Trendy hair styles and the popularity of beards are proving a real boon to male grooming on the high street, according to a new survey.

While the UK’s town centres and high streets have been in decline for many years, new research from male grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge has suggested that the humble barbershop could be the secret weapon in the fight back to save the high street.

Ninety five per cent of men said they visit the high street to go to their barbershop or hairdresser, with the pub coming second on 76% and the restaurant/coffee shop third on 54%. The gym took fourth spot on 39%, while the bank was fifth on 35%.

From the 2,126 surveyed men living in the UK, 93% declared that they visit their barbershop or hair salon at least once per month. Thirty three per cent even admit to making fortnightly trips to smarten up their styles and socialise with like-minded regulars, while 10% see their barber once a week.

Nick Gibbens, spokesperson for The Bluebeards Revenge, said the findings highlighted how important the barbering and hairdressing industries were to the local economy as well as the communities they serve.

“Barbers and hairdressers offer services that you can’t buy online so they have survived the online boom. The industry is also thriving here in the UK as men spend more money than ever on male grooming services such as wet shaves, haircuts, beard trims and facials,” explained Mr Gibbens.

“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. Looking ahead, with the festive season now upon us, we’re expecting barbershops to be as busy as ever with men spending big to ensure they look dapper for the party season. Barbershops and salons are filling up shops that could potentially be empty so they are proving pivotal in the battle to save the high street and bring men back.”

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