Why have uk barbershops seen a rise in female clients?

New research has discovered that more UK women are visiting barbershops than ever before. The survey, carried out by men’s grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge, found that 56% of women have visited a barbershop at least once in the last two years. The significance of these new findings can be seen when compared with statistics from 2014 and 2015, which showed that just 32% of women had visited a barbershop. “The increasing trend for women to feel comfortable and welcome in these once distinctly masculine environments highlights the progress the barbering industry is making with regards to gender equality,” said Bradley Wicks, a spokesperson for The Bluebeards Revenge. He added: “It’s great to see such a positive acceptance of women in British barbershops. This modern age is one where women have chosen to opt out of the less ritualistic nature of a traditional women’s hair salon for the fast paced, professional performance of 21^st century barbershops.” Among the reasons discovered for this new adoption of barbershops were the growing demands for much shorter, sharper hair styles. 81% of women who visited a barbershop in the past 24 months cited these edgier cuts as reasons for their regular appointments. Sophie Collins, a leading barber from North Wales, supported this and suggested an increased number of female customers were anxious to visit a hair salon and ask for a shorter hairstyle. She said: "Some of my female clients have told me stories of being terrified to ask for a shorter hairstyle at their regular hairdressing salon. I hear stories of how these establishments persuade women that the haircut they want will look too masculine. Or that it will not suit them or be too short. “In my shop we offer barber-style haircuts – which are super sharp, clipper-themed styles - as well as long, texturized looks. And neither of these are gender specific – we offer our clients the haircut they want. If a woman wants very short hair, she knows she can come to us and we will give her exactly what she wants. The exact same thing is true for a man who wants longer hair.” British barbershops are known for their relaxed atmosphere – something that has also proved a hit with 52% of UK women. Another popular reason for the increased female presence in barbershops was the difference in price. 61% of women stated the cost of hair salons as a key reason for their switch to a barbershop.