Analysis
NAICS 812112 is the 2022 national industry for beauty salons, part of 81211 (Hair, Nail, and Skin Care Services). Census lists 14 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 84,176 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 391,064 people at an average annual payroll of $31,717 per employee (5th percentile of national industries). 69% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
By establishments it ranks 1st of the 3 codes at this level within Hair, Nail, and Skin Care Services, with 66.6% of them.
Census lists 5 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 812111, 611511, 812113 and 812199. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include beautician services, beauty and barber shops, combined, beauty parlors and beauty salons, among 14 in all.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 8% and employment fell 11%. 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.
Official definition
This U.S. industry comprises establishments (except those known as barber shops or men's hair stylist shops) primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) cutting, trimming, shampooing, coloring, waving, or styling hair; (2) providing facials; and (3) applying makeup (except permanent makeup).
Illustrative Examples:
Beauty parlors or shops Facial salons or shops Combined beauty and barber shops Hairdressing salons or shops Cosmetology salons or shops Unisex or women's hair stylist shops
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Cutting, trimming, and styling men's and boys' hair (known as barber shops or men's hair stylist shops) | 812111 Barber Shops |
| Offering training in hair styling or the cosmetic arts | 611511 Cosmetology and Barber Schools |
| Providing nail care services | 812113 Nail Salons |
| Providing massage (except offices of massage therapists), electrolysis (i.e., hair removal), permanent makeup, or tanning services | 812199 Other Personal Care Services |
| Providing medical skin care services (e.g., cosmetic surgery, dermatology) | 62 Health Care and Social Assistance |
Index entries (14)
- Beautician services
- Beauty and barber shops, combined
- Beauty parlors
- Beauty salons
- Beauty shops
- Cosmetology salons or shops
- Esthetician (i.e., skin care) services
- Facial salons
- Hair stylist salons or shops, unisex or women's
- Hair stylist services, unisex or women's
- Hairdresser services
- Hairdressing salons or shops, unisex or women's
- Makeup (except permanent) salons
- Unisex hair stylist shops