In the world of beauty and self-care, the words we use to describe salons have changed along with what these places offer. While hair salon is still the go-to term, others, like beauty salon, day spa, and even blowout bar, have emerged over the years. Each term brings its own vibe and history, shaping how people look for salons and what they expect. Here’s a look at how each of these terms evolved and why hair salon continues to be the top choice online.
So, What Is a Hair Salon?
Today, hair salon has become the universal name for places dedicated to haircuts, styling, and color. The phrase picked up steam in the 1960s and 70s, when salons became more focused on hair services. Since then, it’s remained the top search term clients use to find hair-focused services online. Whether you’re looking for a fresh cut, a color change, or something new, hair salon is usually the first phrase that pops into your mind—and Google’s search results.
Other Common Names for Salons
Beauty Salon
Beauty salon dates back to the 1920s, a time when salons often included a range of services like makeup, skincare, and nail care. Throughout the mid-1900s, beauty salon was the go-to term, especially as salons grew to offer more than just haircuts. Today, it still works for places offering an all-around beauty experience, though online, it doesn’t rank quite as high as hair salon, since hair is more specific and straightforward.
Beauty Parlor
Beauty parlor is a throwback term from the early 1900s. Back then, these cozy spaces offered hair styling, manicures, and facials. By the 1950s, beauty salon took over as the more professional-sounding term. Nowadays, beauty parlor is rare, though it might still pop up in small towns or vintage-style businesses.
Hairdressing Salon
Hairdressing salon is more common in the UK and parts of Europe, where it emphasizes the craft of hair styling. It sounds a bit more formal than hair salon, and while it’s still used internationally, hair salon ranks better for search results, especially in the U.S. where it’s a more familiar term.
Full-Service Salon
In the 1980s and 90s, salons started expanding beyond just haircuts, and the term full-service salon became popular. A full-service salon includes hair, nails, skincare, and sometimes even massage. Today, it’s still a popular term for salons that want to be seen as one-stop shops, though hair salon usually ranks higher online because of its focus.
Day Spa
Day spa became popular in the 1980s, tapping into the wellness trend that’s only grown stronger. These places offer a mix of hair and body treatments, from massages to facials, and the goal is relaxation. While day spa brings in clients looking for more than just hair services, hair salon still leads in online searches.
Blowout Bar
In the 2010s, blowout bars became a thing, offering quick styling focused on washing, drying, and styling—without cuts or color. Perfect for clients who just want a good blowout, blowout bars bring something specific to the table. Despite their popularity, blowout bar isn’t as highly searched as hair salon, which is still a more universal term.
Why Hair Salon Isn’t Going Anywhere
Despite the variety of terms, hair salon remains the best choice for online searches. It’s simple, easy to remember, and immediately lets people know they’re getting hair-focused services. If you want your salon to show up in Google search results, hair salon is a keyword you can’t afford to ignore. People are more likely to type “hair salon near me” than “full-service salon” when they’re looking for a haircut or color, which is why this term will likely stay at the top.
Using Multiple Terms to Expand Your Reach
While hair salon is essential for Google rankings, mixing in terms like beauty salon, day spa, and blowout bar can capture clients looking for something different. These additional phrases give your salon more depth and appeal to clients with specific needs. Using these terms throughout your website and social media can help reach a wider audience without losing the core focus on hair salon.
Final Thoughts
The word hair salon may be top dog, but all these terms—beauty parlor, full-service salon, day spa, and blowout bar—bring their own history and flavor. They represent the changing face of the beauty industry, offering new and exciting ways to connect with clients. So, whether it’s a hair salon or a day spa, these terms each add something unique to the conversation, but one thing is certain: hair salon is here to stay.
By understanding the range of terms and their histories, salons can use language to appeal to a broader range of clients and rank higher online. So, the next time you search for a hair salon, you’ll know there’s a rich history behind that simple phrase, connecting generations of beauty and self-care.
