BABTAC Beauty Experts Reveal Their Top Summer Trends and Tips for 2026

BABTAC Beauty Experts Reveal Their Top Summer Trends and Tips for 2026

As summer approaches, many therapists and salons are seeing a spike in treatment bookings, with UK consumers spending significantly on seasonal beauty. On average, Brits spend around £161 on their pre-holiday hair and beauty treatments.

The British Association of Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (BABTAC) and CIBTAC have spoken to industry experts across skin, nails and tanning to find the key beauty trends they predict this summer, what to invest in, and their top tips for achieving visible results.

Trend: Pastels, Polished Nudes and Tonal Striped Nails

Claire Aggarwal, CEO of RE:NEW Beauty, comments

“Pastels are taking on a fresh twist – softer, muted shades or gentle neon tones that feel modern without being overpowering. Our recent colour launch from BioSculpture, Splash Theory, features six new shades in this style, perfect for summer-ready nails. Of course, nudes remain a favourite. Sheer, natural shades keep nails looking effortlessly polished while highlighting healthy, well-cared-for nails for a timeless and versatile finish.”

Stripes are trending

“In terms of nail-art, we’re trading in last year’s polka dots for stripes, adding a subtle contrast between numerous different shades that feels creative, yet refined.”

Summer nail care tips

“Sun, heat and time in the pool or sea can really take a toll on your nails and cuticles, leaving them dry, brittle and prone to damage. In summer, a nail-care routine is all about hydration. Nourishing cuticle oils and targeted treatments keep nails strong, healthy and looking salon-fresh, even a week after a manicure.”

The summer pedicure boom

Claire adds, “People are also finally thinking about their feet come spring/summer, so maintenance naturally goes up. We see a spike around April as the Easter holidays begin, through to September/October, as more people wear open-toe shoes and sandals. Not only do we see an obvious spike in frequent pedicure bookings but also after-care maintenance – our AHA Exfoliant and foot creams see a real uplift, helping to keep dry skin and cracked heels at bay throughout the season.”

Trend: The Faux Tan Line: The Return of Defined Bikini Marks

Claire Aggarwal, CEO of RE:NEW Beauty,

“TikTok’s recurring viral summer trend unfortunately sees tracking indexes, skipping SPF, sunbathing at peak times and very obvious tan lines –  meaning some are torn between the turn of 2000s tanning culture and the shift towards sunless tanning. tint’s super wearable and natural finish is able to bridge the gap and meet the needs of both – with a noticeable rise of clients now asking spray tanners to leave visible bikini strap lines, recreating the look of a bronzed, olive summer holiday tan.”

Maintaining your tan on holiday with an SPF barrier

“It’s known that tans don’t go hand in hand with chlorine and can quickly fade, but if you prioritise your prep and aftercare, a tint tan can still last for 7-10 days. A neutral, waterproof SPF will create a barrier as well as protecting you from sun exposure. Coupled with rinsing your body with fresh water before entering the pool (hydrated skin absorbs less chlorine) and immediately afterward, and you’ll notice a real difference in maintaining your colour, Claire adds.

Trend: Longevity as everyday language in the salon space

Krestyna Batty, Director of Janssen Cosmetics UK and BABTAC Collective Expert and Patron comments:

“Longevity is increasingly becoming everyday language within the salon space, with both clients and therapists using the term more frequently to describe a focus on long-term skin health and function.”

“Clients are now actively seeking longevity-focused treatments within the clinic that support the skin over time. People are becoming more interested in how the skin works as a whole, including how it stays hydrated, heals itself, and works as a whole, rather than just what is put on the surface. This is part of a larger change in the language used in consultations, where conversations are becoming more focused on skin health and biology, customers want treatments that help and improve the skin’s natural processes.”

Krestyna highlights, “ceramides, peptides, humectants, and antioxidants as key ingredients for the season, alongside hydrating, barrier-focused treatments – particularly relevant during summer, when makeup routines are more minimal and healthy skin takes centre stage.”

Krestyna’s top tips for skin this summer:

• Prioritise hydration, as radiance is closely linked to the skin’s water content
• Use hydrating mists and serums throughout the day to support moisture balance
• Incorporate peptides to support repair, firmness and cellular efficiency
• Strengthen the skin barrier to reduce water loss and maintain resilience
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily to protect against UV

Trend: Functional Minimalism

Alongside longevity, experts are seeing a rise in functional minimalism – streamlined routines that deliver visible results without complexity.

Kirsti Shuba, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Katherine Daniels and BABTAC Collective Expert and Patron comments:

“This summer we’re seeing increased demand for multi-tasking products that simplify routines without comprimising on efficancy. But even with streamlined skincare, the skin still needs the right balance of hydration and barrier support – water to keep it plump, and oils or lipids to lock that hydration in. Without both, the skin can’t stay comfortable, resilient or radiant, and even the most advanced active ingredients won’t perform at their best.”

Kirsti adds, “the importance of consistent cleansing, especially in the evenings when SPF, perspiration and environmental buildup accumulate on the skin is a step consumers shouldn’t miss, this will leave skin fresh and ready to go again the next day.”

“Finally, if you’re looking at booking a facial, remember that a consultation matters – there is no one‑size‑fits‑all.”

If you would like to speak with any of the experts further please do get in touch, or if you would like any further information on BABTAC.

BABTAC’s T.I.M.E. consumer awareness campaign provides a simple yet effective framework, encouraging consumers to check Training, Insurance, Monitoring, and Evidence before booking any treatment.