NHBF survey reveals snapshot of industry challenges

The National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) recently held its Respect Live 2026 congress where they revealed the findings of their State of Our Sector survey.

Co-hosted by Caroline Larissy, NHBF Chief Executive, and Jamie Mettyear, NHBF Vice President and Board Member (pictured above) , the event was held at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London, attended by NHBF members along with industry representatives including ABT's Melissa Dennis, Editor of Beauty & Hairdressing magazine. 

The NHBF State of the Sector Survey 2026 delivers a snapshot of the economic, workforce, regulatory and growth challenges facing our industries. Nearly three quarters of respondents reported their businesses operate on razor-thin margins, with most making only a small profit or breaking even. Many described being “busy but not profitable,” with one in five businesses already running at a loss.

Sam Silver, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the NHBF (pictured), said:

“These results show a sector that is working incredibly hard but operating with very little headroom. Many businesses are busy with clients yet still struggling to generate profit once rising employment costs, energy prices and other overheads are taken into account.

“The evidence also shows how these pressures are directly affecting decisions on recruitment, apprenticeships and investment. When micro-businesses are forced into survival mode, training and employment are often the first things to pause.”

In response to the survey findings, a series of insightful panel discussions took place exploring how meaningful reform can be achieved and how the NHBF Manifesto for 2026 will shape that process. 

National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF)

www.nhbf.co.uk