From a modest personal care service to a nationwide economic force, Bangladesh’s beauty and grooming industry has become a major source of female employment, entrepreneurship and revenue generation over the past decade.
Across the country, women are now at the centre of a sector employing more than one million people and spanning hundreds of thousands of formal and informal businesses, according to industry estimates.
Despite rapid expansion driven by rising demand, social acceptance and widening training access, industry stakeholders say the sector remains ‘under-recognised’ in national policy.
Scale of a largely untracked industry
Secretary of the Beauty Service Owners Association of Bangladesh (BSOAB) Shumona Hasan said an estimated 300,000 to 350,000 registered women’s beauty parlours operate under trade licences nationwide. She also said the true figure is likely significantly higher due to widespread informal operations.
“There is no comprehensive government database specifically dedicated to the beauty industry. Thousands of unregistered beauty businesses are operating in rural and remote areas, remaining outside official statistics,” Shumona said.
She added that the industry was less than half its current size a decade ago.
One of the largest sources of female employment
Industry insiders estimate more than one million women are employed in beauty and grooming services, making it one of the largest female employment sectors after the ready-made garment (RMG) industry.
Women work as beauticians, makeup artists and salon professionals, while a growing number have become entrepreneurs and business owners.
“The beauty sector has become a major source of income and financial independence for women. Thousands of women are now running their own businesses and employing others,” Shumona said.
From community-led work to diverse workforce
A significant number of Garo women played a pioneering role for the Indigenous community in the beauty industry development.
Industry estimates suggest Garo women still account for around 70 to 80 per cent of the workforce. Participation has since broadened to include more Bengali women and women from other communities.
Rise of Indigenous entrepreneurs in Dhaka
More than 30 Indigenous-owned beauty parlours now operate in Dhaka staying in close contact as an informal group, according to industry representatives.
A member of that group Agatha said around 70-80 per cent of Indigenous women in Dhaka are connected to the beauty sector in some form, while about 30 per cent of them have become entrepreneurs.
“Earlier, most Indigenous women worked as employees. Since around 2015, we have seen a significant increase in women opening their own businesses,” she said.
The trend accelerated after COVID-19, as online training, social media marketing and international beauty courses expanded access to skills and business opportunities.
Industry growth over two decades
Between 2002 and 2006, participation remained limited. Growth accelerated between 2012 and 2015 as social acceptance increased and demand expanded.
From 2015 onward, entrepreneurship rose sharply, with further expansion by 2018 and 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst, driving digital learning and online marketing.
Today, multiple parlours often operate on the same urban streets, reflecting rapid sectoral expansion.
Earnings and business potential
A medium-sized beauty parlour typically earns a net monthly profit of Tk50,000 to Tk150,000 after expenses, according to owners.
During peak periods such as Eid, wedding seasons and January, profits can rise to Tk150,000 to Tk300,000 per month.
Competition remains intense. Premium salons in areas such as Gulshan and Banani may charge Tk1,000 to Tk1,500 for a haircut, while smaller salons charge significantly less and rely on discounts.
Jobs across skill levels
Entry-level workers often receive accommodation, meals and allowances during training, earning Tk12,000 to Tk15,000 per month once skilled.
Experienced professionals with certifications earn Tk30,000 to Tk50,000, while top makeup artists earn significantly more.
Tax burden and policy debate
Despite its expansion, industry leaders say the sector remains under-recognised in fiscal policy.
Shumona Hasan said the industry generates significant monthly VAT revenue, though no consolidated official data exists.
She said the 15 per cent VAT rate is among the highest for service sectors and no longer reflects market realities.
“Beauty services are no longer a luxury. They have become a regular necessity for millions of women,” she said.
Industry stakeholders have called for VAT to be reduced from 15 per cent to 7 per cent, arguing it would encourage formalisation and widen the tax base.
Skills development and global alignment
The sector has been integrated into Bangladesh’s national skills development framework, with training programmes conducted nationwide through public and private initiatives.
BSOAB said several free training programmes were held during FY2025-26 with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
However, industry leaders say curricula need regular updating to match international standards and evolving market needs.
They also question mandatory re-examination requirements for certified professionals.
“Once someone earns a certificate, it should remain valid. Instead of repeating the same examination, professionals should have opportunities for advanced certifications and specialised training,” Shumona said.
As Bangladesh seeks new drivers of women’s employment and entrepreneurship, the beauty industry is emerging as a significant service-sector force. Stakeholders say stronger policy recognition and skills investment could further expand its role in economic growth and women’s empowerment.
