brands (17%) and retailers (13%) than social media platforms like TikTok (8%).

When it comes to trusted sources, family (25%) and friends (20%) outrank GPs (14%) in shaping attitudes toward sun protection.

Blackheads revealed as most Googled skincare concern

A new study has revealed the UK’s most searched skincare questions, with “How to get rid of blackheads?” seeing 9,900 searches per month.

Eye bags rank second with 8,100 searches, and acne scars and spots tied at 6,600 searches each, emphasising concern over breakouts and post-inflammatory marks.

The data, compiled by Fat Cow Skincare using analytics platform Semrush, highlights Brits’ common skin concerns.

Approval of Level 5 Apprenticeship for Aesthetic Practitioners creates new pathway for therapists

The Level 5 Aesthetic Practitioner – Skin Rejuvenation Apprenticeship Standard has been approved by IfATE, marking a "watershed" moment for beauty therapy.

The standard was created to provide a recognised, governmentfunded pathway for beauty therapists to advance into aesthetics.

Following a consultation, the government-backed Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) approved the standard, which covers therapists specialising in skin rejuvenation.

With a potential licensing scheme still in discussion, this standard has been created to help regulate education for the aesthetics industry.

Commenting on the approval, Diane Hey, chair of the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Steering Group, called the standard "a game-changer for our industry", adding, "It establishes a government-backed, fully funded route for beauty and aesthetics practitioners, ensuring a regulated pathway to qualification."

Candice Gardner, education manager – learning and content, for Dermalogica, added: “This Occupational Standard is a watershed moment for the beauty, aesthetics and wellness industry – a recognised route to career progression in aesthetics."

The new apprenticeship encompasses a wide range of advanced techniques and procedures, including superficial and medium-grade chemical peels, microneedling, light-based skin rejuvenation, mesotherapy, combination therapy approaches and advanced skin blemish removal.

Digital habits are driving change in spa bookings

UK spa booking behaviour is evolving, with a rise in online reservations, flexible payments and higher spend later in the week.

According to Trybe’s 2024 trends report, Mondays are the most popular day to book treatments, while Thursdays and Saturdays see the highest average spend – suggesting clients plan early but splurge closer to the weekend.

Notably, 57% of bookings are now made outside traditional hours, highlighting the importance of 24/7 online availability.

Payment flexibility is also driving satisfaction: 40% of clients prefer to pay upfront, rising to 53% among the millennial age group.

Despite ongoing economic challenges, consumer wellness spend continues to grow. Spa treatments are increasingly seen as essentials rather than luxuries. To stay competitive, spas must embrace tech solutions, cater to digital behaviours and tailor offers to evolving client expectations.

Repeat clients generate 80% of salon revenue

Repeat customers generate 80% of salon and spa revenue, despite accounting for less than half (42%) of the customer mix.

Meanwhile, one-time customers make up the majority of the client mix at 58% but contribute only 20% of revenue, according to new stats from software company Zenoti.

The brand’s 2025 Beauty and Wellness Benchmark Report analysed data from spas, salons and aesthetic clinics around the world.

It found that, internationally, the industry experienced revenue growth of 2% in 2024. However, this was significantly lower than the 5% recorded in the previous year.

Interestingly, businesses that sell memberships outperformed those that don’t, with membership-based spas recording a 5% revenue growth in 2024.

Another trend was a surge in gift card sales, which saw a 20% industry-wide increase.

Despite the overall positive trends, businesses face challenges such as declining new guest visits, which fell by 9% in 2024.

Cancellations and no-shows also continue to be a challenge, with salons recording an 8% cancellation rate and a 3% no-show rate.

60% of Brits lack consistent skincare routines

Some 60% of Brits don’t follow a consistent skincare routine, and nearly one in five skip washing their face before bed.

Despite this, people still spend around £27 per month on skincare, found new research by consumer health company Kenvue.

Only 15% of respondents ranked sunscreen as essential, with moisturiser topping the list. Barriers to routine include cost, lack of energy and confusion over product choices.

Gen Z stands out as the most committed generation, spending nearly 20 minutes daily on skincare, motivated by hygiene, appearance, and confidence – well above the national average of 12 minutes.

Medik8 and The Gel Bottle founders in first ever Sunday Times Beauty Rich List

Makeup and skincare brand owner Charlotte Tilbury was named the wealthiest UK beauty entrepreneur at £350 million, in the inaugural Sunday Times Beauty Rich List.

Professional brand owners to make the top 10 include The Gel Bottle founder Daisy Kalnina at number 10, with an estimated wealth of £70m, and Medik8 founder Elliot Isaacs at number six with a value of £100m.

Other notable entries in the top 30 list include Susan Harmsworth, founder of spa skincare brand Espa, at number 14 with £50m and Tatti lashes bosses Elliot Barton and Charlotte Tiplady at numbers 19 and 20 with an estimated wealth of £32m. See the full list at professionalbeauty.co.uk/richlist

Salon owners protest in Parliament Square to demand VAT reform

Hundreds of salon owners and beauty professionals gathered in Parliament Square on March 17 to demand urgent VAT reform from the Government.

The protest, organised by the British Hair Consortium as part of Salon Owners and Employers Action Day, aimed to raise awareness of the tax burden facing the hair and beauty sector. Campaigners are urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to halve VAT on labour costs to 10%.

Industry leaders said the current system penalises salon businesses, creating an uneven playing field with self-employed professionals.

A report by CBI Economics, commissioned by the Consortium, warned that without reform there could be no new apprentices by 2027, and a 93% drop in employment by 2030.

Toby Dicker of the British Hair Consortium said: “We won’t stand down and let our industry die… we need VAT reform.”

The protest attracted national media coverage and strong turnout from across the UK.

Although the Spring Statement has now been delivered, salon owners say they will continue pushing for change to secure the future of the industry.

What the 2025 Spring Statement means for beauty

On March 26, Chancellor Rachel Reeves shared the Spring Statement, reflecting on the changes made in 2024’s Autumn Budget, and announcing adjustments for the forecasts ahead.

Opening her speech, she said that the decisions made in the October Budget were “non-negotiable”, and that they will bring stability to the economy.

Key points from the Spring Statement

• Welfare cuts for new claimants could affect potential employees in the beauty industry who rely on certain benefits, potentially influencing their availability or willingness to work.

• There were no further tax increases announced, but an initiative to raise £1 billion through stricter enforcement against tax avoidance and evasion has been announced. Salon and spa owners should ensure their tax affairs are in order to avoid penalties, as small businesses may be scrutinised more closely.

• Economic growth and inflation forecasts: The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has forecasted steady GDP growth and a reduction in net debt starting from 2026-27. Additionally, inflation is projected at 3.2% for this year – higher than previously expected. These economic indicators could influence consumer spending patterns and potentially revenue.

LPG launches Infinity Cellu M6 with expert panel

Aesthetic brand LPG launched its Infinity Cellu M6 device to press and key clients at an exclusive breakfast event in London.

An expert panel discussed how the new machine, which features triple motorisation and tissue mobilisation, can treat far more than just cellulite.

Panellists included aesthetic doctor and wellness expert Dr Galyna Selezneva, Endermologie expert Nathalie Paradis and LPG’s medical business developer Tom Richert.

Introducing the event, beauty editor and panel host Newby Hands said, “ Most of us in this room have known the Cellu M6 in the 11 versions over the years, and think of it as primarily a lymphatic treatment for the body. But this new Infinity machine is different because it’s clinically proven to have so many benefits. It’s working aesthetically, therapeutically, physically and even on our emotional wellbeing.”

Speaking on her experience using the device in clinic, Dr Selezneva said, “Patients still come for the aesthetic results but they stay with you for the feel good, and I think that’s very important to consider.

“They probably didn’t know how well they were going to feel after even one treatment. I have a lot of patients whose sleep improved and the base of the feeling good is sleeping well.”

Ellisons unveils brand-new furniture showroom for beauty professionals

UK beauty and hair product supplier Ellisons has unveiled a new furniture showroom in the heart of the Midlands, enabling beauty professionals the chance to view and experience the full range, as well as an opportunity to have an in-depth consultation on the requirements for their salons before they buy.

The showroom features beauty and treatment beds, salon chairs, nail desks, pedi chairs and more. It also showcases the recently launched Hair and Nature Japanese Head Spa.

Customers can also explore premium furniture brands such as Esthetix Dolcevita, REM and Cosmoglo.

At the online and virtual showroom consultations, the Ellisons furniture team offers advice and recommendations to customers to help them select furniture. They can provide one-on-one personalised consultations, as well as salon planning services in partnership with REM.

Alongside the new showroom, there is a wellness room that allows customers to experience Gharieni Touchless Technologies.