The Indian beauty and grooming industry has experienced a remarkable transformation over the past decade, evolving from small neighborhood parlors to sophisticated, technology-driven service chains that rival international standards. As of 2026, the organized salon sector in India stands at the forefront of a beauty revolution, driven by changing consumer preferences, rising disposable incomes, and an increased emphasis on personal grooming and wellness.
According to recent industry reports, India’s beauty and wellness market is projected to reach approximately ₹2.3 lakh crore (USD 27 billion) by 2025-2026, growing at an impressive compound annual growth rate of 18-20 percent. The organized salon sector, which previously held only about 25 percent market share, is rapidly expanding its footprint to capture 35 percent of the market, fueled by aggressive expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 cities where demand for professional grooming services is surging.
This comprehensive guide explores the top 10 grooming service chains that are defining the Indian market in 2026, examining their unique offerings, market presence, and what makes them stand out in this competitive landscape.
1. Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty Ltd
Number of Outlets: 900+ salons across India and internationally
Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty stands as India’s largest and most recognized hair and beauty salon chain. Founded in 2000 by celebrity hairstylist Jawed Habib, who trained at the prestigious Morris School of Hair Design in London, the brand has become synonymous with quality hair care and professional styling services across the nation.
What sets Jawed Habib apart is the founder’s vision to democratize professional hair and beauty services, making them accessible to the wider populace rather than limiting them to elite clientele. The chain operates on a highly successful franchise model, with only a handful of company-owned outlets while the majority function as franchises spread across 21 states and more than 83 cities.
The brand offers comprehensive services including hair cutting, styling, coloring, treatments, and beauty services. Jawed Habib’s extensive training programs ensure consistent service quality across all locations. The company operates its own training academies, producing over a thousand hair stylists annually who are then absorbed into their salon network. This vertical integration addresses supply-side challenges while maintaining the brand’s hallmark quality standards.
Franchise partners benefit from robust support systems including marketing assistance, interior design consultation, business management software, and online booking platforms. With franchise fees averaging around ₹6 lakhs and infrastructure investment requirements of ₹20-30 lakhs, franchisees typically achieve break-even within approximately one year, demonstrating the brand’s strong market pull and profitability.
2. Naturals Salon & Spa
Number of Outlets: 650+ salons nationwide
Naturals, founded in 2000 by K. Veena in Chennai, has emerged as one of India’s largest unisex salon chains. What began as a single salon in Chennai has expanded into a formidable network of over 650 outlets across the country, making Naturals a household name in beauty and grooming.
The brand popularized the unisex salon concept in India, creating an inclusive environment that caters to both men and women with equal expertise. This strategic positioning helped Naturals capture a broader market segment and establish itself as a family grooming destination.
Naturals operates through three distinct sub-brands catering to different market segments: Naturals Lounge serves the premium segment with luxurious services, Naturals W focuses exclusively on women’s grooming needs, and Page 3 targets the luxury salon market with high-end treatments and services.
The chain’s rapid expansion, particularly post-2006 when it adopted the franchising model, demonstrates its successful business strategy. Naturals requires approximately 1,000 square feet of space for its outlets and charges a royalty of 15 percent on monthly sales. The brand’s massive customer base, built on consistent service quality and international-level standards, ensures steady footfall and customer loyalty. Franchisees receive comprehensive training, marketing support, and operational guidance, positioning Naturals as an attractive franchise opportunity in the beauty sector.
3. BeU Salons – India’s First Smart Salon Chain
Number of Outlets: 500+ outlets serving 1 lakh+ customers daily
BeU represents the future of salon services in India, positioning itself as the country’s first smart salon chain. With over 500 outlets serving more than one lakh customers every single day, BeU has successfully merged technology with traditional grooming services to create a unique customer experience.
The defining feature of BeU is its AI-driven digital integration that elevates every aspect of the customer journey. From smart mirrors that offer virtual try-ons to intelligent booking systems and personalized service recommendations based on customer history, BeU leverages technology to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.
The space requirement for a BeU franchise is relatively modest at 500 square feet, making it accessible to franchisees with space constraints in high-traffic urban locations. This compact footprint, combined with smart technology integration, allows BeU to maximize efficiency and profitability per square foot of salon space.
BeU’s smart salon concept appeals particularly to tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z customers who value convenience, personalization, and digital experiences. The chain offers comprehensive beauty and grooming services while maintaining consistency through technology-enabled quality control and customer feedback systems. This innovative approach has positioned BeU as a disruptor in the traditional salon industry, setting new standards for how grooming services can be delivered in the digital age.
4. Lakmé Salon
Number of Outlets: 450+ salons across 160+ cities
Lakmé Salon carries the legacy of one of India’s most iconic beauty brands. Founded under the Tata Group in 1952 and now owned by Hindustan Unilever, Lakmé launched its first salon in 1980 and has since grown into a network of over 450 salons spanning 160+ cities across India.
The brand’s strength lies in its deep understanding of Indian beauty trends and skin types, developed through over seven decades in the cosmetics business. Lakmé Salons offer expert services designed specifically for Indian consumers, utilizing the extensive product portfolio of the Lakmé cosmetics brand combined with international techniques and standards.
Services range from hair care, skin care, hand and feet care to elaborate bridal packages. The salons require 1,000-1,500 square feet of space and must maintain premium standards including central air conditioning, CCTV coverage, and designated zones for reception, services, spa treatments, and product display.
Lakmé’s franchise model operates on a structured “6P Entre-Pro-Neurial Model” with comprehensive support covering training, marketing, inventory planning, and business management. The franchise fee is approximately ₹8 lakhs with five-year franchise rights, while franchisees share 65 percent of revenue. The combination of brand legacy, extensive product support, and proven business systems makes Lakmé Salon one of the most sought-after franchise opportunities in India’s beauty sector.
5. Shahnaz Husain Herbal Beauty Salons
Number of Outlets: 400+ outlets globally
Shahnaz Husain stands as a pioneer in Ayurvedic beauty treatments, successfully bringing India’s ancient wellness traditions to the modern salon industry. Established in the 1970s by renowned beauty expert Shahnaz Husain, the brand has grown into India’s largest company in the field of natural beauty and anti-aging treatments.
The Shahnaz Husain Group operates over 400 outlets globally, with a significant presence across India. What distinguishes this chain is its unique positioning at the intersection of traditional Ayurvedic wisdom and contemporary scientific treatments. The salons specialize in herbal beauty solutions, utilizing natural ingredients and organic treatments that appeal to health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to chemical-based products.
The brand has successfully taken India’s Ayurvedic heritage to every corner of the globe, positioning Indian traditional beauty practices on the international stage. This has created a strong brand identity and loyal customer base that values natural, sustainable beauty solutions.
Space requirements for Shahnaz Husain franchises typically range around 1,000 square feet. The group has vertically integrated its operations to include beauty salons, training academies, herbal farming for raw materials, and a comprehensive cosmetics manufacturing line. This end-to-end control over the value chain ensures product quality and authenticity.
Services are priced to be accessible to middle-class families while maintaining premium quality, making professional herbal beauty treatments available to a broader consumer segment. The franchise model offers extensive training in Ayurvedic beauty practices along with modern salon management techniques.
6. VLCC Wellness & Beauty
Number of Outlets: 310+ locations in 144 cities across 12 countries (218 wellness centers in India)
VLCC represents a unique proposition in the grooming industry by seamlessly blending beauty services with wellness and weight management solutions. Founded by Mrs. Vandana Luthra in 1989 as a beauty and weight management services center, VLCC was among the first multi-outlet corporate operations in India’s wellness and beauty industry.
The brand has become synonymous with holistic wellness in Indian households, offering comprehensive services that go beyond traditional salon offerings. VLCC’s service portfolio includes beauty and salon services, skincare treatments, weight management programs, and therapeutic treatments, all backed by scientific methodologies and medical expertise.
VLCC’s wellness programs carry the “Recommended by Indian Medical Association (IMA)” stamp of approval, adding credibility and trust to their weight management and wellness services. This medical backing differentiates VLCC from traditional beauty salons and positions it as a healthcare and grooming destination.
With operations spanning 311 locations across 144 cities in 12 countries, VLCC has established a significant international presence while maintaining strong domestic market leadership. The Indian operations include 218 wellness centers and beauty clinics across 106 cities, staffed by over 3,000 professionals including medical doctors, nutritionists, physiotherapists, cosmetologists, and fitness experts.
The franchise model requires 800-1,500 square feet of space and offers comprehensive training and support. VLCC also operates 100 training institutes across 67 cities in India, making it one of the largest professional training academy chains in the beauty and nutrition segment. Additionally, the group markets over 118 personal care products through 110,000+ retail stores, creating multiple revenue streams for the brand.
7. Green Trends Unisex Hair & Style Salon
Number of Outlets: 200+ franchises across 50+ cities
Green Trends, owned by the CavinKare group, has rapidly emerged as one of India’s fastest-growing unisex salon chains. The brand’s mission centers on making beauty and styling services affordable and accessible to everyone, bringing professional grooming to even remote reaches of the country.
With a network of over 200 franchise partners spread across more than 50 cities, Green Trends has achieved significant market penetration in both urban and semi-urban areas. The brand’s value proposition focuses on democratizing beauty services, offering scientifically planned treatments using world-class products at excellent value for money.
Green Trends requires only 500 square feet of space, making it one of the more accessible franchise opportunities in terms of real estate requirements. This compact format allows franchisees to set up operations in high-traffic areas without massive capital investment in space.
The salon provides comprehensive grooming services meeting head-to-toe beauty and style needs. Services are delivered by trained skin and hair experts who undergo rigorous training programs provided by the franchisor. This ensures consistency in service quality across the expanding network.
Franchisees benefit from extensive training support, solid marketing assistance, and consistent service quality standards. The brand’s association with CavinKare, a respected FMCG company with deep distribution expertise, provides franchisees with robust backend support and supply chain efficiency. Green Trends has positioned itself as the best choice for quality-conscious consumers seeking professional salon services at middle-income price points.
8. BBlunt
Number of Outlets: 50+ premium salons
BBlunt occupies the premium segment of India’s salon industry, catering to fashion-forward, urban consumers who seek trendsetting styles and celebrity-endorsed services. Founded in 2004 by renowned celebrity hairstylist Adhuna Bhabani and backed by Godrej Consumer Products, BBlunt has established itself as a luxury salon brand with a strong reputation for innovation and quality.
While BBlunt’s outlet count is smaller compared to mass-market chains, its strategic positioning in the premium segment allows for higher average ticket sizes and better margins. The brand is recognized for its modern, trendy approach to haircare, focusing on creativity and individuality in every service.
BBlunt salons offer high-end services including precision haircuts, advanced coloring techniques, contemporary styling, and premium skincare treatments. The brand stays at the forefront of global beauty trends, regularly training its stylists in the latest international techniques and styles.
The space requirement ranges from 1,000-1,500 square feet for BBlunt outlets, which are typically located in upscale neighborhoods and premium shopping destinations. The franchise model involves relatively lower franchise fees (₹3-5 lakhs) compared to other premium brands, with infrastructure investment of ₹20-30 lakhs.
Franchisees benefit from BBlunt’s premium pricing strategy, which translates to higher revenue per customer. The brand shares 90 percent of revenue with franchisees, among the highest in the industry. Break-even typically occurs within two to three years. BBlunt’s association with Bollywood and celebrity culture adds significant brand appeal, particularly among younger, aspirational consumers in metropolitan areas.
9. Truefitt & Hill
Number of Outlets: Growing presence in major Indian cities
Truefitt & Hill represents the pinnacle of luxury men’s grooming in India. Established in London in 1805, this is the world’s oldest barbershop, with a prestigious history of serving royalty including King George III. The brand’s entry into the Indian market through Lloyds Luxuries Ltd., which holds the Master Franchise License, brings over two centuries of grooming heritage to Indian consumers.
Truefitt & Hill specializes exclusively in men’s grooming, offering an ultra-premium experience that combines traditional barbering artistry with contemporary techniques. The brand focuses on four signature service categories: precision haircuts, traditional wet shaves using straight razors, luxurious facials specifically formulated for men, and comprehensive grooming treatments.
The brand’s product line includes an exquisite range of shaving essentials, fragrances, hair care, and bath products formulated with sophisticated essences and premium ingredients. This integrated approach of services and retail products creates a comprehensive men’s grooming ecosystem.
Space requirements for Truefitt & Hill outlets range from 1,500-2,000 square feet, reflecting the brand’s commitment to creating a luxurious, spacious environment. The salons are designed to evoke the elegance of classic British barbershops while incorporating modern comfort and amenities.
Truefitt & Hill targets high-net-worth individuals and discerning gentlemen who value quality, heritage, and personalized service. The premium pricing reflects the brand’s positioning as a luxury grooming destination. This niche focus has allowed Truefitt & Hill to establish a loyal clientele among business executives, celebrities, and affluent consumers who seek the finest men’s grooming experience available in India.
10. Geetanjali Salon
Number of Outlets: Established premium presence in metro cities
Geetanjali Salon has carved a distinctive niche in India’s premium beauty and wellness sector since its establishment in 1989. The brand has built a strong reputation for offering top-notch hair, skin, and beauty services with a legacy of excellence spanning over three decades.
Geetanjali positions itself as a luxury salon brand, attracting an elite clientele that seeks premium haircare and comprehensive beauty solutions. The salons are strategically located in upscale areas of major metropolitan cities, targeting affluent consumers who value quality and are willing to pay premium prices for superior service.
The space requirement for Geetanjali franchises ranges from 1,000-2,000 square feet, designed to create an ambiance of luxury and exclusivity. The salons feature premium interiors, high-end equipment, and a range of services that go beyond basic haircare to include advanced skincare treatments, spa services, and specialized beauty therapies.
What distinguishes Geetanjali is its focus on personalized service delivery. The brand maintains relatively smaller outlet numbers compared to mass-market chains, allowing for stringent quality control and attention to individual customer preferences. Each salon is staffed with highly trained professionals who often have specialized expertise in specific services.
The brand has successfully built a celebrity client roster and maintains high service standards through continuous staff training and investment in the latest technology and products. Geetanjali’s franchise model offers strong brand appeal, comprehensive training programs, and a premium service portfolio that commands higher pricing power in the market.
The Future of Grooming Services in India
The grooming service industry in India stands at an exciting juncture in 2026. Several key trends are shaping the future of this sector. The rapid expansion into tier-2 and tier-3 cities is opening new markets, as growing incomes and aspirations in smaller cities create demand for professional grooming services. Franchise models and digital marketing through local social media influencers are accelerating this geographic expansion.
Technology integration is transforming customer experiences, with smart salons like BeU leading the way with AI-driven personalization, virtual try-ons, and digital booking systems. Men’s grooming has evolved from a niche segment to a significant market driver, with increasing social acceptance and specialized services catering to male consumers. The Indian male grooming market is expected to reach $3.5 billion by 2030, growing at double-digit rates.
There is also a growing preference for natural and Ayurvedic treatments, as demonstrated by the success of brands like Shahnaz Husain. Consumers are increasingly seeking chemical-free, sustainable beauty solutions that align with wellness philosophies. The rise of hybrid business models that combine salon services with wellness programs, product retail, and training academies is creating diversified revenue streams and stronger business sustainability.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, investing in a grooming service franchise in 2026 presents a compelling opportunity. The organized salon sector’s growth trajectory, supported by changing consumer behaviors and increasing spending power, indicates strong potential for returns on investment. The key to success lies in choosing a franchise that aligns with your target market, investment capacity, and long-term business goals.
Whether you opt for a mass-market chain like Jawed Habib or Naturals that offers volume-based profitability, a technology-forward brand like BeU that appeals to digital natives, a premium player like BBlunt or Truefitt & Hill targeting affluent segments, or a wellness-integrated model like VLCC that taps into holistic health trends, the Indian grooming industry offers diverse opportunities for growth and profitability.
The beauty and grooming sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience, with services like haircuts, coloring, and grooming driving repeat business and creating steady, predictable income streams. As India continues its economic growth trajectory and personal grooming becomes increasingly integrated into daily wellness routines, these top grooming service chains are well-positioned to capture the opportunities in this dynamic and expanding market.
