54
39%
Market Overview
Fifty-four hair salons compete for business in Old Town, Edinburgh — a dense concentration within one of the city's most historic and footfall-heavy neighbourhoods. That's a significant number for a compact area that also hosts 297 restaurants, 243 cafes, and over 200 pubs and bars, meaning salon owners aren't just competing with each other but also fighting for visibility in a commercially saturated environment.
Of those 54 salons, only 21 — roughly 39% — have a website. That's a notable gap. In a neighbourhood where tourist traffic mixes with a loyal local base, the majority of salons are effectively invisible to anyone searching online before visiting. For operators willing to invest in even a basic web presence, there's real room to capture demand that competitors are leaving on the table.
Named operators like Medusa Hair, Hot Head, Paterson SA, Ruby Rouge, Mosko Hairdressing, Broughton Place Hair and Beauty, boombarbers, and Half Cut represent the more established end of the market — all with websites and presumably stronger brand recognition. The remaining 33 salons without websites likely rely on walk-in trade, word of mouth, or third-party booking platforms to fill chairs.
The competitive picture is clear: Old Town is well supplied with hair salons relative to its size. Standing out requires more than a good postcode — it demands visibility, differentiation, and a deliberate approach to attracting both the tourist and local customer base that this area uniquely provides.
What Customers in Old Town Care About
Walk-in slots near the Royal Mile
With tourists and locals passing through constantly, many customers pick a salon based on whether they can get a same-day appointment without booking ahead.
Stylists who handle varied hair
Old Town draws international visitors and a diverse student population from the University of Edinburgh, so salons that work confidently with different textures and styles have a clear advantage.
Prices visible before sitting down
In a tourist-heavy area where customers may not know a salon's reputation, clear pricing displayed at the door or online prevents awkward conversations and builds trust quickly.
On their daily walking route
With multiple salons within a short stroll of each other, customers often choose convenience over reputation — being on or near their commute through Old Town matters more than you'd think.
Weekend and evening availability
With 90 bars and 113 pubs in the area, Old Town has a strong evening and weekend culture, and customers expect salon hours that match their social schedules rather than traditional nine-to-five.
Hair Salons operating in Old 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 |
|---|---|
| 3 Stooges | Hairdresser |
| Medusa Hair | Hairdresser |
| Paige Connor | Hairdresser |
| First Class Barbers | Hairdresser |
| Rose Street Barbers | Hairdresser |
| Hot Head | Hairdresser |
| Macintyre's | Hairdresser |
| Signature Barber | Hairdresser |
| Paterson SA | Hairdresser |
| Ruby Rouge | Hairdresser |
| Old Town Barbers | Hairdresser |
| Brian Donald Gents Barbers | Hairdresser |
Business listings from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Tips for Hair Salons Owners in Old Town
A website puts you ahead of 33 competitors
Only 39% of Old Town salons have a website, meaning 33 are essentially hidden from anyone searching 'hair salon Old Town Edinburgh' online. Even a simple one-page site with services, prices, and opening hours puts you in front of demand your competitors are ignoring.
Position near the food and drink footfall
With nearly 300 restaurants and over 200 cafes in Old Town, foot traffic is heavy around eating spots. Salons near popular venues benefit from impulse visits and passing trade. Make your shopfront count — it's your cheapest advert.
Don't try to out-market the established names
Medusa Hair, Hot Head, Ruby Rouge and the other named operators already have brand recognition and a web presence. Competing head-on is expensive. Instead, find an underserved angle — late hours, specific hair types, walk-in-only barbering — and own it.
Competition Snapshot
Fifty-four salons in Old Town makes this one of Edinburgh's most competitive micro-markets for hair services. The area is well supplied for general cuts and styling — that's oversaturated. What's underserved is the visibility layer: 61% of salons have no website, meaning digital demand falls to the few operators who invest in it. Salons that combine a strong online presence with clear pricing and a defined niche — barbering, colour work, or tourist-friendly walk-in service — are best positioned to capture share from the long tail of operators relying purely on footfall and repeat custom.
Own a business in Old Town?
See your exact rank against nearby competitors, what customers say about them, and where you can win.