Business trends
Insider BEAUTY
Our exclusive monthly benchmarking stats for each sector of the market
BUSBY & FOX
December delivered a welcome boost for many salon owners, with nearly half reporting stronger treatment business compared with the previous year. Retail also performed well, as 48% saw year-on-year growth, highlighting the power of well-timed recommendations and festive purchasing habits. Perhaps most encouragingly, average treatment room occupancy reached a robust 78%, signalling strong demand during the busiest month of the year and a healthy close to 2025.
As salons look ahead, the focus is firmly on building smarter, more resilient businesses. Investment priorities show a clear commitment to quality, with 60% planning to put training first, even if it means cutting back elsewhere. This reflects a growing understanding that skilled, confident teams drive both client loyalty and long-term profitability.
Month in numbers
How did treatment business in December 2025 compare with December 2024?
How did retail business in December 2025 compare with December 2024??
78% average treatment room occupancy in December
53% are considering reducing their treatment or service menu to improve efficiency
On the spot
Which area will you prioritise investment in this year, even if it means cutting back elsewhere?
1. Training and education (60%)
2. Marketing and visibility (27%)
3. Staff pay, benefits or wellbeing (13%)
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