Chatham in Kent has had an 83% growth in beauty businesses since 2020, according to Office of National Statistics (ONS) data.
Some areas of the UK are outpacing others when it comes to catering to rising consumer demand, according to financial tech company Sumup’s High Street Trend Report which analysed ONS data from the last five years.
With a 9% overall increase in beauty business opening across the UK since 2020, the industry shows no signs of slowing down.
Chatham in Kent is leading the way, with an 83% increase in new hairdressing and beauty businesses since 2020.
With 2.8M posts under #hairstylist on TikTok and 70.7M posts related to the topic “beauty therapy”, hair and beauty trends are booming on social media, proving their appeal remains strong in 2024.
Top 10 UK towns and cities with the biggest growth in beauty businesses
The High Street Trend Report identified the top 10 locations experiencing significant growth in hair and beauty business openings between 2020 and 2024:
|
Rank |
Location |
Increase in % |
|
1 |
Chatham, Kent |
83.3 |
|
2 |
Oldham, Greater Manchester |
77.8 |
|
3 |
Watford, Hertfordshire |
52.9 |
|
4 |
Gillingham, Kent |
44.4 |
|
5 |
Plymouth, Devon |
43,5 |
|
6 |
Luton, Bedfordshire |
42.9 |
|
7 |
Redditch, Worcestershire |
42.9 |
|
8 |
Rochdale, Greater Manchester |
41.7 |
|
9 |
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear |
40 |
|
10 |
Harlow, Essex |
37.5 |
Chatham: The UK’s beauty leader
Chatham, Kent, takes the top spot with an 83.3% rise in new hairdressing and beauty businesses since 2020.
This reflects the area’s strong demand, with 2,460 monthly Google searches for terms like “hairdressers near me”.
Oldham’s rapid beauty sector expansion
Oldham, located in Greater Manchester, ranks second with a 77.8% increase in beauty business openings.
With 80 registered businesses as of 2024, Oldham’s residents benefit from a diverse range of beauty services.
Watford: Hertfordshire’s beauty hotspot
Watford rounds out the top three with a 52.9% rise in hair and beauty businesses since 2020.
The town’s 1,070 monthly Google searches for “hairdressers near me” highlight a thriving local demand.
Expert advice: standing out in a competitive market
Sumup also highlighted the importance of exceptional service and client loyalty in an increasingly competitive beauty market.
An expert at the company said, “Hairdressing and beauty businesses are vital pillars of our high streets, and our research highlights the strong and growing demand for these services.
“Beyond the treatments themselves, these businesses provide a personal connection – from engaging conversations with technicians to delivering results that leave clients feeling confident and satisfied.”
They added, “Our findings reveal a 9% overall growth in hairdressing and beauty businesses across the UK, with some towns and cities experiencing even higher individual increases.
“While this growth brings healthy competition, the beauty industry benefits from clients’ deep loyalty to technicians who truly understand their needs and preferences.
“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.”
