Number of hairdressing and beauty salons in the United Kingdom (UK) 2008-2022

The number of hairdressers and beauty salons in the UK has rode a strong growth trend over the time period recorded. In 2022, there were a total of 48,578 such enterprises operating in the UK, which is an all-time high in the past 14 years. Between 2015 and 2016 alone, more than 10,000 beauty establishments were opened in the United Kingdom. 

A lucrative business

Parallel to the increasing number of hairdressers and beauty salons, the annual turnover delivered by such enterprises saw considerable improvement over the years. Despite minor fluctuations, UK hairdressers generally held a steady course with regards to turnover, with the highest figures recorded in the past two years. On the consumer side of the picture, a similar trend was observed. As of the fourth quarter of 2018, consumer spending on services offered at hairdressing salons saw a steady increase.

Women pay more at the hairdresser

UK beauty salons cater to both female and male consumers with a varying range of services available for both genders. On average, the cost of basic beauty and grooming treatments for females such as haircuts and hair coloring were higher than for male consumers in 2017.