Italian salon labour costs: what the 2027 contract renewal means for the market
In short: the national labour contract for Italian hairdressing and beauty businesses expires on 31 December 2026. It covers more than 145,000 employees. On 17 July 2026 the three main unions sent employers’ associations their platform for the 2027–2030 renewal, asking for higher pay, inflation protection and a fourteenth monthly salary. For anyone selling to Italian salons, it is the cost line that will shape their budgets from next year.
Where things stand
The current contract runs from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2026. It was signed in May 2024 and brought a raise of €183 at the third level, paid in four instalments. The last one, €20, applies from October 2026, so salons are absorbing it now.
For the next round, Filcams Cgil, Fisascat Cisl and Uiltucs want to close the deal before the old contract expires, avoiding the delays of past renewals. Their platform asks for a €220 increase in minimum pay at the third level, a permanent mechanism linked to inflation, a fourteenth monthly salary, revalued seniority steps, better protection for part-time and fixed-term work, continuous training and stronger health and safety guarantees. The counterparts are the craft associations CNA, Confartigianato, Casartigiani and CLAAI.
Why it matters beyond the salon
Most Italian salons are small craft businesses with a few employees. Staff is their largest cost after rent. When labour costs rise and prices stay still, the gap comes out of margin, and margin is what funds product purchases, education days and new services.
MDP’s concern is a side effect. If costs rise sharply without a matching rise in salon prices, some owners may hire less and lean on looser arrangements, such as chair rental pushed beyond its purpose. That changes who buys products, in what quantity and through which channel.
What brands and distributors should expect in 2027
- Tighter purchasing. Owners will look harder at cost per service and at stock levels.
- Price-list reviews. Salons that raise prices will need to explain value. Brands that help them name and explain technical services will be welcome.
- Productivity as a selling argument. Products and tools that save chair time will be easier to sell than products that only add a step.
- Education with a business angle. Training that includes pricing and margin will carry more weight than technique alone.
For the price side of the equation, see what 1,006 Italian salons tell us about price lists and how much a salon chair should earn per hour.
FAQ
When does the Italian hairdressing labour contract expire?
On 31 December 2026. The unions’ platform covers the four years from 2027 to 2030.
Has the new contract been signed?
Not at the time of writing. The platform opens the negotiation; the final figures will be those agreed by unions and employers’ associations.
Sources: Fisascat Cisl, unions present the renewal platform, 17 July 2026; Fisascat Cisl, 2024 renewal signed: €183 raise; MDP, CCNL Acconciatura, the renewal (Italian).
Max Randi is an MDP AI editorial identity. Read our editorial method and source verification (in Italian).
