The Year of the Horse is marking a clear inflection point in the so-called stable of professional beauty. In 2026, growth is no longer driven by novelty or access—but by measurable outcomes, scientific credibility and strategic agility.

Here are seven shifts already reshaping the industry, according to market research firm Kline+Company.

Glass Hair and Advanced Ingredients

High-shine performance has become a proxy for efficacy, supported by advanced actives and a growing focus on scalp health and prevention.

Omnichannel Expansion

Expansion into mass retail continues, but success depends on protecting professional equity and brand control across channels.

Regulatory Shifts

EU compliance timelines are accelerating reformulation, creating white space for next-generation actives and early innovation leaders.

Longevity, Efficacy and At-Home Devices

Premium devices and supplements reflect a shift toward long-term outcomes, with consumers willing to invest in prevention over correction.

The GLP-1 Halo Effect

As next-generation GLP-1 therapies approach broader adoption, demand is expected to rise for skin-firming, collagen-support and rejuvenation solutions.

China’s Beauty Conglomerates

Chinese beauty groups are scaling globally through targeted acquisitions in the hair, scalp and dermatology-led skin care categories.

Multi-Door Aesthetic Chains

Fast-growing facial and aesthetic chains are emerging as critical partners for brand discovery, trial and scalable adoption.