Beautifying people profitably

Beauty business is an ever green business. People want to look good and feel confident always. Acknowledging this consciousness and awareness beauty service providers are coming up with a lot of new and unique beauty services to enhance the beauty of the body. To make such beauty related services available across the country and in fact internationally as well these service providers have opted for franchise route.  

One of the main reasons for the growth of this sector is the modernization, which increases the spending amount on beautification and wellness.  The other factor that makes the outlook bright for this industry is increase in the number of working women, rising disposal income, career oriented approach that needs confident people, and impact of television. The emergence of a lot of international brands and improvement of services opted by domestic players to compete with international brands.  A decade ago, the beauty service industry was totally different as the spending power was quite limited. However, today the industry has recorded a growth of about 15-20 per cent on yearly basis. Recognising the response the industry has also broadened its area of beauty related services by introducing new concepts and services. That is why beauty and wellness companies are growing so fast and are expected to grow with the 20 per cent rate annually. The latest additions to beauty services may include nail art, hair implantation, skin treatments, and so on.

Latest Beauty trends

The growing profile of Indian beauty industry is witnessing new trends day by day and brands are offering a full range of grooming solutions to their value conscious consumers. The modern trends which are offering franchise opportunities include ayurvedic treatments, hair care, hair implantation, skin care, make-up, nail art, massage parlors, hair removal services etc.

Herbal and Ayurvedic treatment: Over the years Ayurveda has emerged as a popular technique for beautification. Shahnaz Husain Herbal has a large network of over 400 franchise and associate clinics in India and abroad is where customers are getting services in beauty therapy, panchkarma, dhara and Kerala massage etc. It has extended franchised centres not only to the cities, but also the small towns all over India.

Hair Implantation: Hair restoration techniques have evolved tremendously over the last few years and DHI Global Medical Group from Europe is at the forefront of this revolution. From two clinics in the beginning of 2011 to 14 clinics spread across all major cities in India. DHI has grown by leaps and bounds to emerge as the number one player in this category, by far. Every month 2,000 clients reach out to DHI for their hair related problems.

Nail Art: Professional nail art salons have been flourishing in Indian beauty market. It has become a new trend for women to pamper themselves with various nail services. The demand has increased and is attracting women from all walks of life, whether homemakers, students or working corporate. The key players in the domain are like Nail Spa and Scratch nails etc. In order to give the nail industry a platform and a favourable environment to grow in Nail Spa Trainers & Dist Pvt. Ltd has first launched India's full service Nail Spa. Ever since the launch of Nail Spa then, the nail industry has exploded, causing several companies to enter and take advantage of the rapid expansion in the nail industry. Scratch Nails is a nail bar and academy with 10 franchise outlets. Perfect Ten Nail Salon and Bar a sub brand of Strands Salon has two franchisees till now.

Skin care: There are many brands that are creating a successful business in skin care and anti aging services in India. Berkowits Skin & Health Care Pvt. Ltd. has been a pioneer in India in the areas of non-surgical hair treatments under the leadership of Dr Jaishree Manchanda. It takes a holistic approach to physical, mental, and spiritual well - being, providing a sanctuary for the senses, with senses, based on ancient Himalayan & Shaivita traditions that date back centuries, our intimate spa blends five elements and serenity with exotic sensuality.

Franchising route to success

As the beauty industry covers a wide range of products, franchising is becoming the most preferable way for bringing them to the consumer. The increasing demand for beauty and wellness motivates a number of national and international players to expand their network via franchising. The list of most popular beauty chain in India includes Lakme Beauty Salons, Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty Salon, Shahnaz Husain Spas and Salons, VLCC, Shear Genius Unisex Salon, Meghna Beauty Parlour – Unisex, SPALON, Green Trends, Naturals Unisex Spa & Salon, Grace Express, Aroma Thai Spa, L’oreal Professionnel Salons, Star & Sitara Salon, Affinity Salon, Strands Salon and Spa, Dr. Batra’s, DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) etc. The other popular brands are Looks Salon, Kaya Skin Clinic, Femina plus Beauty Salon & Spa Matrix Salons, and Head Masters etc.

The above mentioned brands are dominating the market with the expansion of their network across the country with a lot of growth opportunities in franchising; still the market is in its nascent stage. Mainly dominated by unorganised locally run beauty salon often started out of people’s homes. But taking up a franchise of a well known brand which is an organised franchise business model, makes a difference. The sector is going to offer variety of services based on global insights and professional products.

The road ahead

The scope of business activity in skin care and beauty segment is extended as the brands look for their expansion via franchising. Today’s beauty conscious population beholding potential market and proposes business opportunities for entrepreneurs. The rising need for quality beauty services will give a stimulus to franchising in this segment as it leads to the building of high standards and reputation in customers’ mind.