UK Men’s Grooming Sector.

Kevin Dunstall
Feb 23
3 min read

The UK's men's grooming industry is experiencing a dynamic and prosperous phase, presenting barbershop owners with unparalleled opportunities to expand and innovate their services. As social norms evolve and the emphasis on personal care intensifies, the sector is poised for remarkable growth, with projections estimating the market will reach approximately £1.53 billion during 2025.

Financial Projections and Market Growth

The men's grooming market in the UK is on an upward trajectory, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5% from 2024 to 2030, aiming to achieve a market size of GPB 15.44 billion by 2030. This surge is driven by increasing awareness among men regarding personal hygiene and the rising demand for natural and organic grooming products. Notably, skincare products have gained significant popularity, accounting for approximately 33.5% of the market share in 2023.

Emerging and Fast-Growing Brands

Several brands are capitalizing on this growth, introducing innovative products that resonate with modern consumers. For instance, Jo Malone London has strategically expanded its presence in the men's fragrance market by partnering with NFL athletes and launching the 'Mr Malone' ambassador program, aligning with culturally significant events like the Super Bowl to reach a broader audience. Additionally, brands such as Daimon Barber and Heath London have gained traction, offering ingredient-focused skincare solutions that appeal to men seeking effective and straightforward grooming products.

Trends Shaping the Industry

The current landscape of men's grooming is influenced by several key trends:

Personalization and Inclusivity: Men are increasingly seeking grooming products tailored to their specific needs, with a focus on personalized skincare routines that consider individual skin types and concerns.

Sustainability and Natural Ingredients: There is a growing demand for eco-friendly and natural grooming products, as consumers become more conscious of environmental impacts and personal health.

Technological Integration: The adoption of tech-driven grooming tools, such as smart razors and skincare devices, is enhancing the grooming experience by offering personalized and efficient solutions.

Evolving Masculinity Norms: A shift towards embracing diverse expressions of masculinity has led to a broader acceptance of grooming practices, including the use of cosmetics and skincare products traditionally marketed towards women.

Implications for Barbershop Owners

For barbershop owners, these developments signify a vibrant and expanding market. To capitalize on these trends:

Expand Service Offerings: Incorporate skincare treatments, personalized grooming consultations, and the sale of premium, eco-friendly products to meet the diverse needs of clients.

Stay Informed and Adaptable: Keep abreast of industry trends and be willing to adapt services and product offerings, accordingly, ensuring the barbershop remains competitive and relevant.

Leverage Technology: Integrate advanced grooming tools and consider implementing digital booking systems or personalized client profiles to enhance customer experience.

Foster an Inclusive Environment: Create a welcoming space that embraces diverse expressions of masculinity, appealing to a broader clientele. By aligning with these trends and understanding the evolving preferences of male consumers, barbershop owners can position themselves at the forefront of the UK's flourishing men's grooming sector, ensuring sustained growth and customer loyalty.

So how do you maximise this huge opportunity? You can’t stock every brand to please every client's preference or budget; but you can partner with a wholesaler that will provide education and sell products in as single units rather packs of 3 or 6. Obviously we’re biased and want you to use, The Barber Works ...

We would also highly recommend that you look at imbuyinglocal.com (IBL) as your shops chosen retail partner. IBL has a growing range of men’s grooming products, and partners get the numerous benefits including:

5% Customer Discount
Up to 50% Net Profit share, paid monthly via bank transfer for all shop linked purchases
Free marketing material
10% wholesale discount at The Barber Works