Revealed: the 10 UK hotspots where hair & beauty businesses are growing fastest

Research by financial technology company, SumUp, identifies the top towns and cities in the UK with the biggest growth in hairdressing and beauty businesses.

By analysing ONS data over the past five years, SumUp has concluded that high streets are adapting to consumer needs, with 10 hotspots seeing a notable growth in hair and beauty businesses.

Chatham, Kent tops the list, seeing an 83.3% increase in hair and beauty locations since 2020, claiming its position as the area with the strongest growth in the sector across the UK.

The area’s high demand is also evident, with 2,460 Google searches for ‘hairdressers’ and related terms, such as ‘hairdressers near me,’ made each month.

Second place is given to Oldham, Greater Manchester, which has acquired a 77.8% increase in new locations since 2020. The hotspot currently boasts 80 beauty-focused businesses catering to the high demand.

Watford, Hertfordshire ranks third, with a 52.9% in beauty business openings. The area also receives 1,070 Google searches for ‘hairdressers near me’ and related terms a month.

The remaining hotspots are:

4. Gillingham (44.4%)

5. Plymouth (43.5%)

6. Luton (42.9%)

7. Redditch (42.9%)

8. Rochdale (41.7%)

9. Gateshead (40%)

10. Harlow (37.5%)

So, with such rapid growth, how can beauty businesses stand out? An expert at SumUp advises: “To thrive in this competitive landscape, it’s crucial to deliver a seamless, high-quality in-store experience from the moment clients walk through the door to the time they leave. Attention to detail and exceptional service are key to standing out and fostering lasting customer relationships.”

View SumUp’s full High Street Trend Report here.