The economist explained the increase in salaries of hairdressers

The incomes of beauty masters in Russia are growing against the background of a change in the format of work and the adaptation of the market to new conditions. Economist Akhmed Yusupov told Izvestia on March 16 exactly how the market has changed.

According to Rosstat, the hairdressing and beauty services market in Russia grew by 18% in 2025, reaching 321.5 billion rubles. However, most of the increase, as the expert noted, about 14 percentage points, is due to price inflation. Haircuts and basic procedures have increased in price by 10-14%, while demand itself has increased by only 3-5%. Thus, the market growth mainly occurred in monetary terms, rather than in the volume of services.

"Another key factor in the income growth of craftsmen is the structural shift in favor of self—employment. Working directly with the client, the colorist takes 70-80% of the cost of the service. The hiring rate in the salon is only 30-50%. Therefore, a qualified specialist in Moscow actually earns 150,000 — 200,000 rubles and above, and in large regional cities — 80,000 — 120,000 rubles," Yusupov said.

According to the economist, in 2026 it is important to understand that the beauty services market will continue to develop, but on new terms. Consumers are starting to save money by switching from salons to private craftsmen with a lower receipt, and also simplify services, for example, choosing a haircut without a design or a manicure without a coating.

"But structurally, the market is holding steady — over the past three years, domestic manufacturers of professional hair cosmetics have significantly strengthened their positions against the background of the departure of Western brands, which supports their own production and reduces dependence on imports. The market has learned to work on its own resources. This is the long—term basis," the expert concluded.

Shadow boy: about 8 million Russians receive salaries in envelopes

How do the authorities deal with illegal employment and who benefits from it?

Mikhail Merkulov, Director of the KSK Group's Organizational development practice, said on March 10 that it is extremely difficult to receive salaries in cash in Russia today due to the peculiarities of legislation, judicial practice and economic policy of the state. According to him, formally the employee's right to receive a salary in cash exists, however it is fixed in rather vague norms of the labor legislation.

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