40
5%
Market Overview
Forty hair salons operating in a town of 40,000 people — that's a lot of competition for Swords business owners to contend with.
The hair salon market here is dense. With 40 salons competing for customers, Swords residents have no shortage of choice when it comes to getting their hair done. To put that in perspective, Swords also supports 67 cafes, 62 restaurants, and 65 fast food outlets — it's a town with serious commercial activity, and salons are fighting for attention alongside a busy retail and hospitality scene.
The most significant finding in the data is the near-total absence of online presence. Only 2 out of 40 salons — My Hair by Isobelle's and L & A Hair — have a website. That's a 5% adoption rate. The remaining 38 salons are relying entirely on walk-ins, referrals, or social media to generate business.
This is a real opportunity gap. In a market this competitive, being discoverable online is one of the simplest ways to win new customers — and right now, almost no one in Swords is doing it.
For salon owners, the takeaway is clear: the market is crowded, but the digital standard is remarkably low. You don't need to outspend competitors. You just need to show up where they don't.
What Customers in Swords Care About
Walking distance from Main Street
Swords is compact enough that many customers will choose a salon based on how close it is to where they already are, whether that's the Pavilions Shopping Centre or the Main Street.
Recommendations from neighbours
With 40 salons to pick from, most Swords residents narrow their options through word of mouth from friends, family, or workmates in the area.
Quick availability and walk-in slots
In a town with this many salons, customers know they have options and will move on if they can't get an appointment soon.
Stylists who know the area
Swords has a strong local identity, and many customers prefer a stylist who understands the kind of look that works for their lifestyle — whether that's school runs, commuting into Dublin, or weekend plans.
Clear info before they visit
With only 2 salons in Swords having a website, customers are often choosing blind — those who make their services, prices, and style easy to find online will win the business of people comparing their options.
Hair Salons operating in Swords
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 |
|---|---|
| Susanne Murray Hair Studio | Hairdresser |
| Razors Edge Barbers | Hairdresser |
| Barber Co. | Hairdresser |
| Viva Style | Hairdresser |
| Absolutely Georgeous | Hairdresser |
| My Hair by Isobelle's | Hairdresser |
| L & A Hair | Hairdresser |
| Mane Hair Salon | Hairdresser |
| Boston Barbers | Hairdresser |
| Boston Belle | Hairdresser |
| Turkish Barber | Hairdresser |
| Peter Mark | Hairdresser |
Business listings from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Tips for Hair Salons Owners in Swords
Get online before your competitors do
Only 5% of Swords salons have a website. A basic site with your services, prices, and booking information puts you ahead of 38 other salons immediately. It doesn't need to be complicated — it just needs to exist and be easy to find on Google.
Leverage Swords' foot traffic
With 62 restaurants, 67 cafes, and 16 bars in the area, Swords gets significant foot traffic. Position your salon where people are already walking, or partner with nearby businesses for cross-promotion. A flyer in a local café goes further here than in a quieter town.
Build loyalty before chasing new faces
In a market with 40 salons, the cost of constantly acquiring new customers is high. Focus on keeping your existing clients coming back through consistent service and simple loyalty incentives. A retained customer is worth far more than a one-off visit.
Competition Snapshot
Forty salons in a town of 40,000 means the hair market in Swords is competitive. Customers have plenty of choice, and salon owners can't afford to be complacent. That said, the near-total lack of online presence — just 2 out of 40 salons have a website — means the bar for standing out is lower than the headcount suggests. Swords isn't underserved for salons, but it is underserved for salons that customers can actually find online. The ones that invest in visibility now will have a clear edge.
Other Industries in Swords
Own a hair salon in Swords?
See your exact rank against nearby competitors, what customers say about them, and where you can win.