2026 is shaping up to be a challenging year for salons. With ongoing cost pressures from wage increases, National Insurance changes, and the government’s recent Autumn Budget falling short of many businesses’ hopes; running a small, independent salon isn’t easy.
According to the National Hair & Beauty Federations (NHBF) “The hair and beauty sector contributes £9 billion to the UK economy and employs over 275,000 people, yet we’re being completely overlooked in discussions about business rates relief.”
So, in this environment of rising costs, why would you even consider hiring an apprentice?
Let’s break it down into 5 ways apprentices can boost your salong this year:
1. They Bring Fresh Skills & Motivation
Apprentices bring with them a fresh perspective. In our latest employer review, we asked when the training your apprentices receive is having the desired impact in meeting business needs, with an average rating of 9.1 out of 10 it clearly shows how apprentices actively contribute to the success of the salon.
Our apprentices have a 4-day induction and are given relevant training from their first day. They have a real willingness to learn and inject their energy into your team.
2. Extra Support Where Your Team Needs It
With apprentice minimum wage expected to rise to £8 per hour in April 2026 and increases across the board it means every minute in the salon counts, and every capable pair of hands makes a difference.
Why not make the most of your apprentice’s skills? They can handle reception duties, shampooing and client care, help with social media, attracting new clients and easing the pressure on your senior stylists.
3. A Cost‑Effective Way to Grow Your Team
Apprenticeships are one of the most affordable ways to strengthen your salon team. Unlike fully qualified stylists, you don’t have to pay National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25, and you can make the most of Government incentives such as the £1,000 grant for hiring a 16-18 year old.
You can also be flexible with hours, some apprentices come in for just 16 hours per week, helping with shampooing, prep work, retail, or client care. This means you can tailor the arrangement to suit your business needs, whether you need support during peak times or just extra hands for key tasks.
4. Show You’re Investing in the Future of the Industry
The NHBF has been clear: the latest budget didn’t go far enough to support hair and beauty businesses. Salons are still campaigning for fairer business rates, VAT reform, and more targeted support for skills and apprenticeships.
Taking on an apprentice isn’t just about getting extra help in your salon – it’s a bit of a statement. It shows you’re invested in the next generation of talent, committed to raising standards, and actively supporting the long-term growth of the industry.
By backing apprentices, you’re helping shape the future of hairdressing & barbering.
5. Build Loyalty and Develop Your Future Star Stylists
99% of our apprentices stay in employment following their apprenticeship with 33% going on to study a level 3. When you train an apprentice in your way with your standards, service culture, and approach to client care – you’re not just teaching skills; you’re future-proofing your business.
Investing in an apprentice today isn’t just about filling a role. It is about building a loyal, skilled, and motivated team that will drive your salon’s success for years to come.
Why This Matters Now
The NHBF’s response to the Autumn Budget makes it clear that while some measures were introduced, hair and beauty businesses are still facing real challenges. Salons are dealing with rising costs, a frozen National Insurance threshold, and VAT still at 20 percent, which hits a labour-intensive industry like ours especially hard. All of this makes recruiting and training new staff, including apprentices, more difficult just when having skilled team members is more important than ever.
Taking on an apprentice is not just about getting help in the salon today. It is about future-proofing your business. It shows your clients, your team, and the wider industry that you are not just surviving the pressures, you are actively building a salon that can thrive for years to come.
Join Our Live Webinar
If you have any concerns or want to find out more, we are hosting a webinar just for you with HR specialist Jayne Temple-Heald of Duchess HR. Some of the questions you may have include:
-
How the Autumn Budget affects wages, National Insurance, and apprenticeship funding
-
Business rates and whether salons can expect relief similar to pubs
-
Support available for training and retaining staff
-
How to structure apprentice hours and pay in line with government rules
-
Practical ways to manage rising costs while keeping your team motivated and compliant
We would love to help you get these questions answered and give you practical guidance to support your salon.
Reserve your spot today and take control of your business’s future.
