Business trends
Insider NAILS
VERY
March was steady for nail businesses, with nearly half (48%) reporting treatment performance in line with March 2025 and a further 12% seeing growth. Retail proved more challenging overall, though over 40% of salons still achieved stable or improved results. This suggests there is room to strengthen retail conversations and ensure homecare products are positioned as an essential extension of the treatment itself.
Pricing strategy continues to evolve across the sector. The most common approach is now either occasional but noticeable increases (32%) or small, regular adjustments (30%), indicating a growing confidence in keeping pricing aligned with rising costs without sudden jumps. A smaller proportion still prefer to delay increases, highlighting the ongoing tension between affordability and sustainability.
When it comes to growth barriers, client loyalty remains the biggest concern for over half of respondents, followed by pricing confidence and time constraints.
Month in numbers
How did nail treatment business in March 2026 compare with March 2025
How did nail retail business in March 2026 compare with March 2025?
27 nail treatments performed on average per week in March
On the spot
Which approach best describes how you handle price increases?
1. Occasional but noticeable increases (32%)
2. Small, regular increases (30%)
3. Only raise prices when forced to (24%)
4. Avoid them as long as possible (14%)
What do you think most limits growth for nail businesses?
1. Client loyalty (55%)
2. Pricing confidence (24%)
3. Time and capacity (21%)
88% use an online booking system to manage appointments