Sensorial and alternative therapies are growing, favoured by consumers for their ability to boost health and wellbeing. These multisensorial wellness experiences aim to enhance feelings of rest, recovery, and balance, giving an edge to salons that adopt them early.
The beauty and wellness industry is always evolving, with cultural drivers and technological changes pushing the industry forward every single day. Fresha, the world’s biggest salon software, published their first trend report with WGSN. Crafted from 1000+ consumer surveys over three continents, plus the data from 600 million bookings on their platform, Fresha has tapped into what’s trending and what the future holds for this industry. And the beauty and wellness industry is so many different ways: it’s no longer just about getting a manicure, a facial or a haircut—it’s about wanting to leave the appointment refreshed, relaxed, and recharged. At the moment, getting your nails or facial done is equally about the clients’ wellbeing as it is about how they look. This shift is leading salons to offer more multisensory awareness and holistic experiences that help people feel better in every way, no matter the appointment.
Beauty businesses are stepping up by offering treatments that engage all five senses
We’re stepping away from more traditional beauty offerings, while things like cryotherapy—where you expose your body to freezing temperatures—is becoming popular.
The process gives your skin a nice glow, while making you feel refreshed and energised. And it’s not just about the cold; other temperature-based treatments like infrared saunas and cryolipolysis (which freezes fat cells) are also on the rise.
Sound therapy is another cool trend making waves. Treatments are starting to incorporate binaural beats, which are special sound waves that can help reduce stress and make you feel more zen. Imagine getting a facial while calming sounds put you in a meditative state—it’s next-level relaxation.
And then there’s scent. Fragrance has always been a big part of wellness, but now salons are using tech to create personalised scent experiences. Companies like Aromajoin are making devices that can release specific fragrances based on your mood or preferences, making your treatment even more special.
What’s next for Multi-Sensory Wellness?
Looking ahead, multisensory treatments are only going to get bigger. At the moment we’re seeing more and more businesses offering add-on services like aromatherapy or chromatherapy (colour therapy) to enhance their regular services. By 2027, energy-focused practices like reiki and psychic readings could become standard offerings, helping clients tap into deeper levels of wellness.
By 2028 and beyond, expect technology to take these experiences to the next level. Beauty and wellness businesses will likely use advanced sensory tech to create fully immersive and personalised treatments, making it easier than ever for clients to find balance and relaxation. The future of beauty is all about engaging the senses and taking care of the whole self—mind, body, and spirit.
Want to know more about trends in the beauty and wellness industry? Check out The Future of Beauty and Wellness Report 2024 by Fresha and WGSN here.