2026 Predictions for the Lash & Beauty Industry (in NZ & Aust)

So where is the lash & beauty industry heading this year and more importantly what do YOU have to do to keep up? Here are our predictions for 2026...🧐🧐

The use of ☀️LED/UV ☀️lash systems will grow 

LED/UV-style curing systems will keep gaining traction because they promise speed, consistency, and better workflow. Expect more salons to use them and more brands to compete in this space. 

(Ssshh don't tell anyone, but we are releasing a course on UV lashing SOON! Just to help you make more informed decisions on if you want to or not include this in your salon) 

Classic lashes + lash lifts (including Korean 🇰🇷) rise

Clients will keep leaning toward classic sets and lifts: lower maintenance, more economical, softer look, and are a better fit with the “natural/clean girl” trend. The demand for brown lash extensions will increase too. 

👉Want more info on our Korean Course? Click here

Social media loses influence (a bit) to get customers

Trending material is no longer focused on showing services & educating clients and are instead filled with humorous memes. Feeds are getting flooded with AI content and unrealistic results, peoples trust is lessening. As trust drops with whats seen on social media, salons will win through:

✅ personal recommendations (word of mouth)

✅ consistent, excellent customer service 

✅ local area marketing 

At-home salons keep expanding

As the cost of living stays high, both clients and salons are becoming more value-focused. Home-based salons will keep growing because they can often offer excellent quality at competitive pricing.

At the same time, High St salons aren’t going anywhere. Many clients still want the convenience, atmosphere, and range of services you can only get in a larger space.

With busier lifestyles, demand will rise (in both home & high st salons) for “one-stop-shop” High St salons that offer multiple treatments in one visit.

AI becomes common in beauty training — with a catch

AI will be used more for study help, quizzes, lesson summaries, and overall learning of beauty techniques.

The trade-off: inaccurate info is still a real problem, so training brands that verify content and teach critical thinking will stand out. Students who study the 'traditional way' (without AI) will win as their techniques will be accurate. 

Older clients increase; younger clients DIY

Expect a split:

🙌 Mature clients invest in professional services for convenience and reliability

🙌 Younger clients lean into DIY to save money (clusters/strips), and book pros for special occasions

Demand for express services

Consumers place greater emphasis on their appearance and overall confidence - but with fast & immediately visual results. Hence the demand for express services like body contouring, brows, lifts etc will still be in high demand!

 🎉CONCLUSION FOR 2026 🎉

Bottom line: 2026 rewards businesses that feel human: great service, personalised results, and honest recommendations — with convenience and value built into the offer.

 

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