- An expert panel at BeautyWorld Middle East discussed the critical shifts defining the salon industry in 2026.
- The conversation focused on balancing creative artistry with entrepreneurial skills, tech adoption, and data use.
- Maria Dowling shared her expertise on building successful brands and retaining top talent in a competitive Dubai market.
- Leaders emphasized personalized experiences, strong work culture, and shifting retail strategies post-online shopping surge.
The modern salon leader is no longer just an artist; they are a savvy entrepreneur navigating a world of data, digital shifts, and intense talent competition. This reality was the focus of a key panel discussion at BeautyWorld Middle East on October 29th, titled ‘The Business of Beauty: What Every Salon Leader Needs to Know in 2026.’ Moderated by Daniel Leese, Founder of &SOM Skin, the discussion brought together industry titans like Maria Dowling (mariadowling Salon), Layla Al Hajjaj (Boho Salon), and Eve El Gemayel (House of Beauty) to share their expertise on what’s driving the vibrant beauty industry forward.
The salon industry, particularly in dynamic markets like Dubai, faces unique challenges in talent retention. The panel provided invaluable insights into keeping top talent loyal when stylists can switch jobs effortlessly. The emphasis was on creating a genuine, rewarding work culture that prioritizes staff satisfaction beyond financial incentives.
The discussion also highlighted the indispensable role of technology and data:
- Personalized Experiences: Leaders discussed how utilizing client history and data enables hyper-personalized product recommendations and service enhancements.
- Operational Impact: The key operational shifts that yield the most significant impact on profit and client retention were scrutinized, revealing a focus on streamlined, digitally supported processes.
Maria Dowling, who won the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award at BeautyWorld Middle East 2024, shared her deep expertise on building a successful brand that withstands market volatility. Her longevity in the business proves that authenticity, combined with strategic adoption of new technologies, is key to sustained success.
The explosion of online shopping and the global impact of recent years have forced salon leaders to critically shift their retail strategies. The panel debated what works now that was ineffective five years ago, indicating a move toward curated, personalized retail within the physical salon space that complements the service experience.
Layla Al Hajjaj and Eve El Gemayel provided a fresh perspective on balancing the creative artistry of hair and beauty with the sharp business acumen required to succeed in a competitive GCC market. They stressed that the ability to adopt practices that cultivate a positive work culture and retain staff is just as important as mastering the latest trendy beauty techniques.
For a new salon owner entering the industry in 2026, the unanimous advice centered on focusing relentlessly on the customer experience and ensuring the business model is built on transparency, data-driven decisions, and a committed team.
The panel served as a powerful reminder that today’s salon isn’t just a location for aesthetic services; it’s a complex, data-driven enterprise. By prioritizing talent, leveraging data for personalization, and embracing digital tools, salon leaders are securing the aspirational future of the beauty industry.
Follow the panel experts and BeautyWorld Middle East channels for more insights on how to shape the future of your beauty business!
