One of the most responded to posts we’ve ever put out on social, there are a lot of opinions about the importance of uniforms and appearance in salons. Here Vitality editor Becci Vallis looks at what we discovered when we asked – should uniforms in beauty be compulsory…
It’s a conversation starter that everyone has an opinion on – should uniforms be compulsory for beauty therapists? Traditionally, tunics were the outfit of choice but now, with more treatments on offer, more diverse salons – and staff members – and social media often showcasing the importance of individuality, it’s a subject matter that has a big fat question mark hanging over it as to the ‘right’ answer. “I do think it’s quite 50/50 now,” says Nikki Hutchings, founder of Angel Bow who design and sell beauty therapist uniforms. “As the beauty industry has grown over time and become such a popular career choice, not everyone chooses to wear a uniform anymore and there has been a huge shift away from the very clinical, traditional ‘beauty uniform’ look towards elevated fashion-inspired workwear. Teams also want to feel stylish and confident, not like they’re wearing something outdated or restrictive.”
Regardless of whether you choose to wear a uniform or not, it can’t be denied that first impressions count. And how you and your team present themselves could be make or break to a client making a repeat booking. “A new client will always see your appearance first and I feel this is the first step in building trust in their therapist. I keep the standards I was taught from Champneys with CIDESCO and CIBTAC qualifications and wear a clean pressed uniform, short nails and hair up to give a clean professional image and portray good hygiene to all of my clients,” commented @carlie_elizabeth_therapies. BABTAC member, Renee Thornley agrees that uniforms really can create trust: “My clients comment on how safe it makes them feel and how they have (rightly or wrongly) serious trust issues going to someone wearing their ‘everyday’ clothes.”
This is where your uniform can set a standard for your entire business. “If you look professional, you feel professional too and that naturally reflects in the client experience,” continues Nikki. It can quickly and easily become part of your brand, something that stands out and is recognisable, even by those who have never stepped foot inside your space before. Cowshed Spas for example, have always favoured the low-key, rustic vibes in sync with the brand ethos and for therapists, this means a uniform that often consists of jeans, a white t-shirt and a cleanly pressed apron (it does differ for those in treatment rooms where more active physical treatments are performed such as massages rather than manicures). At Ragdale Hall spa, the beauty therapists and spa staff wear purple tunics and as a result are known by guests and the company itself as the ‘purple ladies.’
For spas and larger businesses, wearing a uniform is often non-negotiable and, in most cases, expected but because the beauty industry is now so nuanced, that’s where therapists can often become torn. “It’s a tricky one because now we have sectors rather than all-round beauty therapists that cover everything. So, spa therapists should absolutely still represent this, but urban beauty is a different thing entirely…so I think the industry needs to split it – massage and facials in one wearing traditional uniforms then lashes/brows/nails in another. Times are changing,” said Amanda Parker in response to our post.
NON UNIFORM DAY
For many of you, especially those performing waxing treatments, manicures, nails, tattoos and hair services, the common consensus is that as long as clothing is smart and clean, and your treatment is professional, it shouldn’t matter. “I no longer wear traditional salon uniforms or a tunic but wear smart dresses as I find these more comfortable to work in and cooler than tunics, especially when it’s warm,” says Sarah Matthews. For waxing specialist @ruffstuffscrub, it’s all about smart co-ords in brand colours with a logo apron, Kate Murch chooses black trousers and a white t-shirt for summer and a tunic and trousers in winter, and at @talkskinacademy they wear white cotton tops and aprons – “it looks smart, but it has a vibe.”
It's important to know your audience too. “I’m a neurodivergent nail tech with a predominantly neurodivergent client base who are opposed to a traditional environment,” explains @tabbyfa. “I always wear clean clothes and a fun print apron, and I think there is definitely space for some of us to break out of the traditional norms. Just because someone has a funky hair colour, clashing patterns, tattoos, piercings or bold prints doesn’t mean they are any less professional. There needs to be more respect for those who don’t follow all the expected norms of presentation but still provide a professional and hygienic service. I did my time working in salons wearing black attire but now I celebrate what makes me different and it attracts the right clients for me.”
After being in the industry for 20 years and self-employed for the past decade, Charly Rosemary Saxton also made the transition from uniform to ‘own clothes’. “I wear what I want depending on my mood and it hasn’t compromised my standards or hygiene of treatments. It is the work you do, not what you look like and honestly, my clients love that I am real and myself.” Saying that, common sense prevails, and you should know that low-cut tops, hoodies, sliders and/or flip flops might not be met with a welcome response from clients. However, this would be the same for any service industry.
Another good point made by The Wellness Retreat, is that no matter how good you look, if you don’t have the correct qualifications, no uniform can do the work for you. “Some wear the uniform and market their business well but behind that it’s unregulated, unqualified therapists that rely on ‘accreditation’ only. I would rather a qualified, experienced, professional therapist who’s wearing her pyjamas than a smokescreen.”
HAIR AND MAKEUP
It’s not just what clothes you wear that can raise or lower standards, it’s jewellery, hair, nails and makeup too. “My biggest gripe is seeing people promoting their trade with either hair hanging over their client, massaging with nail extensions and lots of bangles or bracelets on their wrists or big hoop earrings,” admits @dimpaloo. Looking over your comments, most of you align on hair being tied up, nails staying short and neat and minimal jewellery. “Jewellery for me is a hard no – full of germs. Hair should be up – it’s just more practical and clients don’t want you sweeping your hair out the way all the time, it’s about them not you. Nails – short works better but colour is allowed as gloves are worn for any treatments required anyway,” says @beautyboutiquecromer.
Again, think about the practicalities of your treatments. “Long nails risk scratching the client and gel polish can be an issue for those with sensitivities or allergies if you’re a facial or massage therapist. For nail technicians it’s a little different and long or polished nails are often expected,” says Lisa Ricci, owner of Serenita skin. In this sense, your nails are a walking advert for your services, so you want to try and find a happy medium between hygienic and practical vs creative and on-trend.
NEXT GEN UNIFORMS
Another positive when it comes to uniforms in 2026 is how much they’ve evolved. Comfort and practicality are still key, but they have become far more fashion led and flattering. “People want pieces that suit different body shapes, feel breathable during long days and still look stylish enough to wear outside of work,” says Nikki. “We’re seeing a move towards minimalist tailoring, luxury fabrics, matching sets and elevated basics rather than stiff tunics and neutrals. Looking ahead I’m working on expanding our range and including ideas like a maternity uniform as well as a smart, tailored uniform for men.”
In a bid to elevate your brand, probably the most important thing to hold onto is how what you wear makes you feel. If dressing in your own, smart but comfortable clothes gives you confidence, then maybe that’s your answer. If you have a team and want to create a cohesive and recognisable brand, a uniform will probably be a natural extension of your business. Plus, you might try one or the other and decide it’s not for you. “I’ve always dressed appropriately with short nails, hair in a bun and a smart uniform. I tried smart casual clothes for a while, but I feel so much more professional and confident in a uniform so it’s each to their own taste I suppose,” said Skin, Health & Mind.
With so many different opinions, do what feels right for you and your clients but always remain professional and put yourself in your client’s shoes when you look in the mirror before work. If you would be happy having a treatment from someone in what you’re wearing, let that be your guide.
Quick-fire stats, our Instagram poll, revealed:
Uniform or own clothes?
91% uniform | 9% own clothes
Hair up or as you like?
91% hair up | 9% as you like
Bare nails or polished nails
50% bare | 50% polished
Long or short nails
98% short | 2% long
Jewellery or no jewellery
19% jewellery | 81% no jewellery