Nail-Salon-Industry-Statistics

28 Fascinating Nail Salon Industry Statistics for Beauty Lovers [2024]

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Maybe you’ve noticed that nail styling has become very popular. As a result, nail salons have become more affordable, and customers can now have styled nails with little or almost no effort. 

The nail salon industry includes various types of manicures, pedicures, and other beauty products and treatments, such as polishes or nail care accessories.

But how fast is this industry growing and why? Let’s take a peek at these nail salon industry statistics to find answers to these and many other questions.

Top Nail Industry Statistics (Editor’s Choice)

  • The global artificial nails market is expected to grow by 4.5% from 2019 to 2024.
  • The nail salon owners annually make around $67,000.
  • The average national nail tech income is $33,077 per year.
  • The demand for nail technicians is predicted to grow by 10% between 2016 and 2028.
  • Eight in ten nail workers in the US have experienced some kind of wage theft.
  • The usual size of a smaller nail salon is 1,000 square feet.
  • The average price for acrylic nails in Chicago is $50.
    The minimum age for acrylic nails in the majority of salons is 16.

Nail Salon Industry Statistics – Market Size, Growth and Revenue

27 Fascinating Nail Salon Industry Statistics for Fashion and Beauty Lovers [2021] F1

1. The nail care market is estimated to reach $11.6 billion by 2027.

(Globe Newswire)

Nail industry statistics for 2021 based on Globe Newswire’s research reveal that the global nail care market will grow at a CAGR of 2.3% between 2020 and 2027. The US nail care market is estimated at $2.7 billion.

2. The global artificial nails market is predicted to register a growth rate of 4.5% from 2019 to 2024.

(Market Research Future) (Market Research)

The global demand for artificial nails will increase because this industry constantly launches new or upgraded products. Not to mention that manicure trends regarding nail size, color, and shape are constantly changing.

3. Nail salon owners make around $67,000 every year.

(Epos Now)

Nail salon owner salary is estimated at $67,000. Nail salon income depends on the location, the number of workers, taxes, and so on. The most successful nail salons can bring in even more than $120,000 in annual income.

4. The global nail polish market is expected to reach $19.4 billion by the end of 2026.

(Statista)

The nail polish industry statistics show that the nail polish industry is growing. The primary reasons for that are constant innovations, such as glitter, sequins, or metallic colors. Let’s not forget nail extensions, which are the most popular among millennials.

5. The gel polish market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% from 2016 to 2024.

(Grand View Research)

Such statistics show how many people prefer gel polish over liquid one. Due to its affordability and durability, gel nail polish has become one of the essential products in the nail polish industry.

6. There are over one million hair and nail businesses in the US.

(IBIS World)

According to the latest hair and nail salon market research, the number of nail and hair salons has decreased by 1.7% compared to 2020. That’s probably because of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.

7. The US hair, nail, and skin salon market size is $42.8 billion.

(Statista)

As the beauty and nail salon industry statistics for 2021 indicate, the revenue has significantly decreased compared to 2017. Many business owners had to close their salons due to lockdowns.

Nail Salon Income, Business, Salaries, and Prices

7. In 2019, the median nail salon worker salary was $12.39 per hour, and their median yearly income was $25,770.

(BLS; Chron)

The salary depends on the working space and its location. Over 90% of employees work in personal care services, where nail technician salary is $10.49 per hour, or $21,810 per year. In other locations for nail salons, such as hotels, for example, it’s $13.18 per hour, or $27,410 per year. In department stores, the average salary is $11.74 per hour or $24,420 per year. In the US, over 111,780 manicure and pedicure professionals work in salons. 

8. The demand for nail technicians is high, and it’s expected to grow by 10% between 2016 and 2028.

(BLS) 

This growth is faster than average across occupations. Significant factors are population growth, changes in lifestyle, and beauty trends. There are many advantages of working as a nail technician, as well. Another thing that will contribute to the increased demands and nail tech income are new kinds of services, such as mobile nail technicians. 

9. The nail salon industry has a diverse community. Approximately 41% are Vietnamese, 39% are Caucasian, 10% are African-American, 7% are Hispanic, and 2% are Korean.

(Professional Beauty Association)

Nail salon worker demographics show that the Vietnamese are the most interested in working at or owning such a business. When it comes to gender demographics, women take up a large majority of all positions in the industry. Interestingly, nearly 30% of nail technicians are male in the Vietnamese community, and they usually work in their family business. The main reasons why the Vietnamese chose to work in this industry are mainly economic and social. There are few barriers to entry, the pay is good relative to their qualifications (and they’re often paid in cash), and it gives them an opportunity to work with their families and people from their communities.

10. Unfortunately, nail salon exploitation is not uncommon, and 8 in 10 workers in the US have experienced some kind of wage theft.

(The Progressive)

According to a report by the New York Nail Salon Workers Association, many workers receive only $80 to $100 a day. Most of them don’t even know that they have the right to a minimum wage. The owners exploit their workers by preying on their poor economic situation or immigration status, often threatening to report them to the immigration services. On average, nail salon workers lose around $181 per week to wage theft. 

11. Women aged 18 to 24 are the most frequent customers of nail polishes and styling services.

(Grand View Research)

The nail salon industry statistics show that women aged 18-24 mostly buy nail products in retail stores. The demand for these products is expected to increase due to the growing awareness of new beauty trends, changes in lifestyle, and the influence of social media platforms. As people are becoming more health-conscious and environmentally-friendly, the introduction of products with fewer chemicals and gel polishes which are more permanent is also expected to drive up the demand. 

(Scratch Magazine)

Most professionals will only provide services to customers who aren’t younger than 16 and will refuse service to children despite the parents’ consent. The reason for this is simple: they don’t think it’s healthy for children to expose their nails to chemicals at such a young age.

13. The usual size of a smaller nail salon is 1,000 square feet, and it will cost between $75,000 and $125,000 just to buy the equipment.

(Groupon)

Knowing about nail salon start up costs and setting prices is something every prospective owner has to take into consideration. Some reduce expenses by buying used equipment. Setting the manicure station comes next, and it costs $100-$200 for stools, and $100-$750 for a table. Drying lamps, nail polish displayers, and pedicure chairs can also add quite a bit to the total. After that, the only thing left to do is to establish the prices. It will mostly depend on the location of your salon and the number of clients who live in the neighborhood. Also, it’s good to check out other nail salons prices. 

14. The nail salon franchise build-out costs can exceed $500,000 in the US.

(Small Business Trends)

Buying a franchise is a very good way to drive more customers to your salon, although you need a lot of money to purchase it. Here are some of the most prominent nail salon franchises and their costs: Namaste Nails Sanctuary costs $100,000 in cash or liquid assets, and you have to have a minimum net worth of $500,000. Nail Garden’s initial fee is $30,000, but the build-out costs can rise to $400,000. Paintbase Nails, although small, is quite popular. Its initial fee is $30,000, and the build-out costs can be between $250,000 and $325,000. Although it’s quite pricey, buying a franchise is a faster way to garner nail salon business profits, rather than starting a business completely on your own. 

15. The average prices for nail services in the US in 2019 ranged from $22.75 for a basic manicure to $51.29 for a full set of gels.

(Statista)

As the statistics show, the prices for almost every nail service has increased, except for the acrylic fil. Acrylic nail prices have decreased from $30.51 in 2018 to $29.71 in 2019. The average price for a pedicure in the US is $35.46. The basic manicure went through the biggest change in pricing. In 2005, it was priced at $17.16. The only time a full gel set dipped below $40 since 2005 was in 2018 when it was priced at $29.41. Looking at the statistics, the mani-pedi prices are increasing rather steadily. 

Nail Industry Statistics—Interesting Facts About Nails, Nail Products, and Services

16. Gossip & Co. Nail Spa is one of the biggest nail salons in the US. It covers 8,500 square feet and it has over 70 spa pedicure chair stations.

(Houstonia Magazine)

This nail salon is located in Houston, and it’s possible that it’s the biggest nail salon in the world. The owners, Steve Nguyen and his wife, Lulu, have built a certified manicure mansion. Around 100 employees work there at a time. 

17. Neon nail polishes are illegal to produce in the US.

(Stylecaster)

This is probably one of the weirdest facts about nail polish. Apparently, neon colors are not registered with the FDA, meaning that, although they’re not illegal to wear, registering and producing neon nail polishes is simply too expensive. While smaller manufacturers play the odds and skirt the rules, most companies play it safe and produce nail polishes in bright and vivid colors, which can be a good replacement for neon colors. According to Doug Schoon, CND’s scientific adviser, the trend doesn’t seem to be growing, so it’s unlikely larger manufacturers will try making neon nail polish in the US anytime soon. 

18. The manicure process is harmful, and it can lead to dehydration and thinning of the nail plate.

(Teen Vogue)

While the process has detrimental effects on your nails, no matter the type, gel polish is a bit more harmful, because it can only dry under the LED light and have to be removed by soaking in acetone. In addition, the thick coating prevents nails from transferring Oxygen. Nail salon health risks are mostly connected to undergoing too many treatments. If nails are constantly covered with gel polish, it can lead to infection, nail beds, and even tumors. Picking and peeling increase the risk of complications and can lead to further damage. This is one of the most important gel nail polish health and safety facts people should keep in mind, because peeling can cause bacterial and fungal infections. 

(Harper’s Bazaar; Glamour)

The most common nail trends in 2020 are astrology, constellation patterns, stars, crystals, and even things associated with customers’ zodiac signs. Apart from that, simple plant and flower patterns are as popular as ever. There are also all kinds of French manicure variations, such as thinner lines or different colors. Milky ombre, gradient nails, and long acrylic nails are common as well. When it comes to colors, all shades of blue and green are popular, along with yellow, metallics, nude, matte, pastel colors. Pedicure trends for 2020 also show interesting patterns, such as animal or abstract prints, and acrylic powder drawings. 

20. Avoid the “toxic trio” when it comes to choosing the right nail polish.

(Dermadoctor)

The danger of the nail industry lies in chemicals which are usually the basic ingredients of many nail polishes. The so-called “toxic trio” (or “the big 3”) you should avoid at all costs consists of formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Formaldehyde helps the nail polish harden but it has many detrimental effects on the body and it’s linked to lung and nasal cancer. Dibutyl phthalate is even banned in Europe because it’s linked to reproductive issues. It’s used because it makes nail polishes less prone to chips and cracks. Toluene, which is also banned in Europe, can lead to headaches, nausea, and birth issues. Toluene makes nail polish look smoother. Try to avoid these 3 chemicals, especially if you live in the US, where they’re more likely to be used. Keep in mind that “toxic-free” labels are sometimes inaccurate. As the nail salon industry statistics show, products made by companies like OPI, Zoya, and Sheswai are tested and proven to be the safest. 

21. Acrylic nails were invented by a dentist named Maxwell Lappe, back in 1934.

(Woman’s World)

They served a completely different purpose: to help nail-biters stop biting their nails.

Acrylic nails are nail enhancements made by combining a liquid acrylic product (monomer) with a powdered acrylic product (polymer). There are many facts about acrylic nails you should know about before you decide to get them. For example, they are not always odorless, like gel nails. Also, simple actions, like picking up coins, for example, won’t be as easy as without them. 

22. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees.

(OSHA; Probeauty)

The nail salon health and safety policy must be respected because working in a nail salon can have detrimental effects on employees’ health. Daily exposure to toxins and chemicals can lead to respiratory issues, muscle strains, skin disorders, reproductive loss, or even cancer. That’s why the choice of the products, good ventilation, and proper safety procedures are required. Avoiding direct exposure to toxic chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (the “toxic trio”), or methacrylate compounds is crucial. 

Conclusion

Looking at these statistics, we can clearly see that working in this industry can be profitable. Many new trends and inventions have emerged, such as gel nail polish, acrylic nails, all kinds of nail extensions, and so on. Gel nail polishes have become popular due to their durability, making it easy to maintain flawless manicure or pedicure. Not to mention that chemists have developed efficient techniques to make acrylic nails look more natural, which contributes to this industry’s advancement. Another thing that influences it is population growth, and advertising on social media platforms. 

Of course, owning a nail salon or working in one has both pros and cons. The nail salon profits greatly vary depending on the location of the salon, but owners can buy a franchise and gain more profit faster. 

The cons of this industry are health risks and exposure to toxic chemicals, so working in safe conditions is of the utmost importance. Every employee and customer should be aware of the harmful effects of these treatments. That’s why many professionals won’t provide any kind of service to children or teenagers under the age of 16. Also, it’s important to note that the exploitation of employees by the salon’s owners is a problem, even though the situation has become better in recent years.

The nail salon industry statistics show that nail technicians are in higher demand than before, although the number of salons is decreasing. The prices of provided services show steady if somewhat inconsistent growth.

FAQ

How big is the nail salon industry?

It’s getting bigger. It’s revenue is growing, and the employment in the industry is estimated to grow by 13% over the next decade.

What is the nail industry worth?

The projected revenue for 2020 is $1,503.6 million.The estimated worth of this industry by 2024 is $15.55 billion.

How much does a nail salon make a month?

The nail salon owner salary is around $30.000.

What business activity is a nail salon?

The nail salon industry includes nail styling, such as manicures and pedicures, as well as other beauty products related to nail styling.

Are nail techs in high demand?

The demand for nail technicians is high, and it’s increasing.

What language is spoken in most nail salons?

Since most of the salons are owned by the Vietnamese as family businesses, don’t be surprised to hear it in the salon as well.

How many nail salons are there in the United States?

In 2018, there were 54,386 nail salons in the US.

Do nail salons make a lot of money?

Apparently, yes. Nail salon owners earn $40,000-$70,000 every year. 

Sources: