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From new safety frameworks to rising material costs, here’s what’s shaping the industry right now

Beauty salon material costs surge 90% in a decade as UK inflation outpaces consumer prices, new study finds

Beauty salons are facing mounting financial pressure as material and supply costs have risen by 90% over the past decade, according to new research from card payment provider Dojo.

Published in Dojo’s UK Inflation Index, the study found beauty businesses are among the sectors hardest hit by inflation, with operating costs rising significantly faster than consumer prices.

The research analysed 10 key business cost categories between 2015 and 2025, including energy, rent, labour, insurance and salon supplies.

While average material costs across UK businesses rose by 64%, beauty salons experienced a much sharper increase due to their reliance on specialist consumables, professional-grade products and tools essential for daily treatments.

Overall running costs for beauty salons increased by 50% over the decade. Key pressures included energy costs rising 87% across sectors, insurance and licensing costs increasing by 76%, and labour costs climbing 38%.

Dojo also identified a widening inflation gap between business costs and consumer prices. While the CPIH Index showed consumer prices rose 39.4% between 2015 and 2025, average SME operating costs increased by 48%, leaving many salons unable to fully pass rising expenses onto clients.

Charlie Ashworth, head of research and insights at Dojo, said business owners should focus on improving operational efficiency, reviewing supplier contracts and adapting pricing strategies to protect margins.

The findings place beauty salons among the UK industries most affected by long-term inflationary pressure, highlighting ongoing challenges around profitability and sustainability.

Microneedling safety guide for beauty professionals launched in parliament

Professional skincare brand Dermalogica has partnered with industry body Babtac to launch the Sharp Standards Guide to Microneedling, a new resource designed to help UK beauty professionals deliver safe, compliant treatments amid ongoing regulatory confusion.

Available to all practitioners, not just Dermalogica partners or Babtac members, the guide aims to simplify the legal and professional requirements surrounding microneedling – one of the UK’s fastest-growing non-surgical cosmetic treatments.

Although minimally invasive, microneedling involves controlled skin puncturing and carries risks including infection, needlestick injuries and adverse reactions.

However, regulation of non-surgical cosmetic procedures varies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, leaving many beauty businesses to interpret legislation independently.

The new guide draws on UK legislation including the Health and Safety at Work Act, COSHH, RIDDOR and UK GDPR, alongside nation-specific licensing frameworks.

It covers areas including infection control, premises hygiene, client consent, training, PPE, sharps disposal and record keeping. Dermalogica and Babtac said the guidance is intended to provide practical support while calls for stricter regulation continue across the sector.

The Sharp Standards Guide was launched at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster and is now available through Dermalogica’s professional platform.

UV radiation labelled a “preventable public health crisis” in new parliamentary report

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Beauty, Hair & Wellbeing has described UV radiation exposure as a “preventable public health crisis” in a new report calling for major reforms to UK sun safety policy.

Launched in Parliament on May 13, the report warns the UK lacks a coordinated national UV safety strategy despite melanoma rates projected to rise 9% by 2038, reaching 26,500 new cases annually.

Key recommendations include reducing VAT on SPF 30+ sunscreen, with children’s sunscreen cut to 0% VAT and adult SPF products reduced to 5%. The APPG argues sunscreen should be treated as an essential health product rather than a cosmetic item.

The report also called for stricter regulation of commercial sunbeds, including a ban on advertising and tobacco-style health warnings, citing research published in the British Medical Journal that indicated sunbed use before age 35 increases melanoma risk by 59%.

Mandatory UV safety education in schools and compulsory mole-identification training for beauty and hair professionals were also proposed.

Carolyn Harris MP, chair of the APPG, urged the Government to introduce a long-term national UV awareness campaign modelled on Australia’s successful “Slip, Slop, Slap!” initiative.

World Spa & Wellness Awards 2026 shortlist announced

Following an intensive first round of judging, the finalists for the 2026 World Spa and Wellness Awards have been revealed.

Spanning 14 categories, the awards recognise excellence in wellness provision, treatment delivery customer care, business skills, leadership and sustainability from across the globe.

The shortlist includes regional categories by continent, as well as global awards for the Spa Leader, Spa Team, Sustainable Spa, Independent Spa Business, and Worldwide Hotel/ Resort or Health & Wellness Destination of the Year.

Some of the UK spas to make the list this year include Banya No.1 in London, Carden Park in Cheshire, The Norfolk Mead Hotel & Spa in Norfolk and The Spa at Breedon Priory in Derbyshire, all of which are nominated for Independent Spa Business of the Year.

Meanwhile, Gaia Spa in Devon, Hoar Cross Hall in Staffordshire and London's The Dorchester Spa are all shortlisted for Hotel Spa of the Year: Western Europe & Scandinavia, while The Langham London made the Sustainable Spa category.

Following a second round of judging, winners will be announced in London on October 4. Check out the full international World Spa & Wellness Awards 2026 shortlist at professionalbeauty.co.uk/wswfinalists.

…IN BRIEF

Harvey Nichols has launched a wellness destination on the fourth floor of its Knightsbridge flagship store. The renovated floor blends fashion, fitness, nutrition and beauty services, in a holistic approach to modern wellbeing. The floor is also now home to Harvey Nichols Clinic, a suite of aesthetic and therapeutic beauty services.

Sweet Bee Organics has partnered with The Ned London – marking the first time the brand’s wellness formulations have been offered in a spa setting. The collaboration debuts the Sweet Bee Magnesium Massage, an 80-minute restorative treatment designed to soothe muscles, ease inflammation, and restore balance from the inside out.

North Yorkshire-based country house hotel, Gisborough Hall has appointed Vicki Jackson as spa director. Jackson has been part of the Gisborough Hall team since 2017, beginning as business development manager before progressing to deputy hotel manager. In her new role she will oversee strategic direction and operations of the hotel’s spa and wellness facilities.

Fitness equipment brand Technogym has been named by Time magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential Companies in the World for 2026. The recognition highlights Technogym’s global impact on the wellness and fitness industry, including its long standing Olympic partnership, and innovations such as its AI-based ecosystem.

Tonic Day Spa in Cannock has become the first clinic in the Midlands to introduce CACI’s new multi-technology system Rejuva Med. The business recently held a launch evening, which included live demonstrations and time for questions, so guests could understand how Rejuva Med works and what it offers.

Apprenticeships to be put on "equal footing" with university degrees under government skills reforms

Apprenticeships will be placed on an “equal footing” with university degrees as part of new Government plans to reform skills training and create opportunity for young people.

The pledge was announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as part of wider apprenticeship and skills reforms aimed at tackling youth unemployment and addressing skills shortages across industries including beauty, hair and wellness.

Under the plans, the government said it would “tear up the status quo” around skills and training by improving access to apprenticeships and creating clearer vocational pathways for young people who do not choose university routes.

Financial incentives for employers are also set to increase, including a new £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant for businesses hiring 18–24-year-olds who have been on Universal Credit for six months, alongside a £2,000 apprenticeship incentive for SMEs taking on 16–24-year-old apprentices.

From August 2026, apprenticeship training for under-25s employed by small and medium-sized businesses is set to become fully government funded, following the removal of the current 5% co-investment requirement for eligible apprentices.

Ministers said apprenticeships should be viewed as a prestigious and valuable career route rather than a secondary option to higher education.

Met Gala 2026 beauty and nail trends: the best looks

The Met Gala 2026 delivered a showcase of beauty as art, with the theme “Fashion is Art” inspiring some of the most creative makeup, nail and skin moments seen on the red carpet in recent years.

Held at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, the event celebrated the Costume Institute’s “Costume Art” exhibition and set the tone for emerging beauty trends blending editorial artistry with wearable glamour.

Standout looks included pop star Sabrina Carpenter’s vintage Hollywood-inspired glamour, featuring a berry lip, soft brown eyeshadow and a black-tipped French manicure with silver film-reel detailing, highlighting the rise of story-led nail art.

Actress Keke Palmer embraced bold monochrome beauty, pairing a scarlet lip with smoked red eyes and blush for a high-impact, tonal makeup statement, while model Ashley Graham took a skin-first approach with glowing, natural makeup and chrome-dipped sculptural hands, reinforcing a shift towards texture-led, minimalist beauty.

Meanwhile, rapper Doechii opted for earthy, tonal glam with jewel-toned eyeshadow, crystal-inspired nails and her first henna design, tying her look to heritage and symbolism.

Model Anok Yai delivered a golden, sculptural beauty moment with full-body shimmer, elongated eyeliner and 3D tear prosthetics inspired by religious iconography.

And singer Tyla opted for mermaid-inspired iridescent glamour, layering bronzed tones, shimmer and glitter across skin for a luminous, fluid finish.

…IN BRIEF

Hyde London City has partnered with online retailer Lookfantastic to launch Self Care Room Service for hotel guests. The £50 beauty edits include travel-sized wellness and skincare products designed for travellers, including forgotten essentials and new product launches, delivered directly to rooms at the 111-room London hotel.

Beauty Systems Group is the new retail partner for The GelBottle Inc. across the United States, which will see the professional nail brand distributed across 487 Cosmoprof stores. 96 stores will carry a large TGB fixture with a 108-SKU curated assortment, while a further 391 stores will carry a focused 29-SKU assortment of TGB essentials.

Sk:n Clinics has launched medical-grade microneedling treatment Skinpen across 15 of its clinics nationwide. Designed to deliver consistent, precise results, it works by stimulating the skin’s natural collagen and elastin production to improve skin texture, tone, and firmness.

Bio Sculpture has become the first nail brand to achieve Cibtac-endorsed recognition for its professional training, which confirms its programmes have been independently assessed and meet internationally recognised standards.

Yorkshire Spa Retreat has introduced immersive, three-night luxury wellness retreats. Set on the edge of the North York Moors, the experiences combine lodge accommodation with a programme of wellbeing activities. Each retreat includes a 60-minute spa treatment using natural British skincare brand Tribe517, alongside access to expert-led sessions and small-group experiences.

CACI announces KOL for Rejuva Med system

CACI has appointed Larissa Warren, founder of The Expert Skin Clinic in Northampton, as a regional key opinion leader (KOL) for its Rejuva Med system.

The appointment recognises Warren’s expertise in advanced skin treatments and her growing influence within the aesthetics industry.

Specialising in concerns including ageing, acne, rosacea and pigmentation, Warren is also known for integrating the Map My Mole service into her clinic following her own skin cancer experience.

The service combines professional skin assessments with rapid expert analysis, supporting early detection and awareness of serious skin conditions.

In her new role, Warren will work with CACI to educate practitioners and showcase the benefits of the Rejuva Med system.

“Larissa’s dedication to excellence and her client-centric approach focused on personalised care and long-term skin health make her an ideal ambassador for Rejuva Med,” said Dean Nathanson, managing director of CACI.

“Her expertise will be invaluable, as we continue to expand awareness and adoption of this innovative multi-technology system.”

Ellisons launches Gharieni wellness suite and showroom in the UK

Ellisons has launched a dedicated Gharieni wellness suite and showroom at its headquarters in the Midlands, giving UK spa and wellness professionals direct access to the brand’s latest equipment and technologies.

The new space has been created in response to growing demand for high-end, experience-led treatments and touchless wellness solutions.

The Gharieni Spa and Wellness Furniture Suite offers spa operators, consultants and project managers the opportunity to explore Gharieni’s portfolio without the need to travel to Germany, where the manufacturer is based.

Products available to view include the MLE Neo Spa Table, MO1 Max Spa Table and 601 multifunctional spa table, alongside relaxation loungers such as the RLR lounger and RL Aqua heated waterbed.

Lemi introduces digital platform My Lemi

Lemi has launched My Lemi, a new digital platform designed to simplify after-sales support and strengthen connections with wellness professionals.

Created for spas, beauty centres, clinics and operators, the platform offers a space where users can open and manage assistance tickets, track updates and communicate directly with Lemi’s support team.

Conceived as an evolving ecosystem, My Lemi will soon expand with features including product registration, access to company news and a digital library containing manuals, technical sheets and official documentation.

DIARY DATES

June 8

LEEDS REGIONAL SUMMIT

Royal Armouries Museum, Leeds

Wrapping up the new regional summit schedule, we’re bringing expert business education to Leeds.

020 7351 0536

professionalbeauty.co.uk/regional-growth-summits