Business trends
Insider BEAUTY
Our exclusive monthly benchmarking stats for each sector of the market
FAT FACE
March delivered a mixed but encouraging picture for salon owners, with nearly a third (31%) reporting stronger treatment business compared with the same period last year and a further 26% holding steady. Perhaps most notably, average treatment room occupancy reached an impressive 70%, signalling that client demand remains robust even as spending habits fluctuate.
Looking ahead, there’s a clear appetite for reinvestment within the sector. If VAT on treatments were reduced, 40% of salon owners say they would prioritise upgrading facilities, demonstrating commitment to enhancing client experience. Others would focus on protecting margins or investing in staff training.
Encouragingly, only 12% of salon owners regret recent price increases, suggesting growing confidence.
Month in numbers
How did treatment business in March 2026 compare with March 2025?
How did retail business in March 2026 compare with March 2025?
70% average treatment room occupancy in March
On the spot
If VAT on salon treatments were reduced, what would your business most likely do with the savings?
1. Upgrade facilities or equipment (40%)
2. Absorb costs to protect profit margins (31%)
3. Invest in staff training and wellbeing (19%)
4. Reduce consumer prices (10%)
12% regret price increases they’ve made