NEWS

Clients are prioritising results over luxury, says new beauty report

The global beauty industry is still worth $441 billion (£324.5 bn), but growth is slowing.

According to The State of Fashion: Beauty report by The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company, annual growth is predicted to ease from 7% between 2022 and 2024 to 5% per year until 2030.

While still strong, the shift reflects a change in consumer behaviour: clients are more discerning with their spending and are prioritising tangible results over branding. This changing mindset means that beauty professionals must go beyond the surface and offer clear evidence of efficacy.

Clients are increasingly sceptical of luxury packaging and celebrity endorsements, with 63% stating that expensive products don’t necessarily perform better.

To build trust, therapists should focus on education; explaining ingredients, demonstrating results and keeping science accessible.

Crucially, value is now a leading factor in purchasing decisions. Clients are not always seeking the cheapest option but want to feel confident that their investment is worthwhile.

Offering shorter versions of treatments, tailored aftercare and flexible service options can help communicate that value in a meaningful way.

At the same time, wellness is becoming integral to beauty routines. There is rising interest in services that support skin health and stress relief, from massage to beauty supplements.

In-person recommendations remain highly influential. For therapists, authenticity, education and visible results will be key to staying competitive in 2025 and beyond.

Professional Beauty London 2026 date change set to create Europe’s largest autumn industry event

In 2026, Professional Beauty London will move to October to run alongside Salon International, forming the largest event in the beauty and hair industry calendar.

This is one of a number of 2025 changes announced by Professional Beauty Group.

Next year, Professional Beauty London will move from its usual March dates to run from October 4–5, alongside hair exhibition Salon International, at Excel London.

Drawing professional visitors from across the UK & Europe, this combined event will see 45,000+ attendees and two days of intensive industry engagement.

Professional Beauty will very much keep its own identity with its different zones of skincare, spa, advanced treatments, nails, lashes and salon essentials, together with a full education programme including live stages and the World Spa & Wellness Convention.

Visitors will now have the added option of attending iconic hair exhibition Salon International on the same days. Along with the participation of more international brands, the organisers believe the move will make London a key European hub for the profession.

Professional Beauty Group has also announced a new Salon Growth Summit to take place at the newly renovated Olympia London from March 1–2, 2026. It will feature two full days of business-focused content.

World-class speakers will share the secrets to success, which will inspire leading hair, beauty and spa businesses.

Professional Beauty Awards 2026 opens for entries

Entries are now open for the 2026 Professional Beauty Awards and this year the event has a host of new categories.

For 2026, the awards will run as a standalone event, separate from the World Spa & Wellness Awards, meaning the whole night will be dedicated to UK beauty professionals.

In 2026, the awards will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge in London.

Professional Beauty Awards 2026 categories

• Boutique Salon of the Year

• Boutique Spa of the Year

• Educator of the Year

• Electrologist of the Year – sponsored by Elite Probes

• Employer of the Year

• Large Salon of the Year

• Large Spa of the Year

• Marketing/Social Media Award

• Mobile/Home-based Beauty Business of the Year

• Nail Salon of the Year

• Retail Excellence Award

• Salon Team of the Year

• Spa Team of the Year

• Therapist of the Year All categories can be entered directly and are open to spas, salons, clinics and industry professionals from across the UK.

Entering is quick and free to do. Just choose your category then fill out the entry form. Entries close at 5pm on September 10, 2025.

Enter the Professional Beauty Awards 2026 at professionalbeauty.co.uk/awards

All-Party Parliamentary Group launches inquiry into UV Safety

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Beauty and Wellbeing has opened its inaugural UV Safety Inquiry.

Chaired by Carolyn Harris MP, the inquiry will investigate:

• The principle of UV safety as a basic need

• The principle of UV safety as a year-round issue

• The affordability and accessibility of UV safety

• If a change in approach can help to relieve the burden on the NHS

• The effectiveness of education on UV safety. A call for written evidence is open until October 31 to individuals or groups with expertise and experience relating to UV safety, including those impacted by the effects of UV damage, those working to promote increased sun safety and working within the beauty and healthcare sectors who engage with UV and sun care. Oral evidence sessions will be scheduled for later this year.

The inquiry will culminate in a series of recommendations for government action, to be published in a report in spring 2026.

Pinterest reveals Summer 2025 trends: astrology makeup, edible beauty and nature escapes

Pinterest’s Summer 2025 Trends Report predicts a season of creativity, nostalgia and nature-inspired rituals, with Gen Z leading the way.

Astrology-themed beauty is booming, with searches for Virgo makeup up 2,006% from January to March 2025. Star signs are shaping bold, personalised looks, from fiery tones for Aries to pastel hues for Pisces.

Cool-toned makeup is also on the rise (up 376% in the same period), including crimson eyeshadow and baby blue cat-eye nails.

Nail trends are vibrant and playful, taking cues from tropical escapes. Expect hibiscus nail art, “Italian summer” designs, and a range bright, botanical-inspired aura nails.

In wellness, nature bathing and digital detoxes are growing fast. Searches for “relaxing in nature” and vision boards for digital detoxes were up 273%, pointing to rising demand for spa retreats and self-care experiences in natural settings. The garden-to-table trend continues, with users seeking skincare drinks, anti-inflammatory juices and edible beauty inspiration. Meanwhile, 2000s boho style and crochet are back in fashion, influencing beauty campaigns and salon decor. Offline hobbies like book clubs and crafts are also surging, signalling opportunities for beauty businesses to create experiential events.

Hair and beauty sector shows resilience, but calls for Government support grow

The UK’s hair and beauty sector is showing resilience despite economic pressures, according to the NHBF’s latest State of the Industry survey.

Based on responses from over 430 personal care businesses, the report highlighted a sector adapting to survive.

While 40% of businesses are turning a profit and 39% are breaking even, 21% are now operating at a loss – up from 17% in January.

Confidence is waning, with 30% expecting turnover to drop. A record 74% have raised prices to combat rising costs. Meanwhile, wage increases and changes to National Insurance thresholds are impacting recruitment. Just 8% plan to hire and only 5% intend to take on apprentices.

The NHBF is urging the Government to act, calling for support in the form of VAT reform, apprenticeship funding, energy support and stronger enforcement against tax evasion.

NHBF chief executive Caroline Larissey said, “With the right support – from VAT reform to practical help with apprenticeships and energy bills – we believe this sector can not only recover but grow.”

Professional Beauty launches 25 Under 25 competition to champion young talent

Professional Beauty has launched a competition aiming to find the UK’s most promising next-generation beauty professionals.

Winners will be named PB 25 Under 25 Ambassadors, gaining exclusive access to VIP industry events, networking lunches with top beauty leaders, and the opportunity to be featured in Professional Beauty magazine and across its digital platforms.

Ambassadors will also be first in line for mentorship opportunities and invited to contribute their insights and content to the publication.

The programme is open to anyone aged 18–25 who works or studies in the professional beauty, spa or wellness sector. Applicants must be either qualified professionals or actively working towards a relevant qualification.

To enter, candidates must submit a short bio, a 60–90 second video showing their passion for the industry, examples of their work, and a paragraph outlining their vision for the future of beauty. Recommendations from mentors or employers are encouraged but not mandatory.

Enter at professionalbeauty.co.uk/25under25

HMRC issues new guidance to help beauty professionals determine employment status

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has published guidance designed to help beauty and hair professionals determine their employment status for tax purposes.

Developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the guidance includes information about common working practices and how they relate to employment status.

It explains how HMRC’s Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool can help determine whether an individual is employed or self-employed for tax purposes.

The guidance includes examples of common scenarios that indicate whether an individual might be employed (such as having set working hours determined by the salon) or self-employed (such as setting your own prices and maintaining your own client list). It also includes information about VAT registration requirements and the importance of written agreements when renting a space.

Teresa Tarmey launches facialist training

Skincare expert Teresa Tarmey has launched a Cibtac-accredited education programme that aims to empower the next generation of facialists.

Designed for both newly qualified and experienced therapists, the course blends online modules with in-person training at Tarmey’s Notting Hill clinic. Focuses include skin theory, clinical cleansing, needle extractions and ultrasound-led technology.

Limited to 12 students per group, the training includes hands-on application, 1-2-1 assessment and internationally recognised certification. The course costs £1,800 and is available via Tarmey’s website.

She commented, “This programme is about going back to the fundamentals and mastering the skin.”

Fresh warnings issued over dangerous nasal tanning sprays

A new warning has been issued over the dangers of nasal tanning sprays as the products experience a resurgence in popularity online.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) has issued an urgent warning over the growing popularity of these sprays – often marketed on TikTok and Instagram as fast-acting bronzing solutions. Beauty professionals are being urged to remain vigilant and educate their clients as a wave of unregulated nasal tanning sprays floods online marketplaces.

Unlike traditional spray tans, these nasal products are inhaled and contain substances not approved for cosmetic use in the UK. Of particular concern is the synthetic hormone Melanotan 2, frequently found in these sprays. Reported side effects include nausea, vomiting, elevated blood pressure and mole discolouration.

The situation has escalated with the emergence of flavoured variants including peach and bubblegum, designed to appeal to young audiences.

The Sunbed Association commissions report into consumer opinion

The Sunbed Association (TSA) commissioned YouGov to poll consumers about their opinions on sunbed regulations and restrictions around use.

The poll found that sunbed users had confidence that current regulations protect users and the wider public see the use of sunbeds as a personal choice that adults should be allowed to make.

Gary Lipman, chairman of The Sunbed Association, said: “Almost three out of four UK adults (73%) agree that sunbed use should be a personal choice as long as regulations are followed.”

Current regulations mean tanning salons in the UK must follow rules covering age restrictions, maximum UV output, customer screening and session controls. TSA members, who sign up to a code of practice, must also follow rules around staff training and client education.

PB names nail competition winner: Under the Sea

The winner of Professional Beauty’s latest Instagram competition is Natasha Clark. The theme for the competition was Under the Sea, with nail techs tasked to create a set of moody nails inspired by the ocean’s depths to match their alt aesthetic, complete with chrome detail or aura-style finishes, plus two sea-inspired 3D elements.

Photos were then posted to Instagram, using the hashtags #PBLoves and #PBChallenge. Professional Beauty deputy editor and nail artist Kezia Parkins said: “This set is super wearable, on-trend and would be perfect for an alt grunge girl.”

With a new theme dropping soon, keep an eye out on our Instagram if you’d like an opportunity to showcase your skills.

Skincare brand Medik8 acquired by L’Oréal

L’Oréal has confirmed the acquisition of a majority stake in British clinical skincare brand Medik8, marking a strategic expansion of its dermocosmetics portfolio. Known for its vitamin A-based products, Medik8 – one of the UK’s fastest-growing professional skincare brands – will now sit within L’Oréal’s Luxe Division.

“We are delighted to welcome Medik8 to the L’Oréal family,” said Cyril Chapuy, president of L’Oréal Luxe. “As a premium skincare range, with high levels of proven efficacy at an accessible price point, Medik8 perfectly complements our existing skincare portfolio.”

As part of the agreement, founder Elliot Isaacs will remain on the board, and Medik8’s current senior leadership team will stay in place.

Private equity firm Inflexion, which has backed Medik8 since 2021, will retain a minority stake for now. L’Oréal has also secured the right to buy out remaining shares in the future.

Medik8 founder Elliot Isaacs said, “I am delighted that Medik8 has now found its long-term home at L’Oréal – a partner that fundamentally embraces our vision and gives us the platform to deliver it on a truly global scale.”

Cutera transitions to private ownership to support long-term growth

Energy devices brand Cutera has completed its transition to private ownership and financial restructuring.

The company will operate as a privately held company, backed by a consortium of investment partners that aim to strengthen and expand its global presence.

“This is a defining moment for Cutera,” said the company’s chief executive, Taylor Harris. “We’ve built a strong legacy over the past 25 years, and now, with the support of our new ownership group and a stronger financial foundation, we are primed to deliver cutting-edge technology, exceptional service and unparalleled value to our partners around the world.”

Commenting on the announcement, Sam Keene, regional director at Cutera UK & Ireland, said, “Since establishing our direct operation in 2018, the business has experienced exceptional growth and success. With the backing of our new owners and the momentum from this transition, we’re entering a new era of opportunity.

“I look forward to welcoming many of you to our annual user event, CUCF, on September 13 in Windsor – it promises to be our biggest and most impactful gathering yet.”