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Why, Where and How Fractional Careers in the Professional Beauty Industry will Play Out in 2025

Writer's picture: Tamara ReidTamara Reid

The professional beauty industry is in for some big changes in 2025, and one trend we’re going to see more of is fractional careers. These roles (spanning marketing, education, business development, and new product development) are quickly becoming the go-to solution for businesses that want to stay flexible and make an impact, even when times are tough. Let’s take a look at what’s driving this shift, where it’ll make the biggest splash, and how it’s different from other consulting options.


Firstly, if you've not heard of Fractional (or portfolio) careers yet, then let us introduce you. Not a new concept, we've just been calling it 'contracting', however different to contracting and doing the job under their brands banner, fractional is more a timeline or project by project basis. There's a few reasons why they're gaining traction this year:


  1. Unstable Economy: Let’s be real - with the economy on shaky ground, brands are thinking twice about committing to full-time salaries and benefits. Fractional roles offer a smarter way to get top-tier expertise without the stress of a long-term hire.

  2. Salary Investment vs. ROI: Hiring a senior-leader level full-time can be a big financial leap. Fractional professionals give businesses the chance to pay only for what they need, ensuring that every dollar spent delivers results.

  3. Start-Up Purposes: If you’re a start-up, you’ve probably got a laundry list of needs and a tight budget. Fractional experts can step in to build your foundation, offering strategy and execution without the price tag of a permanent team.

  4. Per Project Basis: The beauty world thrives on fresh ideas and innovation. Fractional professionals are perfect for project-based work, bringing niche skills to the table for a specific period and leaving your team set up for success.


All that being said, you might be wondering what exactly can expect when it comes to hiring fractional services - and in our industry, the limit almost doesn't exist. Here's where we will see the most traction from our industry:


  1. Marketing: Digital trends move fast, and fractional marketing managers can step in to create one-off campaigns, drive brand awareness (for an event you're hosting, for example), and keep you ahead of the curve without needing a long-term commitment.

  2. Education and Training: Want to upskill your team or create educational content for your stockists? Fractional educators can help you design and deliver programs tailored to your needs. New product launch requiring a training plan or educational manuals - fractional educator. Someone who travels for your business and educates your stockists on an ad hoc basis - fractional educator.

  3. Business Development: Expanding into new markets or regions can feel overwhelming. A fractional business developer can by being assigned new business development (aka cold calling), build connections, and get things rolling before handing the reins back to your team.

  4. Product Development: Creating a new product line takes serious expertise. Fractional product developers bring the manufacturing connections, technical know-how, and market insight you need to launch quickly and cost-effectively.


By now, you're probably wondering what the difference is between someone you hire as fractional and one who you appoint as a consultant.

Fractional professionals and advisory consultants might sound similar, but they’re not the same thing. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Fractional Professionals: These folks are hands-on, working a few days a week or on specific projects as an extension of your team. They’re there to deliver both strategy and execution, giving you the best of both worlds.

  • Advisory Consultants: On the other hand, advisory consultants focus more on the big picture. They’ll guide you with strategies, advice, and accountability, but it’s up to your team to put those ideas into action.

Think of it this way: A fractional marketing professional might not only design your social media strategy but also roll it out, while an advisory consultant would give you a roadmap and check in to make sure you’re on track.


The beauty industry is evolving, and fractional careers are here to help businesses adapt to challenges like economic uncertainty and tight budgets. With this model, you can access world-class expertise, stay nimble, and deliver results without overextending yourself.

Understanding the difference between fractional roles and advisory consulting is key to leveraging their strengths. Whether you need hands-on execution or high-level guidance, there’s a solution out there to help your business thrive in 2025 and beyond.

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