12
17%
Market Overview
Twelve hair salons operate in Clontarf, a neighbourhood where foot traffic and local loyalty drive most of the trade. For a relatively compact coastal Dublin suburb, that's a competitive count — residents have real choice within walking distance.
The standout gap is digital. Only 2 of those 12 salons — 17% — have a website. Sculpture Barber Shop and Hession Hairdressing are the exceptions, giving them a measurable edge in search visibility and first impressions. The remaining 83% are invisible to anyone who starts their search on Google, which increasingly means younger clients and people new to the area.
Clontarf's high street also supports 10 restaurants, 9 cafés, 14 fast-food outlets, 7 pubs and 1 bar, which means a salon here benefits from the same daily footfall that keeps food and drink businesses busy. The commercial strip has genuine passing trade — people getting haircuts on their lunch break, before dinner, or while running errands.
Competition is real but not extreme. Twelve salons in one neighbourhood means every client decision involves weighing up a handful of nearby options. The businesses that will win are the ones that make it easiest to find them, book with them, and remember them.
What Customers in Clontarf Care About
Walk-in availability on Vernon Avenue
Clontarf locals often drop in without booking, so salons that keep flexible appointment slots and post clear opening hours at the door tend to pick up more spontaneous trade from people walking between the cafés and shops.
Parking and bus access
Many clients drive in from surrounding Dublin neighbourhoods, so a salon's proximity to Clontarf's parking spots and the 130 bus route matters more than people expect — especially for weekday appointments.
Styling for a coastal lifestyle
Between the seafront walks and the wind off Dublin Bay, Clontarf residents want cuts and colour treatments that hold up in damp, breezy weather — not styles that fall apart after a morning on the promenade.
Reputation over advertising
With only 2 salons in the area having a website, most word-of-mouth happens offline in Clontarf. Neighbours, local Facebook groups, and the school-gate recommendation still drive more bookings than any online campaign.
Fair pricing for regular visits
Clontarf is a settled, family-oriented neighbourhood. Clients here are loyal but price-conscious — they want a salon they can afford to visit every six weeks without feeling squeezed, not a one-off treat.
Hair Salons operating in Clontarf, Dublin
A sample of real hair salons in this area. Want ratings, reviews, and exactly where you rank against them? Run a free report on your business.
| Business | Type |
|---|---|
| Razzmataz | Hairdresser |
| Kris Morton | Hairdresser |
| Sculpture Barber Shop | Hairdresser |
| Hession Hairdressing | Hairdresser |
| Sofia Borza Hair Studio | Hairdresser |
| Killester Barbers | Hairdresser |
| DK Hair Design | Hairdresser |
| Clontarf Barber Shop | Hairdresser |
| Heaven Hair & Beauty | Hairdresser |
| Leonard | Hairdresser |
| Main Street Barber Shop | Hairdresser |
| Capri | Hairdresser |
Business listings from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Tips for Hair Salons Owners in Clontarf
Get a website — you're already behind
83% of Clontarf salons have no web presence at all. Even a basic site with your location, price list, and a phone number puts you ahead of most competitors in local search results. This is the single easiest competitive advantage available right now.
List on Google Maps and keep hours current
Since most Clontarf salons aren't online, claiming and maintaining a Google Business Profile is low-hanging fruit. Clients searching 'hair salon near Clontarf' at 9am on a Saturday will find you first — and see verified opening hours and reviews.
Build loyalty with the food-and-drink crowd
With 41 food and drink businesses in the immediate area, Clontarf has serious daily foot traffic. A simple referral arrangement with a nearby café or a loyalty card that works at the local coffee shop can turn passing strangers into regulars.
Competition Snapshot
Twelve salons in one coastal Dublin neighbourhood keeps competition steady without making the market impossible. The real divide isn't between salons — it's between the two businesses with a web presence and the ten without one. Clontarf is underserved online, which means any salon that invests in basic digital visibility, consistent hours, and local search presence can stand out fast. The bar isn't high; it's just that almost nobody is reaching for it.
Own a business in Clontarf?
See your exact rank against nearby competitors, what customers say about them, and where you can win.