News
PB NEWS
From changing client demands to a renewed push for consumer safety, here’s what’s shaping the industry now
Consumers will increasingly seek to prioritise mindful rituals, shows new report
A new white paper from trend forecaster WGSN has identified a growing consumer sector that prioritises mindfulness, community and restoration.
The report shows that consumer identities are becoming increasingly fluid, with people defined less by traditional demographics such as age, income and geography, and more by their beliefs, emotions and values.
Built on its proprietary STEPIC methodology (analysing shifts across society, technology, environment, politics, industry and creativity) WGSN identified a new IP-owned persona: The Restorer, a “calm and sensory-aware” consumer looking to escape the pressures of an always-on world.
Key characteristics of The Restorer
Slow down: seeking balance and escape from an always-on world
Value craft: Drawn to brands that celebrate time, skill and human touch
Live simply: Prioritise mindful rituals, pleasure and meaningful connections
Consume consciously: Buy less but better, favouring local and ethical brands
Choose the tangible: Prefer tactile products and experiences with a sense of craftsmanship.
Simplicity, sensory reduction, mindfulness and “visual silence” are all identified as ways to appeal to The Restorer. In a beauty environment, this could translate into quieter treatment spaces, calming music, softer lighting and considered scent.
WGSN also identified proximity, connection and ritual as important to The Restorer, suggesting opportunities for beauty businesses to create spaces where clients feel part of a community, rather than simply customers. It also highlighted the importance of long-term support, with products and experiences that evolve alongside customers.
Sienna Piccioni, director, WGSN Beauty, said beauty and wellness will play an important role in helping The Restorer regulate their nervous systems and create moments of quiet.
“They turn to neuro-cosmetics, sensorial formulations and tactile habits that ground the mind and body,” she said.
England councils receiving hundreds of allegations linked to unsafe non-surgical cosmetic procedures
Councils across England have received hundreds of allegations involving injury, infection, unsafe practice or other medical complications linked to non-surgical cosmetic procedures, a new study has shown.
Aesthetic equipment manufacturer VIP Italia requested data from 316 local authorities across England to understand the number of complaints, investigations, and enforcement actions related to clinics and practitioners providing treatments such as dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, and non-surgical Brazilian Butt Lifts.
Following the request, 161 councils provided usable data, which revealed that 1,788 complaints were recorded between January 2021 and May 2026, including 1,671 outside London and 117 in the capital.
Complaints increased by 38% between 2023 and 2024, with a further 376 complaints recorded in 2025.
Of the 145 authorities that supplied figures for harm-related allegations, 94 reported at least one allegation, with 363 of these allegations recorded in total.
Wolverhampton City Council recorded the highest number of harm-related allegations (46) followed by Durham (24), Sandwell (16) and Devon (16), and Hertfordshire (14).
In London, Wandsworth recorded the most harm-related allegations (10) followed by Barnet (seven) and Kensington and Chelsea (five).
Hampshire County Council recorded the most complaints overall (450), followed by Reading (79), Wiltshire (76), Gedling (55) and Lancashire (53).
Councils reported 1,869 inspections, investigations or visits, although recording practices varied considerably.
Councils reported a wide range of enforcement and follow-up action. North Somerset recorded 22 prohibition notices; Wolverhampton reported 19 warning letters, four prohibition notices and four improvement notices; Tameside recorded 18 warning letters and eight other actions; while Salford reported seven prohibition notices, three improvement notices and a written warning on BBLs sent to 90 businesses.
…IN BRIEF
Kallima Health Club & Spa, located within Hilton London Syon Park, is partnering with Aromatherapy Associates to introduce a new collection of restorative rituals. They will combine therapeutic touch with blended essential oils, helping guests experience meaningful wellbeing benefits.
Celebrity nail artist Jenni Draper has begun a residency in John Frieda Salon in Mayfair, London. Draper has introduced a collection of bespoke manicures and pedicures, all of which reflect her 25+ years of experience at the front of beauty and fashion. Jenni's Signature Luxury Manicure, for example, is a 75-minute treatment that includes a CACI Hand Rejuvenation treatment: a hand mask paired with Electro Gloves using micro-current technology to lift, firm, and hydrate .
Smart Group Medical, the official UK distributor of AQ Skin Solutions, has appointed Wigmore Medical as its exclusive pharmacy partner for the brand, further expanding access to the internationally recognised growth factor range for aesthetic practitioners across the UK.
Margaret Dabbs London has significantly expanded its presence at iconic London department store Harrods with the relaunch of its Wellness Clinic on the 4th Floor, alongside a new standalone retail listing on the 5th Floor. The newly relaunched Wellness Clinic offers the brand’s Ultimate Luxury Medical Pedicure, delivered by a principal podiatrist
Triplebond, a social wellness members’ club located in Marylebone, has now opened. The space features a hot studio with built-in infrared technology, fire and ice circuits, a social lymphatic lounge, a private hyperbaric oxygen chamber, and more.
9 in 10 people report skin quality concerns, global survey finds
Nine in 10 people experience concerns about the quality of their skin, according to a global survey commissioned by dermatology company Galderma.
The research surveyed more than 11,000 people across 11 countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas, including the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, the US, Brazil, China, Korea, Thailand and India.
Respondents reported experiencing an average of two skin quality concerns during the previous month, with fine lines and wrinkles, dry skin and dull skin emerging as the most common issues.
The findings also suggest that skin quality can affect more than appearance, with 85% of respondents saying it has an impact on their quality of life.
More than one in three reported feeling self-conscious, insecure or anxious because of poor skin quality.
Fine lines and wrinkles were reported by 41% of respondents, followed by dry skin at 40% and dull skin at 37%. Age spots, oily skin, decreased firmness and enlarged pores were also identified as notable concerns.
Although the face was the area most frequently affected, respondents also reported concerns relating to the neck, legs and upper arms.
Scarring, including acne scarring, was rated as the most bothersome skin quality concern, followed by fine lines and wrinkles. Within Europe specifically, the most commonly reported concerns were dry skin, lines and wrinkles, dull skin and oily skin.
Respondents said the attributes they associated most strongly with good skin quality were smooth, hydrated and glowing skin.
PB’s At The Heart Of The Community campaign launches downloadable resources
Professional Beauty Group launched the major industry campaign “At The Heart Of The Community” this summer, to help the salon and spa sector loudly demonstrate its economic and community value.
Having asked beauty professionals to vote on a graphic to represent the campaign, Professional Beauty Group has now launched a suite of marketing materials and political engagement tools that salons can access to support their business:
1. Writing to MPs, local councillors, and local press
Salons can download adaptable template emails to MPs addressing core industry challenges including VAT relief and business rates, plus support for training, recruitment, and education funding.
There is also a template email to introduce the business to local press and radio.
2. Community PR and local promotion
The campaign provides dedicated PR resources to help businesses demonstrate their local value, including a ready-made press release for local news outlets and radio stations, a downloadable fact sheet featuring key industry stats, and examples of salon stories to help owners highlight their own contributions to the community.
3. Window stickers
Physical campaign window stickers will be available free for salon owners to collect at the upcoming Professional Beauty London show.
4. Social media toolkit
Salons can download branded graphics for social media to share across their channels using the official campaign hashtag #HeartOfTheCommunity.
5. Posters
Salons and other beauty business owners can now also download professionally designed posters to print and display in their windows or reception areas.
The resources can be downloaded at professionalbeauty.co.uk/community
Half of beauty appointments booked less than 24 hours ahead
Almost half of beauty and wellness appointments are booked less than 24 hours in advance, according to new data released by Treatwell.
The booking platform reported that 47% of appointments are made within 24 hours, and more than half (52%) are also booked outside standard working hours, with Sunday evenings a particularly popular time for consumers to arrange treatments ahead of the coming week.
Nail, waxing and brow services remain among the most common last-minute beauty bookings.
The survey also found that holiday beauty treatments have moved beyond pre-travel preparation.
Two thirds (66%) now have beauty treatments while on holiday, with lower prices and having more time to relax among the reasons.
Overall, 88% said they had booked, or would consider booking, a beauty treatment while abroad.
Manicures and pedicures were among the treatments travellers were most interested in booking overseas, selected by 18% .
Turkish baths and facial treatments, including spa facials, chemical peels and LED, were also selected by 18%, while 17% expressed interest in hot stone massage.
The top 20 also included body scrubs, aromatherapy massage, hair and scalp treatments, reflexology, acupuncture and threading.
Treatwell has introduced an international booking function allowing users to book overseas appointments in English.
76% of UK small business owners create social media content every week, research finds
More than three-quarters (76%) of UK small business owners spend time every week creating or editing social media content for their business, according to new research from specialist insurer Markel Direct.
The survey of 501 UK small business owners found that more than half (54%) spend between one and three hours each week creating content for social media, while 11% spend up to a full working day every week.
Almost seven in 10 (69%) said they have never hired someone to create content on their behalf, while 65% have never received social media training and 63% struggle to stand out from competitors.
Despite this, 55% feel pressure to create content regularly. Nearly a quarter (24%) said they had experienced negative comments online, while 25% had edited or deleted posts following criticism.
The research also found that 19% do not always obtain client permission before posting images or videos of completed work, and 28% would not know what steps to take if a client raised a legal concern about content shared on social media.
…IN BRIEF
Townhouse has launched the RedLight Therapy Manicure, created in partnership with medical skin-tech brand Foreo. Using eight LED wavelengths, including red light and near-infrared light, the treatment is designed to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots, while supporting firmer, more youthful looking skin.
Dermalogica has been recognised with a 2026 Princess Royal Training Award for its commitment to professional education and upskilling within the skin health industry. The award recognises Dermalogica UK’s in-house Level 4 Award in Microneedling Treatments, which was introduced to strengthen workforce capability and ensure therapists are equipped to deliver credible and safe training in advanced aesthetics.
Adult-only spa Manor House Alsager has unveiled a range of autumnal spa packages, including The Amber Ritual – the season’s signature treatment combining a 30-minute back massage with a 30-minute Glow Facial – alongside a new spritz menu featuring Cranberry Aperol, Limoncello & Blackberry, and Autumnal Hugo.
Wigmore Medical has launchedthisislayered.com, a new platform shaped by real practitioner insight designed to help consumers better understand the worlds of skin, wellness, beauty, and aesthetics. It aims to bringing a considered perspective to a category full of choice, change and often conflicting advice.
Hotel de France in Jersey has launched The Wellness Reset, a new holistic programme designed to give guests the time and space to reconnect with themselves through a combination of movement, mindful practices, Ayurvedic treatments and restorative experiences. The programme can be tailored for stays of between two and seven nights.
…IN BRIEF
Health and wellness music platform Myndstream has created a scheduling feature for The Stream, its streaming platform that spas use to personalise guest experiences with music. Spa teams can now plan an entire day, week or month of music in advance, including the gaps between treatments, so the room is always set without a therapist needing to think about the music between clients.
iS Clinical has added Alta Medi to its UK partner network. The doctor-led medical aesthetics clinic based in Marylebone will introduce clients to iS Clinical's Fire & Ice Resurfacing Facial, alongside the brand's full suite of results-driven formulations.
Healthxchange has received investment from Growth Partner, the investment firm founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Harpin. Growth Partner supports founder-led businesses through periods of growth and the backing will help Healthxchange invest in education and service.
Booking Platform Treatwell is launching a new AI Receptionist, designed to tackle day-to-day admin that can take up to four hours of a salon professional’s day. Capabilities will include: answering calls; managing bookings, rescheduling and cancellations; and handling common client queries.
Following the acquisition of Premier Software in 2023, Journey has announced the wider availability of its Experience Management System (EMS). EMS helps hotels manage the wider guest experience – from treatments, memberships and leisure facilities to activities, experiences and other bookable services. Journey is now guiding customers through a structured migration programme.
Urban Retreat set to return with the launch of Urban Retreat Suites
Urban Retreat, which formerly ran the spa in iconic department store Harrods, is returning, with a new space for freelance hair, beauty and wellness professionals to operate from.
The first Urban Retreat Suites location, One Smithfield, is set to open in central London in November.
The venture is being launched by Urban Retreat founder George Hammer along with hair industry educator John Gillespie, who has been named as chief executive.
It has been established to respond to a shift in the market that has seen many practitioners go solo while still wanting the support and sense of belonging associated with an established salon or spa.
The founders said the space is also intended to operate as a destination for the wider professional community, offering a location for education, brand launches, industry meetings and creative connection.
Education, mentoring and partnerships will form part of the longer term vision, helping independent professionals develop both creatively and commercially.
Urban Retreat founder George Hammer said, "The industry has evolved, and this is our opportunity to evolve with it. Urban Retreat Suites gives outstanding professionals the stature and surroundings of a leading luxury brand, while allowing them to own what they create, from their client experience to their future growth."
Gisborough Hall opens £3.5m Sakura Spa in North Yorkshire
Yorkshire’s Gisborough Hall Country House Hotel & Spa has opened the £3.5m Sakura Spa, combining indoor treatment and relaxation spaces with an outdoor thermal garden overlooking the surrounding woodland.
Sakura Spa has six treatment rooms, including a couples’ suite and a dedicated head spa. Its treatment menu uses Elemis and Bamford products, alongside touchless wellness technology.
Designed by Nic Tamlin, with spa consultancy from Nicki Kurran, the interiors combine Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian influences, using natural stone, warm wood, tactile materials and a muted colour palette.
The woodland thermal garden is designed around a circuit of hot, cold and relaxation experiences.
Facilities include an outdoor vitality pool, Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, salt steam room and cold plunge, showers, a sun terrace and secluded relaxation areas.
AGB Services supplied the pool facilities and Anapos the sauna equipment. Ellisons supplied treatment beds, while Gharieni Welnamis equipment was sourced for the touchless wellness room.
BC Softwear provided towels and spa linens, Sunset Vibes supplied uniforms, and Journey the spa-management software.
DIARY DATES
October 4-5
PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY LONDON
Excel London
Europe’s leading beauty and spa event, featuring live education stages plus international conferences.
020 7351 0536
professionalbeauty.co.uk/London
October 4
WORLD SPA WELLNESS AWARDS
The Brewery, London
An awards ceremony celebrating excellence across the global spa and wellness industry.
020 7351 0536
professionalbeauty.co.uk/wswa
October 11
THE BRIDAL BEAUTY FESTIVAL 2026
The Ministry, Borough, London
An event celebrating bridal hair, makeup, skincare, and top beauty experts, with panels, masterclasses and complimentary treatments.
thebridalbeautycompany.com
October 12-25
BRITISH BEAUTY WEEK
Nationwide
British Beauty Week 2026 will see brands spotlighting “The Impact of Beauty” through activations across the UK.
britishbeautyweek.co.uk
November 8
BABTAC & CIBTAC AWARDS
The Fairmont Windsor Park
Awards celebrating practitioners, salons, spas and educators from across UK beauty businesses.
01452 623110
babtac.com
January 28-30
IMCAS WORLD 2027
Palais des Congrès de Paris, Paris
International expo covering aesthetic procedures.
+33 (0) 140 738 282
imcas.com/en
Dermalogica Pro appoints Medfx as official professional supplier
Medfx has been appointed the official professional distributor for Dermalogica Pro in the UK, bringing the professional skin health brand into the medical aesthetics supply chain via an exclusive partnership.
The companies said that the deal responds to a shift in clinic demand; as patients look for skin health results alongside injectables and energy-based treatments, and practitioners are being asked for credible, protocol-led skincare they can stand behind clinically.
Professional packages are available from launch, built around two core treatment routes: a microneedling package, led by the Pro Pen system, and a chemical peel package built on the Pro Power Peel collection.
Both are supported by professional back bar formulas and a focused retail range for patient homecare, so clinics can extend results between appointments.
Cirsten Hannken, general manager, Dermalogica UK & Ireland, said the partnership was “an important step in bringing our advanced Pro treatments – including our microneedling and chemical peel protocols – to more healthcare professionals, backed by the same education-led approach that has underpinned Dermalogica's professional heritage for 40 years.”
Phorest achieves B Corp Certification
Salon, spa and clinic software brand Phorest has announced it is now a Certified B Corporation.
Phorest completed the B Impact Assessment – a rigorous evaluation by B Lab, the independent non-profit behind B Corp Certification, across five areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers.
With an impact score of 89, Phorest performed particularly strongly in areas such as its commitment to the community. Through the Phorest Forest initiative, Phorest planted 800 trees in 2024 and has purchased 15 acres of forestry in Co. Longford, Ireland, with aims to positively impact the local ecosystem through planting trees.
“Since Phorest was founded in 2004, our goal has been to build a business that genuinely supports the salon industry long after we are gone,” said founder and chief executive Ronan Perceval .
“Intent is one thing, but formalising it is another. By embedding this commitment directly into our legal structure, we ensure that our dedication to our clients, our team, and our planet cannot be quietly set aside when things get difficult or short-term industry pressures mount.”