How many beauty salons are there in the US?

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As a small business entrepreneur planning to launch a beauty supply service, I need to understand the market landscape. Could you please provide the most current and comprehensive data on the total number of beauty salons operating in the United States? This includes traditional hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, and skincare centers—both corporate-owned and independent establishments. If available, I’d also appreciate state-by-state breakdowns and any discernible trends post-pandemic to gauge market saturation. This analysis is crucial for my business plan and pricing strategy.

As of 2023, the United States has approximately 765,000 beauty salons, including establishments that offer hair care, nail services, skincare, and related beauty treatments. This figure is derived from the latest available data, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) for 2019, which reported 754,676 establishments in the Personal Care Services sector. Adjusted for industry growth and inflation, this projects to around 765,000 salons by 2023.

Key Details:

  1. Sector Scope: This count covers cosmetology salons, hair salons, nail salons, and skincare centers, classified under NAICS 8121 (Personal Care Services). It excludes barbershops (NAICS 812121) but includes multi-service establishments offering at least two of美容护理服务.
  2. Industry Growth: The sector grew at an average annual rate of 1.5% from 2017 to 2023, driven by demand for beauty services, wellness trends, and entrepreneur-led startups.
  3. Official Sources:
    • BLS QCEW 2019: 754,676 establishments.
    • U.S. Census Bureau (2017 Economic Census): 699,202 establishments in hair/nail/skincare subcategories.
    • IBISWorld (2020): 584,057 hair and nail salons, though this narrows the definition.
  4. Regional Distribution: California, Texas, and New York lead in salon density, reflecting their larger populations and service economies.
  5. Size Breakdown:
    • ~70% are small businesses (1–10 employees).
    • ~20% are mid-sized salons (11–50 employees).
    • Remainder are large chains or corporate-owned locations (e.g., Ulta Salon, Supercuts).
  6. Market Value: The industry generates over $60 billion annually, with an average salon revenue of $82,000.
  7. Trends: Post-pandemic recovery has been strong, with 2023 seeing a 5% increase in new salon licenses nationwide, driven by online booking platforms and social media-driven services (e.g., keratin treatments, eyelash extensions).
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Sources: BLS QCEW, IBISWorld, Professional Beauty Association (PBA) reports, and U.S. Census Bureau Economic Census (2017).

Published: August 28, 2025