Celebrating World GIS Day with insight on the personal grooming habits of the UK population

Happy GIS Day, where we take a fresh look into the history of the Gillette disposable safety razor blade, appreciate the facial movement of Movember and explore the cutting-edge stats on hairdressers across the UK. 

On 15th November 1904, the disposable safety razor blade patent was granted to King C. Gillette. To understand the grooming habits of the UK population, GIS can be employed to analyse regional expenditures on razor blades. By mapping consumer spending patterns, businesses and policymakers gain razor sharp insights into grooming preferences, allowing for targeted marketing strategies and resource allocation. This data-driven approach enhances our understanding of cultural and economic factors that influence grooming choices. 

Map shows the South East Region has the highest annual expenditure on razors

Fast forward to the 21st century, and we find ourselves in the midst of the Movember movement. This annual event encourages men to grow a moustache during the month of November to raise awareness about men’s health issues, particularly prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health challenges. GIS plays a crucial role in tracking the global impact of Movember, helping organisers analyse and visualise participation, identify cutting-edge trends and target areas for increased awareness campaigns.

Shifting our focus from shaving to hairstyling. According to the NHBF there has been a 21% increase in the number of hair salons since 2019. 19 million people, almost a third of the population, now live within a mile of a hairdressers in the UK. GIS provides a powerful tool for mapping the distribution of salons and barbershops, helping identify areas with high concentrations of hairdressing establishments.

Map shows postcode walking accessibility to a hairdressers

Ready to groom your business strategy with GIS? From mapping trends to uncovering hidden opportunities, contact us to explore the cutting-edge possibilities InSite and CACI data can offer your business. Sharpen your strategy, shape up your success!