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Top revenue-driving beauty salon services and how to optimize them

Boost profits with high-demand beauty salon services. Learn what works, how to optimize pricing, and drive bookings that grow revenue.

Top Revenue-Driving Beauty Salon Services and How to Optimize Them

The most in-demand salon services bring in new customers, encourage repeat visits, and create natural upsell moments that raise the average ticket. For salon owners and managers, these high-performing offerings can increase both revenue and guest satisfaction.

Whether it's a signature blowout, a transformative color service, or a quick touch-up, top-performing beauty services set the tone for your brand. With smart pricing, effective marketing, and great execution, these services can elevate your beauty salon's reputation and help you build long-term loyalty. 

With 83% of clients now expressing high trust in their service providers — up 6% from 2023 — there’s never been a better time to optimize your top offerings and recommend services or products with confidence.

This guide shows how to identify those revenue drivers and fine-tune them to support the growth of your beauty business.

Salon services checklist: Keep guests coming back

From fresh cuts to relaxing spa treatments, offering a well-rounded menu of services can turn first-time visitors into loyal clients. Below is a breakdown of popular salon services that meet your guests' wants and needs to keep them coming back for more.

Salon services checklist

We'll break down each of these services in detail below. 

Hair services that bring in consistent revenue

Hair services are the heartbeat of every beauty salon. They're booked often, easy to tier, and essential for building lasting guest relationships. Whether it's a fresh cut, a special occasion updo, or a glossy color refresh, these services drive revenue while helping salons show off their artistry. 

  • Haircuts and trims. These foundational services keep guests returning regularly and are ideal for pairing with a blow dry or deep-conditioning treatment.
  • Blowouts and styling. These are perfect for events or regular self-care visits, and can be packaged into memberships or weekly style programs to build loyalty.
  • Updos and special occasion looks. These high-value services are ideal for formal events like weddings and proms, and allow salons to showcase premium styling skills.
  • Hair color and balayage. Transformative options like balayage or full color make a lasting impression and can be followed up with regular touch-ups.
  • Keratin and deep conditioning. These smoothing and repair services elevate any cut or color and boost hair care results.
  • Braiding and specialty styles. These are great for guests looking for creative flair or low-maintenance styles, and a smart way to bring in new customers.

Bundling a haircut with a treatment or pairing a color service with a blowout is a simple strategy for increasing spending and guest satisfaction. With clear pricing and well-trained stylists, salons can turn these core services into consistent revenue drivers.

Nail services that keep guests coming back

Quick, customizable nail services are a dependable source of recurring revenue. Manicures and pedicures remain among the most booked beauty services, offering a great opportunity to introduce seasonal looks and promotions, or upsell treatments. 

Here are popular nail services that encourage loyalty and higher spend:

  • Classic manicures. These services are fast, affordable, and ideal for regular appointments that keep guests engaged with your salon.
  • Spa pedicures. With higher pricing and more room for upgrades, pedicures are a favorite for self-care and seasonal promotions.
  • Gel polish and nail art. These modern add-ons elevate standard services and give stylists a way to express creativity while increasing ticket size.
  • Touch-ups. Offering quick fixes between full appointments gives guests flexibility and more reasons to book now.

Other salon services that drive repeat visits

Beyond hair and nails, personalized beauty treatments help salons stand out and build long-term guest relationships. When done well, these services encourage trust and turn first-time guests into loyal regulars.

Here are in-demand beauty services that deliver results and repeat business:

  • Facials and skin care. These personalized, high-value services help guests address specific concerns and build trust with your providers.
  • Brow and lash tinting. Quick and effective, these services enhance natural features and keep guests returning on a predictable schedule.
  • Waxing. A staple in many beauty salons, waxing services are easy to systematize and ideal for monthly or biweekly visits.
  • Makeup application. Often booked for events or photography sessions, this premium service offers great visibility and guest retention potential.
  • Spray tanning. This fast, wellness-focused treatment is ideal for event prep and is often booked as a standalone or regular maintenance service.

Consistent service quality, great results, and friendly guidance make these offerings essential to building a repeat-visit model that supports steady growth

Actionable tips: Maximize revenue from your most in-demand services
  1. Leverage client loyalty
    With 75% of clients now identifying as regulars (up 10% from 2023), introduce memberships, pre-paid packages, or service bundles to boost retention and lifetime value.
  2. Make retail part of the experience
    37% of clients will usually or always buy recommended products, and 78% will do so at least occasionally. Train staff to suggest just one tailored product per visit, tied to the service performed.
  3. Automate personalized recommendations
    Use your salon software  to track purchase history and trigger smart product or service suggestions via email, text, or during checkout.
  4. Encourage rebooking in the moment
    Prebooking is a simple but powerful habit. Offer incentives or exclusive add-ons for clients who book their next visit before leaving the salon.
salon and spa consumer survey results

Top services for men

While traditional barbershops focus on quick cuts and fades, many men seek more personalized care, longer hairstyles, and scalp or beard treatments. Offering these services at your beauty salon helps you compete for male guests who want more than the basic barbershop experience.

Here are salon services that will bring in male guests and keep them coming back:

  • Clipper cuts and fades. These staple services are quick, clean, and perfect for stylists trained in barbering techniques.
  • Beard trims and shaping. These precision services build trust and offer an easy opportunity to add value with each visit.
  • Scalp care and hair health consultations. These offerings stand out in the barbershop space and help differentiate your salon.
  • Styling advice. Personalized recommendations and styling support help build long-term guest relationships.

Insights on salons' appeal for men

Men are often underserved in traditional beauty marketing, but salons that speak to these needs can stand out, increase bookings, and tap into a loyal new customer base. In fact, men may even spend more than women at your salon!

Some men prefer salons over barber shops. A Reddit user who prefers salons explained: "I have medium-length hair, and the barbers have zero clue how to cut anything but a short back and sides."

Another Reddit user shared a frustrating barbershop moment: "Most salons are fine, but one time the salon girl didn't know what clipper lengths were or how to do a fade." 

This emphasizes the importance of staff training. Make sure your stylists are confident with barbering techniques like clipper work and fades so every guest, regardless of gender expression or style, receives the expert service they expect.

This Reddit user described how a salon helped him reclaim his confidence:

I have long hair that had started to thin in places, and it was going to a salon that saved it. It turned out to be an issue with my scalp, and the girl I saw gave me a regimen to follow with recommendations for some medicated shampoos that completely fixed it.

This highlights the opportunity for salons to go beyond grooming, offering expert advice and care tips that builds trust and long-term loyalty.

With the right services and a welcoming approach, salons can become a go-to destination for men — not just a backup plan when the barbershop isn't cutting it.

How to optimize pricing for maximum profit

Smart pricing reflects your salon's brand and value, supports your team, and builds trust with guests. It should feel transparent and intentional to drive both revenue and guest satisfaction.

Here are effective ways to optimize your pricing model:

  • Build pricing tiers. Offer different service levels based on stylist experience, service duration, or added value to appeal to a wider range of guests.
  • Align prices with service time and product use. Factor in how long a service takes and the cost of materials to maintain healthy margins on all hair and beauty services.
  • Highlight value at every level. Whether it's a basic haircut or a deluxe hair care treatment, clearly describe each tier and why it's worth the investment.
  • Train stylists to communicate pricing. Guests trust stylists who can explain service costs clearly and professionally. It builds credibility and prevents confusion.
  • Keep pricing transparent and accessible. Posting service menus online and in-store reinforces your salon's professionalism and makes it easier for guests to book now.

When pricing reflects both value and clarity, guests feel more confident in their decisions and more likely to return. Use the checklist below to ensure your pricing model supports profitability, transparency, and guest satisfaction at every level: 

How to optimize pricing for maximum profits checklist

Upselling, packaging, and promotions that work

Increasing revenue per visit often comes down to smart packaging and well-timed promotions. Offering bundles, gift card incentives, or loyalty perks drives spend and makes guests' experience more convenient and rewarding. There are endless combinations that benefit both business and guest satisfaction.

Here are proven ways to boost revenue through strategic upselling and promotions:

  • Create service bundles. Pair popular services like blowouts with hair color or brow tinting with facials to increase value and guest spend.
  • Offer limited-time add-ons. Promote touch-ups or gloss treatments as bonus services when guests book a higher-tier appointment.
  • Incorporate gift card promotions. During holidays or slow seasons, offer bonuses for purchasing gift cards — like an extra $10 for every $100 spent.
  • Reward loyalty and pre-booking. Give guests a reason to commit. Offer perks like a free treatment when they book their next appointment before leaving.
  • Encourage referrals with discounts. One Reddit user shared a smart idea: "Offer a referral discount. If a client refers a friend, both she and the friend get 15% off their service. Or, offer a climbing discount for every client referred, like 10% for the first, 15% for two, or 20% for three. You can also offer deals for pre-booking, like free gloss with their next haircut if they book their next appointment before they leave."
For referrals, it’s important [to give] something they’d utilize that doesn’t compromise availability. For us, a chemical peel takes 25 minutes, you're in and out, so we can usually find a 30-minute time slot with an aesthetician.
Jenny Woodcock, Founder and CEO, Face-to-Face Spa
  • Stay top-of-mind with email marketing. A Reddit user suggested: "Build an email list and send out newsletters with hair care tips, special offers, or new service announcements. This keeps you top-of-mind with existing clients."

When your promotions are thoughtful and aligned with guest needs, they fill appointment slots, strengthen relationships, and grow your beauty salon's bottom line. Refer to this checklist to spark ideas for boosting revenue and guest engagement through smart promotions and service packaging:

Upselling and packaging checklist for beauty salons

Build a thriving beauty salon 

Top-performing services are the foundation of a strong, profitable beauty business. When salons refine their approach to pricing, improve execution, and empower stylists to deliver exceptional service, the results are clear: more bookings, higher guest satisfaction, and steady, sustainable growth.

Every service is an opportunity to impress, upsell, and stand out. Focus on what your salon does well, optimize it, and watch your business flourish. Ready to take your beauty salon to the next level? Learn how Zenoti's all-in-one salon software can help you streamline operations, elevate guest experiences, and grow revenue with ease.

How much revenue is your salon missing out on each month?

FAQ

What type of service is a beauty salon?

A beauty salon is a personal care service business that provides professional treatments to enhance a person’s appearance and well-being. These services often fall under the umbrella of cosmetology, which includes hair care, skin care, nail services, and more. Beauty salons operate as part of the wellness and self-care industry, offering clients not only aesthetic improvements but also an experience of relaxation, confidence-building, and routine self-maintenance.

What is the service description of a salon?

The service description of a salon encompasses a broad range of treatments designed to cater to beauty and grooming needs. This includes:

  • Hair services: Cutting, coloring, styling, blowouts, and treatments like keratin or deep conditioning.

  • Skin care services: Facials, peels, microdermabrasion, and other treatments to cleanse and rejuvenate the skin.

  • Nail services: Manicures, pedicures, nail art, and enhancements such as gels or acrylics.

  • Waxing and hair removal: From brows to full-body waxing.

  • Makeup services: For events, photo shoots, or everyday looks.

  • Spa add-ons: Massage, aromatherapy, or scalp treatments depending on the salon’s offerings.

Salons often aim to provide a personalized and holistic experience, blending aesthetics with well-being.

 

What beauty service is most popular?

While popularity can vary by region and season, hair services consistently rank as the most sought-after beauty treatments worldwide, especially:

  • Haircuts and trims

  • Hair coloring (including highlights and balayage)

  • Blowouts and styling for events

In recent years, eyebrow shaping (waxing or threading) and gel manicures have also surged in demand, especially with the rise of beauty trends on social media. Additionally, facials and skin treatments have seen a spike in popularity as more clients prioritize skin health alongside cosmetic treatments.

Salons that integrate convenience, digital booking, and membership-based offerings (like those powered by Zenoti) often see higher client retention and satisfaction, especially for these core services

 

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Written by

Cheryl Cole, Managing Editor

Cheryl uses her background in journalism to help brands bring their unique stories to life. Passionate about content strategy, she has extensive experience leading both print and digital publications. As managing editor of The Check-In, Cheryl is committed to providing wellness professionals with high-quality, tailored content designed to help grow their brands.

Reviewed by

Emily Holzer, Content Specialist

Combining a passion for writing, data, and helping small businesses thrive, Emily loves building resources to help lift beauty and wellness professionals higher. Outside of the office, you can find her on a longboard or behind a chess board. Fun fact: Emily has donated Fun fact: Emily has donated 9 ponytails (so far) across 5 hair loss charities in the U.S.

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