The beauty industry has always been changing and evolving; all you need to do is look back at how the different generations style their hair and carry out their makeup routines. Different cultures, trends and consumer preferences have developed over the years. However, with technology, artificial intelligence (AI), social media and other elements of beauty, the industry has seen some new and dramatic changes in the last ten years. From the growing demand for sustainable products to skin-care-focused routines and surgical procedures, today’s beauty landscape looks very different from what it was a decade ago.
There are many things about the growing and evolving beauty industry, for example, consumers have never been more informed thanks to social media. It has completely transformed the way that businesses market their products, how people share what they are doing to get glowing skin, and how trends spread (and how quickly). This has meant a rise in transparency for business values and important things like ingredients. Beauty professionals also have the challenge of learning new products, techniques and growing regulations.
Whether you are a beauty professional or a beauty enthusiast, understanding these changes is not only interesting to read, but can also offer some insight into the future changes you can expect of the industry too.
Skincare first beauty
Ten years ago, makeup was the centre of beauty conversations. Even not that long ago, beauty enthusiastics saw full coverage foundations, dramatic face-changing contouring and elaborate makeup tutorials all over their social media feeds. While makeup is still extremely popular and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon, the spotlight has shifted toward a skincare-first routine.
Today, people are investing more time in learning about their unique skincare needs and spending money on maintaining healthy skin. This is great news, as people are making their skin healthy, rather than trying to just cover over imperfections. There is also a movement for natural skin and makeup, where people are embracing different skin types, textures, and blemishes.
Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are becoming popular, as people are spending more time reading what ingredients are in their skincare, researching different formulas and generally being more aware of what they are putting on their skin and whether it meets their needs.
This has also led to an increase in professional skincare services, such as chemical peels, facials, and advanced skin treatments. Skincare is now an important part of a wellness routine, rather than a quick fix.
Social media is changing hair and beauty trends
Social media is probably one of the biggest factors in this industry changing so much. With YouTube, TikTok and Instagram especially, consumers now learn about hair styles and products very differently, as well as discover products in a new way. From tutorials to brand interactions, everything is completely different.
In the past, hair and beauty trends were largely shaped by celebrities, beauty magazines and major events. Today, anyone can create a viral video that has the ability to introduce a new product or technique to millions of people in just one day. Beauty influencers have become the new trusted source of information. Information and techniques have never been more accessible or widely represented across the world, with different ages, skin tones, genders and cultural backgrounds.
Trend cycles can be accelerated and changed in an instant with social media.
Clean beauty and sustainability
A decade ago, clean beauty was a very niche category and didn’t sell very well. Now, it is a major part of the market and non-negotiable for many people.
Consumers are paying more attention to how products are made, who they are made by, where they are made, what ingredients they have in them, the shipping process, the business values, and more. Many people are actively seeking brands that prioritise environmentally responsible practices, cruelty-free testing and recyclable packaging.
Consumers are demanding that they are transparent with their products and ingredients, encouraging companies to share information and make it publicly available. People are more aware of what they are putting on their skin and absorbing into their bodies.
This goes beyond just the ingredients; people are also wanting to see salons and spas be more sustainable, as well as see it in the packaging of the products they are using to help reduce waste.
More professional development and licensing
Changes to beauty trends also include treatments and surgical procedures. These have surged in recent years to an all new high, with new treatments surfacing on a regular basis. This means that risks have increased, and depending on where you are in the world, regulations have too. Professionals now have to continually learn new things as well as keep their knowledge and skills up to date with a cosmetology license renewal.
New products, treatment methods, safety standards, and regulations are constantly emerging and changing. Education helps professionals to stay up to date, keep themselves compliant, and the clients safe. It also means they can adapt their business to ensure they are offering what consumers want and need, from sustainable products to the latest facial.
Many countries and licensing boards around the world require active credentials and ongoing educational requirements. It is vital for both a professional to have these, as well as individuals to look for these credentials and licenses when booking treatments. With the demand for things like Botox or surgical procedures, the risk of issues or unlicensed people carrying out a poor job is much higher now.
Looking ahead, the hair and beauty industry is likely to continue to evolve according to customer expectations, technological advancements, and most importantly, social media trends and influencers.
There is a lot more to come yet, including virtual consultations using AI, sustainable innovations, and more, which are expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping how things are going to change. Changes that you can expect to see sticking around are the demands for transparency, inclusivity, sustainability and ethical practices from the brands and professionals they support and buy from.
The hair and beauty industry today has never been more informed and innovation-driven.
