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NEWS

Grunge makeup, polka-dot nails and sensory scents named among key beauty treands for the autumn season

Pinterest’s Autumn 2025 Trend Report has revealed the seasonal shifts set to shape beauty, wellness and interiors. Based on global internal data from April to June 2025, it highlights rising consumer searches that are influencing the industry.

Grunge makeup returns

Grunge glam is back with a softer, wearable edge. Searches for “clean grunge makeup” soared 652% during the three-month period, compared with the same three months in 2024, while “soft grunge makeup look” rose 147% year on year. Expect smudged liner, brown tones and ’90s-’00s nostalgia adaptable for campaigns or client-ready styles.

Nostalgic nails

Gen Z is driving vintage-inspired looks, with “vintage autumn aesthetic” up 1,074%. Nails also stand out, as “polka-dot French tip nails” surged 1,157%, giving techs playful ways to refresh classic art.

Marine skincare

Searches for “salmon DNA treatment” (+234%) and “snail essence” (+234%) reflect demand for glow-boosting, sea-inspired actives.

Design and scent

Art Deco interiors (+805%) and terracotta tiles texture (+833%) signal luxury-meets-vintage refurb ideas for salons and spas.

Seasonal scents such as “vanilla scent aesthetic” (+117%) and “layering scent combos” (+157%) underline fragrance’s role in client experiences.

Wellness escapes

Autumn travel searches, from English countryside cottages (+814%) to Santorini nights (+83%), offer inspiration for retreats and seasonal marketing.

Gen Z and millennials lead the way in skin health awareness, shows research

Gen Z and Millennials (aged 18-44) are showing the highest levels of skin health awareness and action, according to a new survey of 2,000 UK adults, commissioned by Medicash and conducted by Onepoll.

Compared to older generations, those in this age bracket reported the most concern about developing skin cancer, the highest reported use of sun safety measures and the highest confidence in spotting potentially dangerous moles.

However, despite their caution, this same group also reported the highest levels of intentional tanning activities, highlighting a complex balance between skin safety and beauty ideals.

The survey found that 55% of 18-44-year-olds intentionally tan, whether in the sun, on sunbeds, or both, compared with just 28% of those aged over 45.

Andrew Healy MBE, chief executive of Medicash, said, “It’s encouraging to see younger people embracing skin health checks and sun protection, but there’s still work to do when it comes to reducing risky tanning habits.”

Popular gel polish ingredient banned in the EU

As of September 1, 2025, trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) has been banned for use in nail products made and sold within the EU market.

Many brands use TPO as a photoinitiator – a molecule which aids in the curing process and enables greater colour stability.

TPO is being banned as a result of European Union officials deeming the ingredient potentially toxic to humans, following studies which have highlighted a link between the chemical and long-term fertility damage in animals.

According to Caroline Rainsford, director of science at the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), these studies are based on a “worst case” situation, should our bodies be exposed to a very large amount.

While industries are able to defend the use of cosmetic ingredients that are classified as CMRs, in this case the defence has been unsuccessful – largely because there are alternative ingredients available. TPO is not yet banned in the UK; however, a ban is expected to be rolled out late 2026.

More than half of Brits are spending up to £100 on viral wellness trends

One in four people (24%) have admitted to following online wellness advice at least once a month, according to new research by Confused.com.

The research also revealed that just over half of consumers (55%) are spending up to £100 on these trends. However, one in five people (18%) also disclosed that they regret trying wellness trends they discovered online.

Vitamins and supplements were revealed as the most talked-about wellness trend, with over half of Brits sharing that they have seen or heard about the trends in this sector via social media.

Meanwhile, ice baths and cold plunges have increased in popularity over recent years; the trend has seen 235,000 videos on TikTok and search terms such as ‘vertical ice bath’ were up by 1,000% in the first half of 2025, compared with the same period last year.

However, unlike vitamins and supplements, only 8% of people who have tried cold water therapy report any real wellbeing benefits. Other wellness trends being discussed on social media included meditation, Pilates and weight loss. However, just under one in five (18%) of people said that weight-loss trends had improved their wellbeing.

News in brief

Facialist and skin health expert Smita Ahluwalia has launched a new Habia-endorsed Facial Reflexology & Acupressure course, offering skin therapists and wellness professionals the opportunity to expand their treatment menus with non-invasive face-lifting and wellbeing techniques.

Zigstock, an AI-powered voice-controlled stock management system built for salons and clinics, is set to officially launch in October. Former salon owner Cherise Davies said she built Zigstock to give salon owners more control. Its key features include AI-powered low stock alerts and predictive ordering, voice control, QR code scanning for product tracking, and waste and usage monitoring.

The Taktouk Clinic is expanding into a new location in Mayfair, the Chancery Rosewood Hotel. This new clinic will offer the full range of bespoke aesthetic treatments in a private space in the heart of London.

Rebecca Orme is launching an online membership designed to help qualified nail techs fill the gaps their original training missed. The membership will cover all systems and will include video lessons, downloadable PDFs, nail design tutorials and more.

Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa in Newmarket, Suffolk, is investing in its facilities and guest experiences. The refurbishments, launching in January 2026, will feature new carpets and curtains within the hotel’s Roxana Bar, an upgrade to guest lifts, updating 25 of the bathrooms, as well as the creation of a new website.

Only 29% of new salon clients rebook, shows new research

Half of UK and Irish salon clients want a more personalised experience, while retail and online booking continue to present growth opportunities, according to new statistics.

Software supplier Phorest’s Consumer Insights Report 2025 also showed that a huge 71% of new salon clients do not return following the first visit.

The survey of 716 salon guests – all of whom had visited a salon in the past six months – revealed that 50% of clients want salons to personalise their experience through rewards and offers.

Meanwhile, cleanliness and hygiene were ranked as the number-one reason consumers are willing to pay more for a premium experience, emphasising the importance of high standards.

Retail emerged as a significant opportunity, with 70% of clients who don’t currently buy products from their salon saying they would like to.

The research also found that convenience is driving digital adoption, with 45% of clients preferring to book appointments online wherever possible, and when choosing a new salon, 61% rely on word of mouth, though price and location remain the biggest deciding factors.

However, the report also highlights a weak spot: new client retention is just 29%, underlining the need for second-visit incentives, loyalty schemes, and proactive follow-up strategies.

ASA bans ad claiming health benefits of sunbeds

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned an advert promoting sunbed tanning as beneficial to health, ruling the claims “misleading and irresponsible”.

The complaint concerned a video titled “The Health Benefits of Tanning”, posted on tanning salon chain Indigo Sun’s website in April 2025, which claimed “moderate responsible use of sunbeds brings major health benefits” and cited a University of Edinburgh study linking UV exposure to lower cancer and heart disease deaths. Dermatologist Dr Amy Perkins reported the advert, arguing the study was misrepresented.

The ASA concluded that the study, based on self-reported questionnaires, short follow-ups and excluding younger participants, was insufficient evidence to support the claims. It also noted the advert ignored NHS and Cancer Research UK warnings about sunbed risks, giving the impression of significant health benefits with little danger. It ruled that Indigo Sun must not repeat the ad in its current form. Indigo Sun defended the campaign, citing peer-reviewed research from over 360,000 participants, but confirmed it would comply with the ruling.

Commenting on the ruling, Sunbed Association general manager Gilly Perkins said the intention was to share scientific findings, not exaggerate benefits, and called for more balanced discussion of emerging research.

Meanwhile, skin cancer charity Skcin called it a “landmark ruling”, highlighting the risk to young patients. Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the NHBF, noted the ruling showed the impact of individual action in safeguarding public health.

News in brief

Laser brand Lyma has collaborated with skincare company Augustinus Bader to create the new Augustinus Bader Longevity Facial at Espa Life at Corinthia in London. The treatment uses Augustinus Bader’s Elixir serum with Lyma’s laser technology for skin rejuvenation.

iS Clinical has announced the addition of two partner accounts to its UK network: Rebecca Amy Walker, celebrity facialist and founder of The Rebecca Walker Technique, and Caroline Hall, founder of R&R Aesthetics Clinic in Garforth, Leeds.

Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat in Staffordshire has launched three new treatments in collaboration with Tribe517. The Collagen Skin Boosting Facial is designed to hydrate, nourish and improve skin texture, Tailored to You is a 105-minute treatment customisable by guest, and Full Body Renewal is a ritual to exfoliate and nourish the body.

The Skin Investment Clinic is launching a new location on the Hampton Estate between Guildford & Farnham, offering acne treatments, private dermatology and aesthetics administration, as well as advanced laser treatments.

Katie Barnes, nail expert and educator, has launched Katie Barnes Tool Range into wholesaler Ellisons. The range, which includes e-file, cuticle tools, e-file bits, professional nail files and nail accessories, is now available for professionals to purchase from Ellisons.

New research reveals ideal Instagram posting frequency for business growth

Beauty and wellness professionals looking to grow their Instagram presence may want to rethink how often they post.

A new analysis by scheduling platform Buffer, based on more than two million posts from 102,000 accounts, has identified the sweet spot for posting frequency in 2025.

The research found that posting three to five times per week delivers the best balance of follower growth and reach without sacrificing content quality.

Accounts posting at this rate saw more than double the follower growth of those posting only once or twice weekly, with reach per post up around 12%. Posting more frequently (six to nine times per week) can boost follower growth by 3.7x, while 10+ posts weekly may yield a 5.5x increase.

Crucially, higher frequency does not harm engagement, with Buffer’s data showing that reach per post actually rises as posting volume increases. For sustainable growth, consistency is key.

Projuvenate launches £1m wellness clinic near Manchester Airport

A £1 million health optimisation clinic has opened at Manchester Green, bringing advanced treatments usually only found in London to the North West.

Founded by siblings Libby Artingstall, a former consultant psychiatrist, and Rob Artingstall, an experienced performance physiotherapist and head physio for England Rugby League, Projuvenate will offer programmes in mental wellness, advanced physiotherapy and aesthetic wellness.

Its headline service, Exomind, uses ExoTMS non-invasive brain stimulation to boost emotional regulation and cognitive function.

With therapies from Halo Red light therapy to anti-gravity treadmills, the clinic aims to “put Manchester on the map” for proactive wellness.

Rockliffe Hall acquires Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa

Rockliffe Hall has acquired Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa in Helmsley, North Yorkshire, from administrators PKF Littlejohn Advisory.

Completed on 29 August, the deal transfers the 33-bedroom hotel and spa to The Feversham Arms (2025) Ltd, owned by Rockliffe Hall. All staff will remain under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings Protection of Employment) regulations with existing terms unchanged. Verbena Spa is known for its thermal experiences, treatments and countryside setting, complementing Rockliffe Hall’s existing five-star spa resort in County Durham. The group also owns The Pheasant Hotel in Harome.

News in brief

Myndstream founder Freddie Moross has spearheaded the launch of the Global Wellness Institute’s new Music for Health & Wellbeing Initiative, alongside a cross-disciplinary team of experts in music, science, business and wellness. The initiative aims to educate on the role of audio in therapeutic and wellness contexts.

Enki Towels has received the “OK Compost Industrial” (OKI) certification, verifying that their products meet the rigorous conformity requirements for industrial compostability. Made from natural plant fibres, the towels are 100% biodegradable, breaking down in 8–12 weeks.

The surgeons behind FaceRestoration, Dr Rachna Murthy and Dr Jonathan Roos, have opened a new clinic in Jersey called Maison Restorative, which is set to become a destination for advanced skin health, skin cancer prevention, pioneering aesthetics and preventive wellness.

The Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa has been awarded the Five Bubble rating by The Good Spa Guide, becoming the only spa in Leeds to be recognised with the accolade. In addition, the hotel has recently invested in a new spa lounge. This adults-only area provides a space for guests to retreat and relax before and after treatments.

CACI’s newest launch, the Prep & Glow Oxygenating Pods, sold over 3,000 units within one week of being launched. The exclusive cleansing technology is available for CACI Ultimate, Synergy and Synergy Flex systems, and can be used as a first step, or as a standalone express treatment.

Dermalogica launches pro community and announces director change

Dermalogica has launched a digital community space designed and built by skin therapists, for skin therapists.

The new platform will enable beauty professionals to engage in real-time discussions, ask questions and connect with peers, within an environment built for collaboration.

Discussing the Pro Community, hosted on the online Circle platform, Dermalogica’s UK general manager Cirsten Hannken said, “Our ambition for the community platform is to create the most connected professional skincare network in the industry.

“Here, education, innovation, and peer-to-peer support come together to elevate our profession and empower every skin therapist to thrive.”

Alongside this new development, the brand has also announced that sales director Sally Penford has stepped down after 30 years with the company.

A founding member of the Dermalogica UK & Ireland team, Penford was pivotal in building the company’s education programmes, PR, sales strategy and culture.

Following her departure, Hollie Mills, previously associate sales director, has stepped into the role of sales director, and aims to continue driving growth and supporting Dermalogica’s professional community across the UK & Ireland.

Glo Skin Beauty expands into UK and Ireland

US-based brand Glo Skin Beauty has announced its expansion in the UK and Ireland with the support of a new distribution partner.

Under the name Glo Skin Beauty UK & Ireland, the brand will be led by industry veteran Lydia Griffin, who has previously held sales roles at Wigmore Medical and Healthxchange.

Founded by a plastic surgeon and used by dermatologists, aesthetic practitioners and makeup artists, the brand offers professional treatments, alongside skincare and mineral makeup.

“This is a brand rooted in clinical integrity and proven performance – something practitioners and clients alike are actively seeking,” said Griffin, chief executive of Glo Skin Beauty UK&I.

The Balanced Beauty Pro launches to help beauty professionals with physical health

Beauty professionals Heather and Tiffany Hughes have launched The Balanced Beauty Pro, an online programme to help beauty service professionals care for their bodies.

Heather Hughes, a somatic movement educator and former UK director of Novalash, and her sister Tiffany, a lash artist, have over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry between them.

The programme will provide therapists with education on postural awareness, the nervous system connection and ergonomics – all accessible online.

It has been created with busy professionals in mind with digestible information and at-home exercises designed to be completed over four to six weeks. “We want to empower professionals to value their bodies and learn how to care for themselves so they can continue doing the job they love with ease and comfort for as long as possible,” said Heather Hughes.

Diary dates

// October 12-13

Professional Beauty Autumn ExCeL London

Formerly known as Salon Beauty, this is London’s biggest autumn event for beauty professionals. Expect demos, education, launches and more. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/pbautumn

// October 19

Innovations in Electrolysis Wyboston Lakes Training Centre, Bedfordshire

This seminar will feature expert-led talks, treatment tips, and business insights. info@hofbeauty.co.ukhofbeauty.co.uk/training/the-art-ofelectrolysis-event

// October 20-26

British Beauty Week Nationwide

British Beauty week 2025 will see brands spotlighting “The Future of Beauty” through activations across the UK. britishbeautyweek.co.uk

// November 9

Babtac & Cibtac Awards The Fairmont Windsor Park

Awards celebrating practitioners, salons, spas and educators. 01452 623110 babtac.com

// March 1

Professional Beauty Awards Royal Lancaster London

Awards for beauty, spa, nails and aesthetics businesses and professionals, recognising excellence. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/awards

// March 1-2

Salon Growth Summit Olympia London

Connect with salon and spa owners committed to business growth, meet key decision makers and hear from world-class speakers. 020 7351 0536 professionalbeauty.co.uk/summit