2025's Fastest-Growing Beauty Businesses

The beauty industry is evolving fast, and side hustles are leading the charge. From lashes to brows to spray tans, beauty entrepreneurs are finding ways to create flexible, profitable careers.

If you’ve been thinking about starting a beauty side hustle, here are the top 5 beauty businesses right now — and why spray tanning outshines them all.

Which beauty business is best for new entrepreneurs?

1. Spray Tanning 

Spray tanning is one of the most profitable, repeatable, and flexible beauty services available today.

Here’s why it stands at number one:

• Low Startup Cost: Equipment and training are affordable compared to other services.
• High Profit Margins: A $3–$5 solution cost can turn into $50–$75 or more per tan.
• Repeat Clients: Clients return every 7–10 days for events, travel, and weekly glows.
• Flexible Work: Mobile, in-studio, or both — you control the schedule.
• Booming Market: With more people moving away from UV tanning, demand is growing quickly.
• Verdict: Spray tanning wins for profit, repeat business, and lifestyle freedom.
  
  

2. Lash Extensions

Lash extensions are beloved for the instant “wow” factor and steady demand. But the precision required makes it labor-intensive, with long hours and high overhead.

Verdict: Great demand, but physically exhausting and harder to scale.

3. Brows (Microblading and Lamination)

Brows are always trending, especially microblading and lamination. While profitable, the upfront training and licensing costs are steep, and microblading offers less repeat business since results can last 12–18 months.

Verdict: Strong profits, but high barriers and limited repeat clients.

4. Makeup Artistry

Makeup artistry offers creative freedom and the chance to work weddings, photoshoots, and even television. But competition is fierce, clients are inconsistent, and travel time eats into profit margins.

Verdict: Creative and fun, but less reliable for income.

5. Nail Art and Gel Services

Nails are timeless and build strong client loyalty. But it is physically demanding, requires constant product investment, and usually needs salon space, adding overhead.

Verdict: Reliable demand, but harder to scale and physically taxing.

Why Spray Tanning Wins Every Time

When compared side by side, spray tanning offers the lowest barrier to entry, highest margins, and best repeat business of any beauty side hustle right now. It’s not just about creating a flawless glow — it’s about building a business that works on your terms.

It’s the perfect service add-on, easy to do, takes 5 minutes and instantly increases your income.

At Sundrops Academy, we’ve trained everyone from Hollywood makeup artists to everyday glow-getters who wanted more freedom, flexibility, and financial independence. Spray tanning gives you that path. 

Ready to start your glow empire? Join us at Sundrops Academy and get certified with the pioneers of spray tanning trusted by Hollywood’s elite.

Your glow is your power — and it’s time to own it.