82
33%
Market Overview
Eighty-two hair salons operate within New Town, making it one of Edinburgh's most concentrated markets for hair and grooming services. For a neighbourhood of roughly a square mile, that's a significant density — and it means any new or existing salon is competing for attention in a tightly packed space.
Only 27 of those 82 salons (33%) have a website. That leaves 55 businesses relying solely on foot traffic, walk-ins, and third-party listings to generate custom. In a neighbourhood where consumers research services online before visiting, that two-thirds without a web presence are leaving money on the table.
New Town's commercial activity supports strong demand. The surrounding area includes 286 restaurants, 246 cafes, 116 fast food outlets, 109 bars, and 124 pubs — a heavy concentration of hospitality venues that draws consistent footfall through the area's streets. Salons positioned near these high-traffic corridors benefit from visibility, but also face pressure to stand out.
Established names with a web presence include Medusa Hair, Vagabond, Kalon, Urban, Mosko Hairdressing, Arthaus, Broughton Place Hair and Beauty, and Boombarbers. These represent the more digitally active segment of the market. The overall picture is a busy, competitive neighbourhood where demand exists but differentiation — especially online — remains the key challenge.
What Customers in New Town Care About
Georgian-era salon interiors
New Town customers expect a salon environment that matches the area's architectural character — clean, well-designed interiors matter as much as the cut itself.
Walking distance from Princes Street
With so many salons in the area, most customers will default to whichever one is closest to their daily route along or near Princes Street and George Street.
Colour specialists over generalists
The high density of salons means customers actively compare — and those offering specialist colour or treatment services tend to attract more loyal, repeat clients than generic cut-and-blow operations.
Recent reviews before booking
With over 80 salons to choose from, New Town customers check Google and social media reviews carefully before committing, making recent feedback a deciding factor.
Consistency across visits
In an area where customers can easily switch to a competitor on the next street, delivering reliable results every time is what keeps them from shopping around.
Hair Salons operating in New Town, Edinburgh
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 |
|---|---|
| John Hall | Hairdresser |
| Sandy Jones | Hairdresser |
| Medusa Hair | Hairdresser |
| City Barbers | Hairdresser |
| Blaze Barber | Hairdresser |
| Ruffians | Hairdresser |
| Vincent Bell | Hairdresser |
| His Hair | Hairdresser |
| Paige Connor | Hairdresser |
| First Class Barbers | Hairdresser |
| Blank Barbershop | Hairdresser |
| The Salon on Glanville | Hairdresser |
Business listings from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Tips for Hair Salons Owners in New Town
Get a website — most competitors still don't have one
Two-thirds of New Town salons have no website at all. Even a simple site with services, pricing, and a booking link puts you ahead of 55 competitors who are invisible to anyone searching online.
Use the neighbourhood's hospitality traffic to your advantage
With nearly 900 food and drink venues in the surrounding area, New Town draws heavy footfall. Position your marketing — window displays, offers, social posts — to catch people who are already out and spending in the area.
Pick a lane instead of offering everything
With 82 salons competing in the same neighbourhood, a generalist approach gets lost. Salons like Medusa Hair and Vagabond stand out because they have a clear identity. Decide what you're known for and make that the focus.
Competition Snapshot
New Town is one of Edinburgh's most crowded neighbourhoods for hair salons, with 82 competing in a compact area. The market is oversaturated with generalist cut-and-blow bars, while there's still room for salons offering specialist services like advanced colour work or textured hair expertise. The biggest gap, though, is digital: only a third of salons have a website. Standing out here requires a clear brand identity, strong online presence, and a location near the high-footfall streets around George Street and Princes Street. Without those, you're one of dozens.
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