The UK Beauty Report

Glasgow takes the top spot as the best city for makeup treatments, combining accessibility, quality, and affordability. With around six makeup salons per 100,000 residents, the city boasts the highest number of salons relative to its population, meaning securing an appointment should be a breeze for locals. The quality of the service is equally impressive, with 88.9% of makeup salons in Glasgow being rated above 4.5 stars on Treatwell, reflecting their high customer satisfaction. Affordability is another highlight, with natural makeup treatments averaging around £34—equivalent to a mere 1.3% of the average monthly local income. Glasgow proves that you don’t need to compromise quality for cost.

Scotland dominates makeup services, with Edinburgh taking second place. The capital city may have a lower concentration of salons than Glasgow, but it sets itself apart with its incredible quality. An impressive 95.5% of salons in Edinburgh are rated 4.5 stars or higher, making it a prime destination for top-tier makeup treatments.

Newcastle, famed for its vibrant nightlife, takes the lead when it comes to “quality over quantity”. With just 3.6 salons per 100,000 residents, it has fewer options than other cities, but a remarkable 100% of its salons are rated 4.5 stars or higher. Even better, these high standards don’t break the bank. Natural makeup costs an average of £32, or just 1.1% of the local income, the second-lowest on our list behind Cambridge.

Once again, Scotland steals the show, taking the top two positions. Edinburgh ranks as the best city for nail salons, with an impressive 20.9 salons per 100,000 residents. From walk-in salons to private nail technicians, Scotland’s capital offers no shortage of options to keep your nails looking flawless. Quality is a key highlight, with 94.9% of salons rated 4.5 stars or higher on Treatwell. Despite the high standards, affordability remains strong, with BIAB treatments costing an average of £34—just 1.2% of the city’s average income.

In second place is Glasgow, where salon availability may be slightly lower, but the savings more than make up for it. A BIAB treatment here costs just £29 on average. For those prioritising budget-friendly beauty without sacrificing quality, Glasgow is a solid contender.

London rounds out the top three with one of the highest densities of nail salons—21.8 per 100,000 residents, totalling an impressive 1,649 salons across the city. While prices are similar to Edinburgh and Glasgow, at 1.2% of the average monthly income, quality lacks slightly here, with 88.8% of salons achieving 4.5 stars or higher. Still, London’s abundance of options makes it a convenient choice for residents.

Although Brighton and Hove ranks seventh overall, it boasts the highest proportion of salons relative to its population, with 33.8 salons per 100,000 people. However, it lacks affordability, as treatments cost 1.9% of the monthly local salary, the fifth most expensive for local residents. This coastal city offers exceptional accessibility, making it an attractive destination for nail care enthusiasts.

Brighton and Hove claims the top spot as the best city for massage treatments. The city stands out for its remarkable density of massage salons, boasting 35.3 parlours per 100,000 residents—a figure significantly higher than any other city. While a massage here costs £52—about 2.2% of the average monthly salary—residents appear undeterred by the premium prices, with a stellar 89.8% of salons rated 4.5 stars or higher, reflecting consistently high customer satisfaction.

Leeds secures the second spot, maintaining its reputation for excellence. The city’s commitment to quality shines through, with an impressive 95.3% of its salons receiving ratings of 4.5 stars and above. When it comes to cost, massages are even more affordable in Leeds, costing £46 per treatment, or 1.8% of the average monthly salary.

London completes the top three, offering a slightly lower density of massage salons compared to Brighton and Hove, at 26.5 per 100,000 residents. Despite this, the capital ensures ample opportunities for relaxation, with a wide array of high-quality establishments catering to Londoners seeking a soothing escape. And while treatment costs here are higher, averaging £70 per session, this only makes up about 2% of the average monthly salary in London, thanks to the city's higher wages. 

Manchester, one of the UK’s major cities, offers the ideal environment for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs. With an impressive 442 monthly searches per 10,000 people for beauty-related terms, it’s clear that Mancunians have a strong interest in beauty treatments. Massage services are the most searched-for treatment in the city, presenting a significant opportunity for new businesses.

On Instagram, nails take the spotlight as the most talked-about treatment, contributing to a total of 12,945 hashtag posts about beauty treatments in Manchester. While rental costs aren’t the lowest, retail units remain reasonably priced for such a large city, averaging £28.11 per square foot per year.

Newcastle comes in second place, offering even more affordable rental prices at £27.60 per square foot per year for retail units. However, success in Newcastle may depend on tapping into underserved areas, such as massage and hair removal services, which are highly searched for but less readily available. Meanwhile, makeup and nails services already have a strong foothold.

With this in mind, Kamilla Fernandes-Pickett, Marketing and Communications Senior Manager at Capital on Tap provides advice to budding beauty business owners. 

Understand your local market

Understanding the local market drives success in the beauty business. Research the demand for services, the level of competition, and the costs associated with running a salon. By evaluating these factors, you can identify the best opportunities and make informed decisions. This will help you tailor your services to meet the needs of your target audience while standing out from local competitors. 

Invest in high-quality products

Investing in high-quality products is essential for success. Creating a welcoming professional space is crucial for building client trust. Not only will this improve the quality of your services, but a well-chosen product range shows clients that you care about their experience and results, which is especially important in an area with established salons.

Manage your finances wisely 

Financial management is key to running a successful beauty business. Keep track of your expenses, revenues, and investments to ensure profitability. Consider applying for a business credit card to streamline your expenses, track purchases, and take advantage of cashback or rewards. A business credit card can also help you manage cash flow and build a business credit score, which will be invaluable when you need funding for future growth.