Better Than a Crystal Ball - Beauty Industry Predictions You Can Actually Use

Jump on our beauty predictions for this year to get things off to a great start.

New year, new business opportunities. As a salon or spa owner, we are guessing that you have some goals in mind for this new year that involve your business. One of the best ways to do that is by jumping on some of the beauty industry trends that are in store for this coming year. To give you a head start on revamping your business strategy for 2022 (or just confirm you’re 100% on point), here are some of our beauty industry predictions.

What to expect from the beauty industry in 2022

1. Social Media Features. Your salon or spa is likely already using social media to help grow your client base, and that’s definitely something you should continue doing. It’s one of the best ways to connect with your clients and to show off the services and experiences that you offer. 

However, in 2022 you should start using your social channels to give clients new ways to interact with your beauty biz. We are talking about things like the ability to book appointments via the link in your Instagram bio as well as incorporating shoppable IG posts into your regular content. (Boulevard is your friend here! Sync with NetSuite or Shopify in a snap.)

If clients don’t even have to get dressed to buy their favorite product from your salon or spa and can order it from IG right to their door, that is going to provide them with service that will keep them coming back for more. And if they can book their next appointment while scrolling through photos of their BFF’s new baby, consider that a major bonus, too. 

2. Inclusive Beauty. No longer is the beauty industry focusing its efforts solely on women. In 2022 we are expecting to see more of a shift to include men, non-binary individuals, and POC as well. The pandemic led to widespread adoption of  beauty routines as a critical component of self-care, and that trend will grow throughout 2022. 

In addition to that the idea of “beauty” has become much more inclusive as new product lines have made efforts to serve a wider range of skin tones and hair textures. The idea that masculinity is just about using a 10-in-one product to do everything is out the window. We predict a continuing shift that completely alters the idea of beauty of being what women do to attract romantic partners, but rather something that contributes to anyone’s overall well-being and confidence. 

3. “Cleanicles.” It’s no secret that people want ingredients that are natural and eco-friendly, but it’s also no secret that people still want their beauty products to work. Thus, we expect to see more beauty products that are packed full of ingredients that are good for you, but are clinical grade, hence the term “cleanicle.” Think things like science-backed acid treatments, supercreams, serums, and more that are clean and safe for your skin. 

4. Price increases. This may not be the most fun beauty industry prediction for 2022, but it is the reality of our current world. According to the Washington Post, “inflation [is] emerging as [the] top economic challenge in 2022.” During the pandemic, demand has spiked while supply has fallen. While the supply chain has improved as people have adjusted a bit more to COVID life, there is no denying that inflation is something we are currently facing and it is expected to continue in 2022. 

One of the ways your salon or spa can react to inflation is to increase your prices. We know, we know — it’s not what you or your clients want to have happen, but it is seeming like a necessity to keep your business afloat as the costs of running your beauty biz will also increase this year. 

When setting new prices for your salon or spa, always be sure to tell your clients ahead of time. You don’t want to slap them with a surprise as they’re about to pay for their service. In addition to that, you may want to consider offering a free or discounted service or some kind of special gift to ease the blow a little bit. Feel free to be transparent about why the change is necessary; your honesty will reinforce the trust you’ve built with your clients.

5. Core values. COVID really showed peoples’ true colors, and business’ too as everyone reviewed their personal and professional priorities. It’s become more important now than ever to let your clients know your beauty biz’s core values so that they can determine whether they align with what’s important to them, personally. 

It’s possible you have never taken the time to put your business’ values into words, so this is a great opportunity to reflect on what matters most. Some of the most important core values you could consider include:

• Professionalism

• Guest satisfaction

• Value

• Positivity

• Community support

• Cleanliness

• Enthusiasm

• Career growth

We don’t know about you, but we are excited to see what 2022 has in store for us, and we think it will bring some great business to your salon or spa.