There are 47,000 hair salons in the UK. 23% have "Hair" or "Beauty" in the name. You need a name that works for local SEO without being the 8th "Serenity Spa" on your high street.
The Local SEO Problem
"Salon" helps Google Maps ranking. But "Emma's Salon" is invisible among 200 others in your area.
Overused Words to Avoid
Serenity, Bliss, Glamour, Chic, Luxe, Divine. 40% of UK salons use these. Zero differentiation.
Founder Name Strategy
"Vidal Sassoon," "Toni & Guy," "Trevor Sorbie." Founder names built empires. Works if you're staying local.
Premium vs Budget Signaling
"Supercuts" vs "Nicky Clarke." Name telegraphs price point. Middle-market hardest to name - neither discount nor luxury.
Specialist Positioning
"Curly Hair Specialist," "Afro Hair Expert." Niche names limit market but dominate search for specific needs.
Warning: Instagram handle availability matters more for salons than most industries. Check @handle before final name decision.
Generic Names Can't Be Trademarked
If you want legal protection and a name competitors can't copy, make it distinctive from day one. "Beauty Salon" is generic everywhere.