Analysis
NAICS 81211 is the 2022 NAICS industry for hair, nail, and skin care services, part of 8121 (Personal Care Services). Census lists 22 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 126,382 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 568,140 people at an average annual payroll of $30,438 per employee (4th percentile of national industries). 68% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 15% and employment rose 0%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.
By establishments it ranks 1st of the 2 codes at this level within Personal Care Services, with 78.6% of them.
Across its national industries Census lists 22 index entries; typical ones are barber shops, beautician services and manicure and pedicure salons.
It splits into 3 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 812112 (Beauty Salons) with 84,176.
Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) providing hair care services; (2) providing nail care services; and (3) providing facials or applying makeup (except permanent makeup).
Illustrative Examples:
Barber shops Hair stylist shops Beauty salons Nail salons Cosmetology salons
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Offering training in barbering, hair styling, or the cosmetic arts | 61151 Technical and Trade Schools |
| Providing massage (except offices of massage therapists), electrolysis (i.e., hair removal), permanent makeup, or tanning services | 81219 Other Personal Care Services |
| Providing medical skin care services (e.g., cosmetic surgery, dermatology) | 62 Health Care and Social Assistance |
Index entries (22)
- Barber shops
- Beautician services
- Manicure and pedicure salons