Hair Salons in Portsmouth
153 hair salons competing in Portsmouth. Here's what the data shows.
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153
19%
1
Market Overview
153 hair salons operate within Portsmouth — a city of around 240,000 people. That creates real competition for every client, particularly in high-footfall areas like Southsea and the city centre where salons cluster tightly together.
The biggest gap in this market is digital. Only 29 of those 153 salons — roughly 19% — have a website. That means over 120 salons are relying entirely on walk-ins, word of mouth, or third-party listings to attract new customers. In a city where potential clients search online before booking, salons without a web presence are leaving money on the table.
Portsmouth's broader local economy supports strong foot traffic. With 224 cafes, 339 fast-food outlets, 222 pubs, 169 restaurants, and 28 bars across the city, commercial areas are busy with people already out spending. Hair salons positioned near these clusters benefit from natural passing trade, but that same visibility also means they're surrounded by competitors.
The market isn't oversaturated to the point of unsustainability, but it's competitive enough that salons need a clear point of difference. Whether that's specialisation, location, pricing, or simply being findable online, standing still isn't an option when 152 other businesses are after the same customers.
What Customers in Portsmouth Care About
Walk-in friendly Southsea locations
Many Portsmouth clients fit hair appointments around shopping or meeting friends for coffee. Salons near Palmerston Road or Albert Road benefit because customers can combine errands with their visit.
Evening and weekend availability
With Portsmouth's large naval workforce and retail sector, plenty of residents work non-standard hours. Salons offering late openings or Saturday slots capture clients that nine-to-five salons miss.
Stylists for diverse hair types
Portsmouth has a diverse population, and customers want assurance their stylist can handle their specific hair texture and type — not just standard cuts and blow-dries.
Real reviews from Portsmouth locals
This is a word-of-mouth city. Customers trust Google reviews and local Facebook group endorsements far more than paid advertising or influencer posts.
Online booking without the phone call
With only 19% of Portsmouth salons having a website, customers actively seek out the ones where they can check availability and book without picking up the phone.
Hair Salons operating in Portsmouth
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 |
|---|---|
| A Beauty Within | Hairdresser |
| United Salons | Hairdresser |
| Smart Cut Barbershop | Hairdresser |
| Dynasty Barbers | Hairdresser |
| Hair of Dreams | Hairdresser |
| L.A. Barbers | Hairdresser |
| The Hair Company | Hairdresser |
| BE my guest | Hairdresser |
| David Anthony | Hairdresser |
| The Hair Tree | Hairdresser |
| The Terrace | Hairdresser |
| Scissors | Hairdresser |
Business listings from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Tips for Hair Salons Owners in Portsmouth
Get a website — most competitors haven't
Only 29 of Portsmouth's 153 hair salons have a website. A basic site with your services, prices, and a booking link puts you ahead of over 80% of local competitors before you've spent a penny on advertising.
Set up near the city's busy commercial spots
Portsmouth's high streets are backed by 224 cafes, 222 pubs, and 169 restaurants. Opening or establishing yourself near these clusters in Southsea, Albert Road, or Commercial Road means your salon benefits from people already out and spending.
Build local word of mouth before scaling ads
Portsmouth is a tight-knit city where personal recommendations carry serious weight. Focus on collecting Google reviews from happy clients and engaging in local community groups before investing in paid advertising. Referrals do more work here than a Facebook ad budget.
Competition Snapshot
153 salons in a city of 240,000 makes Portsmouth a competitive market, but not unworkable. The real issue is visibility — only 29 salons have a website, meaning the vast majority are invisible to anyone searching online. Salons cluster in Southsea, the city centre, and along main high streets, creating pockets of intense local rivalry. The market is well-served for standard cuts and blow-dries, but there's room for specialists — whether that's textured hair, bridal styling, or barbering. Standing out requires being findable online and having a clear, specific offer.
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