Since the strategic merger of the industry's two largest trade associations, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and National Cosmetology Association (NCA) in early 2010, PBA has made great strides staying focused on our mission, which is to help advance the professional beauty industry and its professionals. We have been successful in advancing this goal through offering leading industry education, advocacy for key legislation on Capitol Hill, creating events and forums where professionals can connect and ensuring valuable research and resources are available for our members and the industry.

This report contains detailed analysis of the economic and demographic trends that impact the nation's salon/spa industry. Fielded quarterly among salon/spa owners and operators nationwide, the tracking survey focuses on a variety of salon/spa industry indicators, such as service and retail sales, traffic flow, back bar costs, service pricing, employment and capital expenditures. Survey results are broken out by various demographic indicators including sales volume.

PBA's Salon/Spa Performance Index (SSPI) is a quarterly composite index that tracks the health of and outlook for the U.S. salon/spa industry. The SSPI is based on responses to PBA's Salon/Spa Industry Tracking Survey, which is fielded quarterly among salon/spa owners nationwide on a variety of indicators including service and retail sales, customer traffic, employees/hours and capital expenditures. The SSPI consists of two components - the Current Situation Index and the Expectations Index. It is constructed so that the health of the salon/spa industry is measured in relation to a steady-state level of 100. Index values above 100 indicate that key industry indicators are in a period of expansion, while index values below 100 represent a period of contraction for key industry indicators.

Twice a year, professional hair product manufacturers anonymously share their data with an independent public accounting firm who prepares a comprehensive market overview of the industry. The data in this study is available nowhere else—many members feel the value of this study alone pays for their membership. To order, please call Member Services at 800-468-2274 (480-281-0424).

Are your regional sales manager salaries in line with others? Is your percentage of sales heavy on hair rather than equipment, nails or skincare? Are your store sales invoice amounts setting the pace for the industry—or lagging behind? Discover how your business compares to other distributors in the professional beauty industry. Distributors who participated in the survey receive a special customized comparison worksheet for their business. The survey results are not available to members outside the distributor section or to non-members. To order, please call Member Services at 800-468-2274 (480-281-0424).

This report provides a national profile of the U.S. salon industry based upon data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics—what our industry reports to the government. The profile includes the number of salon-industry establishments, sales volume, number of employees, weekly hours and more.

This report presents a portrait of the United States salon industry by Congressional district. Salon establishment and employment estimates, plus the name of the Congressional representatives, are included for all 435 Congressional districts in the 50 states plus the District of Columbia. PBA brings copies of this guide for members to reference during Capitol Hill Visits in Washington, DC.

This study, commissioned by the salon/spa section of PBA, provides insight into the target audience of salons and day spas in the United States and Canada. How often does the average consumer visit a salon or day spa and for which services? How much does the average consumer spend on services and retail? What qualities impress the average consumer and help drive loyalty to one establishment? Get the facts in this important study, a $3,000 value.

The use of so-called keratin hair smoothing products has become increasingly popular over the last several years. The wide use of these professional-use products has sparked varying concerns regarding the ingredients contained in these products and questions around potential safety issues.

As the nation’s largest organization of beauty industry professionals, the Professional Beauty Association is committed to providing relevant information to our members and the industry at large. The purpose of these FAQs is to provide interested persons with helpful information. This document is not intended to be a substitute for comprehensive training requirements, or to prescribe rules or standards, or to define or create legal rights or obligations.

For more information around this issue and for a list of valuable resources, please visit: probeauty.org/keratin.

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) has partnered with the electronic publisher Multiview to produce the PBA Beauty Industry Guide, a unique online search tool that provides quick access to an extensive directory of industry-specific products and services.

The directory is accessible through a prominent link on PBA's home page at probeauty.org. PBA members can download the search button to their desktop which makes the supplier search experience easier and more time efficient. For more information visit pbabeautyindustryguide.com.

For more detailed information on the program and to learn more about enhancing your company listing visit pbabeautyindustryguide.com/mediakit.php.

A joint project of ICMAD and PBA, this guide is intended to assist companies in understanding and complying with the European Union's regulations for cosmetics manufacturers and distributors. The guide sets forth current regulations, details what must be included in your product information package (PIP), covers product labeling and explores the different nomenclature between the U.S. and Europe.

Looking for the latest hairstyle and makeup trends? Look no further than the Trend Report from the Latino Fashion Group (LAFA) and sponsored by Wella Color Charm.

Inside, you'll find that LAFA has taken fashion to the high seas, mixing old world shapes with a fresh, new twist! Remember, hair is the ultimate accessory.

Want to learn more about running a successful photo shoot? From concept generation and model selection to coordinating the shoot and photographer, the newly updated DVD "How to Do a Successful Photo Shoot and Win a NAHA v2.0" covers everything you need to know to put together a professional photo shoot and winning NAHA entry. Showcasing brand new footage from the PBA and Latino Fashion Group photo shoot with Allen Ruiz, NAHA 18 Hairstylist of the Year, Version 2.0 shows you how to master the full fashion look. To order, download the order form (PDF) and fax to 480.905.0708 or email naha@probeauty.org.

The Nail Manufacturers Council (NMC), a subset of the Professional Beauty Association's manufacturer section, is made up of companies that produce nail care products. The NMC seeks to educate nail industry professionals and consumers about issues affecting nail care products and services.

For more information, please contact NMC Co-chairs Doug Schoon, Creative Nail Design at dschoon@cox.net or Eric Schwartz, OPI Products Inc. at erics@opi.com.

Download all of the NMC publications here. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, please download a complimentary copy now.

All publications are available in English, and several are available in additional languages. Download the zipped file for all publications and choose the appropriate file you wish to open.

Questions? Call 800.468.2274 (480.281.0424) or email info@probeauty.org.

PBA is there when you have a question, need information, want to register for an educational program or simply need a helping hand. Call us for guidance, encouragement, support and community resources. We track our members' strengths and experiences, enabling our professional staff to match members up for "sourcing and sharing." We're just a phone call away!

PBA members should be proud of their commitment to their careers and the industry. Show your commitment by placing the PBA 2011 Member Tile on your website and printed marketing pieces. The Tile logo is only available for use by current PBA members and requires PBA approval. Download the zipped folder for all available logos and the usage guidelines for direction. Contact us with any questions.

PBA's newest beauty business resource, is an electronic briefing of policy and legislative news designed to update you on relevant and timely issues affecting our industry - from the halls of Congress and throughout state capitals. The Washington Update is published 8 times a year and is delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up to get the Washington Update!

PBA | NCA partners with Sally Beauty Supply each year to grant $10,000 in scholarships to aspiring and working beauty professionals.

Scholarship awards include:

- Seven $1,000 scholarships for students wishing to enter cosmetology school.

- Six $500 scholarships to current PBA | NCA members for continuing education in the profession.

To ensure and promote integrity in the professional beauty industry, PBA expects all members to abide by the standards which are reflected in its Codes of Ethical Practices for the Salon/Spa, Beauty Professional/NCA and Distributor sections.

In addition to the Codes of Ethical Practices, PBA endorses and advocates Best Practices to ensure that Salon/Spa and Beauty Professiona/NCA section members achieve the highest levels of success and represent the professional beauty industry in a positive manner. PBA members are committed to providing a professional, safe, healthy and clean business environment for their employees and customers.

The salon and Spa industry is a vibrant and growing component of the U.S. economy, with more than 900,000 total establishments and annual sales of nearly $40 billion. This document is a snapshot of how the professional beauty industry plays an active role in our economy.

Specific state by state data is provided in the Salon Industry State Portraits report. State data included ownership, trends, annual sales, and congressional district information in a state by state format.