Many high street businesses have struggled in recent years, with major chains such as Woolworths and Toys ‘R’ Us disappearing from town centres since the 2008 financial crash, along with many independent traders.

East Anglian Daily Times: Recently opened Glow Clinic, Sue Adams second Ipswich beauty business Picture: SIMPLY C PHOTOGRAPHYRecently opened Glow Clinic, Sue Adams second Ipswich beauty business Picture: SIMPLY C PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Simply C Photography)

But while many shoppers move to buy clothes, electrical goods and other items online, figures show many are still venturing into towns to for a hair or nail appointment.

In Ipswich the number of hairdressers, barbers and nail bars has risen from 80 to 105 since 2010 - an increase of 31%.

In Waveney Since 2010 the number of hairdressers, barbers and nail bars has risen from 55 to 80. That’s an increase of 45%.

Sue Adams, who owns award-winning Image beauty salon in Ipswich, has seen growth year on year.

East Anglian Daily Times: There is also an on-site beauty salon. Picture: PINATARARENAThere is also an on-site beauty salon. Picture: PINATARARENA (Image: Archant)

She attributes part of the growth to an increase in younger people getting beauty treatments.

“People are more prepared to spend money on themselves,” she said.

“A new generation are happy to spend more on how they look.” She estimates the Image beauty salon has 250 women through the door each week.

In Chelmsford, the number of hairdressers, barbers and nail bars has also grown from 80 to 110 since 2010, an increase of 38%.

Claire Davie, who owns and runs the Beauty Rooms in Wells Street in Chelmsford, said she has seen an increase in demand for her services.

“We have definitely had a growth in business, which has led to an increase of staff employed at the business,” she said.

“People want the newest beauty trends and that’s what we are here to offer.”

She believes the increase in demand for beauty services stems from the rise of social media platforms such as Instagram and Snapchat.

“People are more self-conscious these days because of social media,” she added.

“This has led to an increase of young people using beauty salons and products.”

She also said that more men are now investing more money and time in looking after themselves.

Lucy Stainton, head of retail at the Local Data Company, a business that tracks retail occupancy rates, believes the beauty industry will continue to grow.

“In 2017 alone, we saw 624 new barbers open in the UK,” she said.

“Every sector has its spikes, but I see the beauty sector continuing to grow, and it is being quite largely driven by fashion trends and social media.”