Bradford named hair and beauty business capital of UK

The city is home to 1,618 businesses in this industry and trumps neighbouring Leeds, and Bristol, for total figures, according to research by Direct Line for Business.

The study looked at beauty salons, hairdressers, barbers, nail businesses and tanning salons operating across the 30 largest towns and cities in the UK.

One in every 10 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bradford fall under the hair and beauty category, according to the data.

But, it’s the amount of people per hair and beauty business where the city really makes its mark.

For every 211 people in Bradford there is one hair and beauty shop – putting it at the top of the main ranking indicator.

This is just under half the amount of people for locations such as Cardiff and Liverpool, which have 355 and 360 people per location respectively.

Ramsons Gents Studio, in Wibsey, opened around eight and a half years ago and now boasts four or five cutting stations.

CEO Khuram Ramzan said: “I started off in 2010 when barbering was not as big as it is now. I am proud that Ramsons helped put barbering on the map.”

He added: “Before Ramsons there were not many places where men could pamper themselves.

“The industry has come a long way as I believe people are looking after their image a lot more and keeping up with their appearances too.”

Data from the National Hairdressers’ Federation shows in 2017 there were 17,000 more hair and beauty professionals than there were in 2015 – a rise of six per cent.

Much of this is a result of celebrity exposure and TV shows such as Love Island, according to Carly Menken, from Direct Line for Business.

She said: “The hair and beauty industry continues to have a positive impact on the country’s economy, with growth particularly in the male grooming sector.

“This is thanks to celebrities such as David Beckham and Ryan Reynolds who have made it popular and acceptable for men to have a beautifying regime.”

Mr Ramzan has recently decided to rebrand to Ramsons Barbershop on the back of the growing success of the barbering industry.

He said that Bradford being the hair and beauty capital of the UK was great news.

He added: “I’m proud Ramsons is a part of it. As we already know, Bradford is the capital for food and culture. Now, we will also be known as the style capital too.”

Hair and beauty businesses have had to ensure they broaden their offerings as culture and trends change, according to Mrs Menken.

Blues Hair Workshop has been in Bradford for over 30 years, but in that time it has changed and adapted to the market and the diversity of the city.

This includes a ‘Ladies Only Room’ described on the business’s website as being for “the comfort of Muslim women that wear a hijab, burka or niqab”.

Ash Hussain has worked at the salon for 19 years, since he was 16 years old, and took over ownership of the business last year.

He said: “Because Bradford has such a diverse community, you’ve got to offer other services. Not just for one area of clientele, we’ve got to branch out to other clientele.

“We’ve catered to the best of our potential so everyone can come and enjoy.”

Mr Hussain said he was the only Asian male hairdresser he knew, with more traditionally opting for barbering, but he feels that has changed now and that the industry has grown popular for a number of reasons.

He said: “People like the way they look and look after themselves – they deserve to be looked after.

“The media plays a big part and a lot is social media driven – people want to keep up with the trends and see how the celebs have their hair done.”

He added: “It’s important to offer a unique service and keep up with the trends ourselves. We’ve gone on to do male waxing and therapies.

“It’s ever-changing and you’ve got to keep on top and get there before anyone else.”

For anyone wanting the latest look, Mr Hussain has some recommendations.

He said: “A recent trend for males is short with a textured top and a short fringe.

“For women, bobs are in and so are powerful, pastel colours – I went to a hair show this weekend and there was a lot there.

“Short cuts generally are good for women right now.”