salons

Salons are establishments that provide personal grooming and cosmetic services to clients. They typically offer hair cutting, styling, coloring, and care; skincare, facials, and makeup; nails, waxing, and other body treatments; and sometimes spa services. Many salons specialize by service type, such as hair salons, beauty salons, or nail studios, while others operate as full-service facilities. Some venues function as barbershops offering men's grooming and haircutting.

Historically, the term salon originated in 17th-century France to describe rooms where salons, or social gatherings, were hosted by influential women and hosted intellectuals and artists. Modern commercial salons emerged in the late 19th and 20th centuries and spread worldwide with urban development and shifting standards of personal care.

Operations and regulation vary by country and region. Staff may include licensed cosmetologists, barbers, estheticians, and massage therapists, and many jurisdictions require professional certification and sanitation protocols. Common practices include client consultation, sanitization of tools, and adherence to hygiene standards. Salons may operate by appointment, walk-in, or a hybrid model and may sell related products.

Economically, salons form a substantial segment of the personal care industry and are influenced by fashion trends, consumer demand, and digital platforms for booking and marketing. They also reflect cultural norms around appearance and can vary in price, service scope, and inclusivity across markets.