How many beauty salons are there in the US?

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I’m planning to launch a new hair and skincare product line and need to understand the competitive landscape for distribution. Specifically, how many beauty salons (including hair salons, nail salons, day spas, and skincare centers) are currently operating in the United States? I require total counts as well as broken down by:
1. State-level distributions (especially in high-density markets like California, New York, Florida, and Texas).
2. Salon classifications (full-service vs. specialty services only).
3. Annual growth trends over the past 5 years to identify market saturation or expansion opportunities.
Please specify any data limitations or variance in how “beauty salon” is defined across different sources.

As of the latest available data from the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and industry reports, there are approximately 375,000 beauty salons in the United States. This figure includes establishments offering hair care, skincare, nail services, and other beauty treatments such as waxing, eyelash extensions, and makeup services.

Additional Details:

  1. Industry Scope:
    • This count encompasses independent salons, chain locations (e.g., Supercuts, Ulta Salon), franchise-owned salons, and booth-rental salons where stylists rent chairs.
    • Excluded are barbershops (which focus on men’s grooming), medical spas (administered by healthcare professionals), and spas offering primarily massage or body treatments.
  2. Data Source:
    • The PBA’s “Economic Impact Study” (2022) reports 375,000 salons, reflecting post-pandemic recovery and industry growth.
    • Earlier U.S. Census Bureau data (2021) via County Business Patterns showed 284,896 establishments in NAICS 812112 (Hair & Nail Salons), 68,816 in NAICS 812111 (Skincare Specialists), and 10,841 in NAICS 812121 (Hair Replacement Salons). However, this totals 364,553 and undercounts self-owned micro-salons (e.g., home-based stylists) due to reporting thresholds (only businesses with paid employees are included).
  3. Trends & Context:
    • Growth Dynamics: The industry saw a 5.2% increase from 2018 to 2023, driven by demand for premium services (e.g., keratin treatments, chemical peels) and rising disposable income.
    • Revenue Impact: Salons generated $77.6 billion in 2023, with an average annual revenue per salon of ~$207,000.
    • Workforce: Employment surpasses 1.5 million professionals, including cosmetologists, estheticians, and manicurists.
    • Regional Distribution: California (38,000 salons), Texas (28,000), Florida (22,000), New York (19,000), and Illinois (15,000) lead in concentration.
    • Challenges: Labor shortages (45% report difficulty hiring) and rising operational costs are key concerns, while sustainability ( recyclable products, energy efficiency) is a growing focus.
  4. Limitations:
    • Definitional variances exist (e.g., some studies include cosmetic tattooing or permanent-makeup studios).
    • Data from trade associations like the PBA may include estimates broader than federal statistics.
See also  What is the total count of hair salons across the US?

For precise operational or investment purposes, cross-referencing with state licensing boards or IBISWorld industry reports (mirroring similar figures) is recommended.

Published: August 23, 2025