INSIDER NAILS

RIVER ISLAND

Over a third of nail businesses (36%) reported growth compared to August 2024, while more than half (52%) saw business remain stable, showing that demand for professional nail services continues to hold strong. On average, salons carried out 31 nail treatments per week, keeping diaries busy, even during summer.

A strong theme from this month’s data is the importance of professionalism and safety. An overwhelming 76% of nail techs see educating clients about nail product allergies as an essential part of their duty of care, while 59% said they have turned down services or trends they didn’t consider safe, prioritising client wellbeing over short-term gain.

When it comes to pricing, many business owners feel constrained. The biggest barrier to charging more remains local undercutting (52%), followed by the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

On the spot

What role should nail techs play in educating clients about nail product allergies?

1. Essential, it’s part of our duty of care (76%)

2. Important, but should be led by brands/educators (24%)

59% have lost business because they refused to use a product or trend they didn’t believe was safe

What do you think is the biggest barrier to charging higher prices for nail services?

1. Other salons/techs undercutting prices (52%)

2. The general cost-of-living crisis (31%)

3. Clients refusing to pay more (10%)

4. Lack of confidence in raising prices (7%)

Month in numbers

How did nail treatment business in August 2025 compare with August 2024?

How did nail retail business in August 2025 compare with August 2024?

31 nail treatments performed on average per week in August

METHODOLOGY Insider is compiled from a monthly survey of spas and beauty salons. The people who participated represent a cross-section of the industry and were polled by email and social media from September 9 to September 16, 2025, regarding business for the month to August 31, 2025. Nail business for the Insider Nails page was calculated from data provided by salons that offer nail services among other treatments. The figures given represent the average score for each answer. Brands are ranked when mentioned by several respondents.