Barbershops the saving grace of high streets

Barbershops are proving pivotal in the battle to save the UK high streets, according to a new survey. UK male grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge quizzed 2,126 men on their reasons for visiting the high street, with 95% naming their barbershop or hairdresser. In total, 93% said they visit their barbershop or hair salon at least once per month, 33% made the trip fortnightly, while 10% made it once a week.  

Overall, only 12% of men surveyed now visit the high street on a daily basis, 20% make the trip once a week and 27% go once a fortnight. The pub came in as the second most popular reason to visit the high street (76%) and the restaurant/coffee shop third on 54%. The gym took fourth spot on 39%, while the bank was fifth on 35%.

Nick Gibbens, spokesperson for The Bluebeards Revenge, said: “Barbers and hairdressers offer services that you can’t buy online so they have survived the online boom. Hair trends are also playing an important role as more guys are visiting their barbers for shorter styles that need regular cutting to keep in shape." Leading barber Tom Chapman agreed: "We have an ever increasing amount of male custom making its way through our doors as every guy wants their part of the barber boom. The standard is risings at a fast rate and top barbers are raising the bar."