Duck & Dry, the premium blow-dry and styling brand, has unveiled plans for significant UK expansion, targeting up to 60 locations over the next five years through a combination of franchised and company-owned salons.
The London-founded business is seeking to capitalise on growing general consumer demand for premium beauty services, experience-led retail and convenient self-care offerings.
Having expanded its footprint in the capital it is now looking to replicate its formula nationwide, with cities such as Manchester and Leeds being earmarked.
The expansion will be accelerated through a partnership with Hero Brands, the team behind high-growth brands including German Doner Kebab and Sides, bringing proven expertise in franchise development, operator recruitment and brand scaling.
It comes as the beauty and wellness sector continues to demonstrate strong resilience, driven by consumers’ increasing willingness to invest in services that deliver both emotional and practical value. At the same time, demand for premium in-person experiences remains strong as customers seek human connection and personalised service in an increasingly digital world.
Yulia Rorstrom, Founder and CEO of Duck & Dry, explained: “We have built a strong brand, a loyal customer following and a distinctive customer experience – we are now ready to take Duck & Dry nationwide.”
She added: “Our ambition is not simply to open more locations, it is to build the UK’s leading premium blow-dry and styling brand. We have a fantastic platform and are focused on finding the right partners, in the right locations, who can deliver the Duck & Dry experience to the standards our customers expect.”
The business believes changing consumer habits are creating favourable conditions for expansion. Once largely reserved for special occasions, blow-dry services are increasingly becoming part of customers’ regular beauty routines, supported by flexible booking habits, busy lifestyles and a growing emphasis on personal presentation.
To support growth, franchisees will receive assistance across site selection, salon design, recruitment, training, launch marketing and ongoing business performance management. The brand has also developed detailed operating standards and training systems designed to ensure a consistent customer experience as the network expands.
Key takeaways
- Duck and Dry is targeting 60 UK locations through a franchise expansion programme, focusing on major cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Leeds.
- The expansion is being accelerated through a partnership with Hero Brands, the team behind high-growth brands including Thunderbird Fried Chicken and Poke House.
- The beauty and wellness sector is showing strong resilience, with consumers increasingly prioritising experience-led services as part of their regular routines.
- Blow-dry services have shifted from a special-occasion treat to a regular habit for many consumers, creating favourable conditions for Duck and Dry’s growth model.
- Franchisees will receive support across site selection, salon design, recruitment, training and marketing, alongside access to the Duck and Dry brand and operational systems.
