The beauty salon market - France

The French beauty salon market is enjoying sustained growth, driven by several key factors and significant figures. This dynamic is part of a global context in which the beauty and well-being market is enjoying sustained growth, with sales of $164.6 billion in 2023 and a projection of over $225 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7%. In France, this sector has demonstrated exceptional resilience, particularly after the Covid-19 crisis, returning to and exceeding its pre-crisis level by 2022. The clientele of beauty salons is diversifying, with a majority of women (70% have already visited), but also a significant increase in the number of men. Indeed, 29% of men have already visited a beauty salon, and 93% of them consider beauty to be important. Men are also more inclined to spend large sums of money in these institutes, with an average of 51 to 100 euros per visit, compared with 26 to 50 euros for women. The quest for well-being and improved self-image is a major motivation for consumers. Relaxation is the main reason for visiting an institute (73%), followed by the desire to take care of one's body (52%). In 2023, 47% of French people said they felt uncomfortable with their bodies, prompting them to visit institutes to improve their image. The French spend an average of 8.8 hours a week on their well-being, reflecting the importance they attach to this aspect of their lives. Consumer expectations in terms of naturalness and product transparency are also on the rise. Product composition is the third most important purchasing criterion (36%), behind price (46%) and efficacy (37%). 59% of consumers prefer environmentally-friendly cosmetics, and 44% are vigilant about their toxicity. The organic beauty care market grew by 4.8% in volume between July 2022 and July 2023, illustrating this growing trend towards more natural and transparent products. The sector's entrepreneurial dynamism and structural growth are also key factors in this expansion. The number of companies in the beauty and body care sector in France grew by almost 24.7% between 2018 and 2024, from 11,692 to 14,579. The number of salaried employees also increased by 25.9%, reaching 44,185 in 2024, supporting market growth. Specialization of the offering is a growing trend, enabling institutes to differentiate themselves. For example, the number of nail salons in the Île-de-France region rose sharply between 2017 and 2024, with an increase of 63% in Paris and 101% in Hauts-de-Seine. Brands like L'Onglerie and Skin Chic Paris specialize in specific niches, responding to increasingly segmented demand. Innovation and digitalization also play a crucial role in this growth. Institutes are seeking to offer innovative services that individuals cannot perform themselves, such as laser and pulsed light hair removal, now offered by institutes like Dépil Tech. New technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are beginning to appear, for example in skin analysis or massages. The Covid-19 crisis has accelerated the digitalization of the sector, with companies like Carlance renewing their digital offering to enable online appointment booking, the purchase of cosmetic products and gift vouchers on their site, and click & collect. Dedicated platforms such as Treatwell and Planity also facilitate online booking. The development of the franchise model is another major pillar in the growth of beauty salons in France. In 2022, the number of franchised outlets in the sector rose by 3.7% to 6,655 establishments, and their sales increased by 2% to 2.21 billion euros. Most of the major beauty salon networks opt for this model, with personal contributions ranging from €15,000 to €65,000, depending on the brand.

Last but not least, the growing importance of organic and natural products is a major market trend. Demand for organic and natural skincare and cosmetics is growing strongly, with 92% of women having already purchased this type of product by 2022. 59% of these women renew their purchases every quarter. This trend is reflected in institute offerings, with brands such as Citron Vert using only organic and natural products, and Yves Rocher championing a more responsible approach to beauty. Independent salons are even going so far as to commit to "zero waste", responding to a growing demand for more environmentally-friendly products.