Weddings, holidays and nights out are driving a UK “blow dry surge,” with salon energy use jumping by up to 34% on peak days, according to new Uswitch Business Energy research.
The study asked consumers which occasions they’d be most likely to get their hair professionally styled for, ranking the top ten Blow Dry Days of the calendar year.
Top 10 ‘Blow Dry Days’ of 2026
- Attending a wedding
- Before going on holiday
- Night out with friends
- Christmas celebrations
- New Year’s Eve
- Valentine’s Day
- August Bank Holiday weekend
- Graduation
- Early May Bank Holiday weekend
- Wimbledon
Uswitch Business Energy analysis found that, when scaled across a fully booked salon, electricity consumption from blow dries alone can reach an estimated 18.3 kWh per day, equivalent to running a washing machine around 36 times, compared to 13.7 kWh on a typical trading day.
With summer weddings, graduations and bank holiday peaks approaching, the findings highlight the growing operational challenge salons face in managing rising energy demand during high-footfall periods.
Expert Tips to Help Salons Cut Down on Energy Waste:
- Reduce hot water use
Hot water can be one of the biggest energy drains in a salon, especially with frequent hair washing. Installing water-saving showerheads or flow restrictors can significantly reduce the amount of hot water used without affecting client experience. Be mindful of water flow, turning it off when not actively rinsing hair.
- Run appliances efficiently
Towels and robes need consistent washing, so it’s important to use appliances such as washing machines and dryers as efficiently as possible. Always aim to wash full loads rather than running multiple smaller cycles and make use of eco or low temperature settings where suitable. Running these appliances during off-peak hours can also help reduce energy costs and ease demand on the grid.
- Keep equipment energy-efficient
Regular maintenance plays a big role in keeping energy use down. Make sure your salon boiler is serviced routinely so it runs at peak efficiency and replace older equipment with newer models that have higher energy ratings where possible. Choosing tools with lower wattage can also help cut down on electricity usage over time.
- Cut unnecessary power use
Small habits can make a big difference. Try to minimize heat styling time by working efficiently and only using high temperatures when completely necessary. Switch off and unplug tools such as straighteners or curlers when not in use, rather than leaving them on standby.