Hair Salons in Manchester
826 hair salons competing across 8 suburbs. Here's what the data shows.
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826
5%
8
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Market Overview
Manchester has 826 hair salons operating within the city — an intense level of competition for a population of 550,000. Customers have genuine choice at every turn, and salons can't rely on scarcity to fill chairs.
High-street chains like Toni & Guy compete alongside independents such as Revive, Do Or Dye Hair Design, and Jordan Lea. Barber-focused operations including Sale Barber Shop and ALY Barbers add further pressure, particularly for male clients who might otherwise visit a unisex salon.
The most striking figure is website adoption: only 41 of Manchester's 826 hair salons — 5% — have a website. In a city where salons compete fiercely for bookings, the vast majority are invisible to anyone searching online before they visit. That leaves a wide-open channel for any salon willing to invest in basic digital presence.
Manchester's surrounding business environment is packed with foot-traffic generators — 1,034 restaurants, 736 cafes, 1,435 fast food outlets, 325 bars, and 877 pubs. Salons positioned near these clusters benefit from natural passing trade, but they also face constant competition for consumer spending. Standing out requires more than a good cut — it requires being visible where customers are already looking.
What Customers in Manchester Care About
Near their usual route
With over 1,000 restaurants and 736 cafes across Manchester, residents have set daily routines — a salon near where they already grab lunch or a coffee gets noticed, while one on a quiet side street gets overlooked.
Walk-in availability
In a city with 826 salons, customers expect same-day appointments or a seat without a long wait; if they can't get in quickly, they'll try the next place down the road.
Someone who gets their hair
Manchester's diverse population needs stylists comfortable with a range of textures, cuts, and styles — not just one type — and customers will travel further for that confidence.
Visible proof of quality
With only 5% of salons online, most customers rely on Instagram posts, Google reviews, and what they can see through the window before deciding to walk in.
No surprises on price
With this many salons competing in the same city, customers compare — unclear pricing or hidden extras will send them somewhere more straightforward.
Hair Salons operating in Manchester
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 |
|---|---|
| Alexanders of Didsbury | Hairdresser |
| Rush Hair | Hairdresser |
| Toni & Guy | Hairdresser |
| Toni & Guy Academy | Hairdresser |
| Hair Revolution | Hairdresser |
| Flixton Barber Shop | Hairdresser |
| New Dimensions Hair Design | Hairdresser |
| A Cut Above | Hairdresser |
| Cutting Rooms | Hairdresser |
| Esteem | Hairdresser |
| The Hair Studio | Hairdresser |
| Dylans Hair Salon | Hairdresser |
Business listings from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Tips for Hair Salons Owners in Manchester
Get online — most competitors aren't
Only 41 out of 826 Manchester salons have a website. A basic site with your services, prices, and a booking link puts you ahead of 95% of the market. Even a well-maintained Google Business Profile with photos and recent reviews makes a measurable difference.
Position near foot traffic, not just cheap rent
Manchester has 877 pubs, 325 bars, and over 1,000 restaurants spread across the city. Salons near these clusters get seen by people already out and spending money. A cheap unit on a quiet road saves on rent but costs you walk-in trade.
Build your reputation outside the salon
With 826 salons competing, being skilled at hairdressing isn't enough on its own. Ask every satisfied client for a Google review and post your work regularly on social media. In a market this crowded, the salons with visible reviews and a strong portfolio get chosen first.
Competition Snapshot
Manchester's hair salon market is heavily crowded. With 826 salons across the city, most areas have multiple options within walking distance. National chains like Toni & Guy sit alongside independents such as Revive and Do Or Dye Hair Design, while barber operations like ALY Barbers and Sale Barber Shop compete for the same discretionary spend. What's underserved is the digital space — only 5% of salons have a website. Any salon that builds even a modest online presence and actively encourages reviews is competing in a far smaller pool than the 826 total suggests.
Hair Salons by Suburb
Click any suburb for detailed market intelligence.
Hair Salons in City Centre
119 businesses · 6% have a website
Hair Salons in Northern Quarter
90 businesses · 7% have a website
Hair Salons in Deansgate
68 businesses · 7% have a website
Hair Salons in Ancoats
50 businesses · 4% have a website
Hair Salons in Didsbury
26 businesses · 27% have a website
Hair Salons in Fallowfield
18 businesses · 0% have a website
Hair Salons in Chorlton
17 businesses · 0% have a website
Hair Salons in Salford
6 businesses · 17% have a website
Other Industries in Manchester
Hair Salons in Other Cities
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