A town boasting over 30 nail and hair salons has been branded "the epicentre of hair and beauty in western Europe" after it was revealed two more are set to open.
Ashford in Kent has a phenomenal 26 hair salons and 11 nail bars for a population of just 74,000.
And while many businesses in the town have felt the pinch since lockdown, Ashford residents’ insatiable beauty needs have shown no signs of letting up.
The town’s 12th nail salon is set to launch next month with a 13th currently going through the planning process.
Councillor Dara Farrell told Kent Online: "Ashford must be the epicentre of hair and beauty in western Europe.
"I think it's good these units aren't going to be empty, but I do think we're getting to the stage where we need something else.
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"Unless we find out the people in Ashford have hair and nails that grow faster than anywhere else in Kent, it's hard to see why there are so many.”
He added: “Saying that, they wouldn't continue to operate or come into the town if there wasn't demand.
"However, I very rarely see them very busy.
"At this point, we need some stimulus to help other businesses join the town centre.
"It's better than not having anything in these units but the number of nail bars and hairdressers is just getting silly now.”
One of the new planned salons is aiming to open in time for April 12 when lockdown restrictions are due to be eased.
The relaxation of rules will allow people to get their hair and nails done for the first time since last year.
Signs have already appeared outside the new shop in preparation for a deluge of customer come April.
The second, which is currently awaiting planning permission.
Ashford’s high street already has four nail bars within just 80 metres of each other on its high street.
Ashford MP, Damien Green, welcomed the latest additions to the town.
He said: “My overall view is that any shop that's full and doing business is good for the town.
"You don't want any type of business to dominate, but I'd much rather have a shop occupied and running than empty.
"The truth is, people's demand will decide whether there is too much of any business in the town - customers decide that.
"So if there's enough custom for any type of shop to open, then good luck to the owners."
