Nail salons are poised for Starbucks-style expansion after decades of being overlooked by investors, according to the boss of Townhouse, the UK's largest luxury nail chain, which has secured a £130 million valuation.
Townhouse, which operates 40 luxury nail salons across the UK, plans to open hundreds of new franchised sites after receiving backing from Cartesian Capital, the US private equity firm behind Burger King and Tim Hortons in China. The investment will fuel the growth of the business, founded in 2018 by Juanita Huber-Millet and led by her husband and chief executive Jonathan Millet.
Mr Millet said the nail care industry has been under-invested compared to other services, partly due to a historical lack of female representation in finance. He noted that sectors like coffee shops, hotels, gyms, and sandwich shops have seen chain expansion, while beauty services lagged behind. The nail industry remains highly fragmented, with no major chains in the UK, dominated by independent and boutique shops.
Mr Millet also highlighted poor working conditions in the industry, including a lack of contracts and cases of modern slavery. Townhouse offers above-market pay, private healthcare, paid leave, and career progression. The chain has secured commitments for about 149 franchised sites over the next five years, with another 350 in advanced negotiations, aiming for 500 salons internationally and creating an estimated 5,400 jobs.
Townhouse operates in the premium to luxury market, with treatments priced between £30 and £100. Mr Millet said nail care is resilient to economic downturns, as customers view it as an affordable luxury. The chain is primarily based in London but has expanded to Manchester, Bristol, and Leeds.
