Are aesthetics and laser services covered by mainstream lenders?

Some lenders restrict aesthetics, cosmetic and energy-based treatments. Others underwrite the sub-sector normally with appropriate insurance and qualifications. Confirm sector appetite at application stage.

Can a salon get an MCA?

Yes, where the salon takes card payments through a supported processor. Repayment as a percentage of daily sales matches the seasonality of the sector. Subject to lender underwriting.

What deposit will an asset finance lender want for laser kit?

Typically 10 to 20 percent for established salons buying mainstream clinical kit, rising to 20 to 30 percent for newer operators or specialised single-purpose equipment.

Can a sole-trader beauty therapist get finance?

Yes, particularly for asset finance on a chair or treatment bed and for a business credit card on everyday spend. Personal credit file carries more weight in this structure.

Industry guide · Beauty and personal services

Business finance options for UK beauty salons

This guide explains which UK SME finance products may suit beauty salons and the eligibility signals lenders typically weigh. Educational guidance only — Lendrly is not a regulated credit broker and does not submit applications on your behalf. Final fit is subject to lender underwriting.

Typical facility size for this industry: £5k to £100k. Last reviewed 2026-05-14.

Eligibility guidance only - not financial advice, not a loan offer, not a guarantee of approval. Lendrly is not FCA-authorised and is not a credit broker.

Common funding needs

The funding reasons we see most often for UK beauty salons.

Buying treatment beds, lasers and IPL machines
Funding a salon refit, lighting and reception furniture
Working capital for stock of products and consumables
Marketing spend for new services or location launches
Smoothing quieter months around school holidays

Product families that may suit

Based on how UK lenders typically describe the profile of beauty salons, the product families below are worth exploring. Whether any individual lender will fund is subject to lender underwriting, affordability checks and documentation.

Merchant Cash Advance

Cash advance repaid as a share of card/POS/platform sales.

Read the merchant cash advance guide →

Asset Finance

Finance to buy/refinance equipment, vehicles or machinery.

Read the asset finance guide →

Unsecured Business Loan

Term loan or credit line repaid through fixed instalments.

Read the unsecured business loan guide →

Common blockers and gotchas

What we see most often slow down or narrow the lender pool for UK beauty salons. Worth checking before you apply.

Some unsecured lenders restrict aesthetics, laser and energy-based treatments
Single-operator chair-rental models are harder to underwrite at scale
Short lease horizon limiting fit-out finance term
Adverse personal credit history on a sole-trader file
Cash-heavy takings without a clear bank statement trail

Worked example

Illustrative scenario

An independent salon owner with two years of accounts and £18k of monthly card revenue wanted £25k to add two laser hair removal machines and refresh the reception. MCA from a card-processor-aligned provider and asset finance on the lasers are products that may suit, subject to lender underwriting and sector appetite for laser treatments.

Illustrative only. Not a quote, not a loan offer, not a guarantee of approval. Eligibility is decided by each lender at underwriting.

Frequently asked questions

Are aesthetics and laser services covered by mainstream lenders?: Some lenders restrict aesthetics, cosmetic and energy-based treatments. Others underwrite the sub-sector normally with appropriate insurance and qualifications. Confirm sector appetite at application stage.
Can a salon get an MCA?: Yes, where the salon takes card payments through a supported processor. Repayment as a percentage of daily sales matches the seasonality of the sector. Subject to lender underwriting.
What deposit will an asset finance lender want for laser kit?: Typically 10 to 20 percent for established salons buying mainstream clinical kit, rising to 20 to 30 percent for newer operators or specialised single-purpose equipment.
Can a sole-trader beauty therapist get finance?: Yes, particularly for asset finance on a chair or treatment bed and for a business credit card on everyday spend. Personal credit file carries more weight in this structure.

See which UK lenders may suit your beauty salons business

The eligibility checker takes about two minutes and returns a shortlist based on the criteria UK lenders publish. Educational guidance only — Lendrly does not submit applications on your behalf.

Open the eligibility checker Beauty and personal services sector hub

Eligibility guidance only - not financial advice, not a loan offer, not a guarantee of approval. Lendrly is not FCA-authorised and is not a regulated credit broker. Provider criteria can change and final approval is subject to lender underwriting, affordability checks, credit assessment and documentation.