The top 10 US cities to visit to boost your beauty looks

From the East Coast to the West Coast, all of America is working hard to slay their appearance, all in the name of beauty and well-being. More often than not these days, help from professionals comes in handy to remove hair permanently, get the trendiest nails or make skin look flawless. 

Parfumdreams, in collaboration with the research experts from DataPulse, analyzed over 750,000 Google Maps locations across the U.S. to unveil the most beauty-centric cities in the country. Are you ready for it?

Scoring the beauty cities

For the ultimate Beauty-Score, all major cities in the U.S. with more than 100,000 inhabitants were analyzed in four beauty categories, reflecting the density of the respective facilities per 100,000 inhabitants.

The leading beauty cities in the U.S.

1. Miami

Welcome to Miami! Where the bodies on the beaches are hot, the girls are beautiful and tanned, and the sun is always shining. The city is known for its stunning seaside, bustling nightlife, and diverse culture. As a major hub for international trade and tourism, it attracts  wealthy and fashion-conscious crowds, who take pride in their appearance. Often treated like the little stepsister of the glitterati world that is Los Angeles, Miami is coming out of the closet and slowly rising to the top of wannabe-places to live. The tropical climate, the luxurious lifestyle and low taxes make it a popular destination for a new generation of well-focused youngsters. Ask influencers and entrepreneurs who are already moving there: Miami is the place to be right now. And the right aesthetic salons have already arrived with them.

2. Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, as runner-up, is the more relaxed version of beauty-dominating Florida. The city boasts an impressive number of businesses focused on aesthetics, especially hair removal. The Fort Lauderdale lifestyle revolves around outdoor activities, leisure and high-end shopping districts, attracting those who are passionate about maintaining their looks, from native residents to new tourists. If you want to look good and feel good, you come to Fort Lauderdale to get an exquisite and personalized treatment plan - with a recovery vacation included in the package. Treat yourself!

3. Hollywood

Hollywood, Florida, should not be confused with its Californian namesake, but the two cities share a similar penchant for glamor. Located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood has beautiful beachfront properties and a laid-back yet upscale lifestyle. The city's picturesque boardwalk, lined with shops and eateries, draws in visitors looking for relaxation.The local culture strongly emphasizes looking good and feeling great, making Hollywood a prime location for those invested in beauty and wellness. Is this pretty-making city on the road to become a bursting wellness hotspot? Let's try some salons and find out.

4. Dayton

Dayton, Ohio, may not be the first city that comes to mind when thinking of beauty-centric locations. Still, it has a surprising number of beauty related businesses that contribute to its high beauty score. Dayton is home to a variety of beauty schools and training centers that produce skilled professionals in the industry. The city's affordable cost of living and close-knit community create an environment where residents prioritize self-care. Local events, such as the Dayton Bridal Showcase, highlight the importance of aesthetics in the community.

5. West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach in Florida is what the Hamptons are to New York City: It's luxury and taste in its purest form, attracting an affluent crowd that values high-end beauty services. The city is home to prestigious events like Palm Beach Fashion Week, which draws designers, models, and beauty experts from across the globe. With its stunning beaches, upscale shopping districts, and vibrant arts scene, West Palm Beach offers a lifestyle that revolves around elegance and refinement. 

6. Tampa

And here we go again: Tampa, as the fifth beauty hotspot in Florida, is a city that seamlessly blends business, culture, and leisure. Known for its lively downtown, scenic waterfront, and diverse communities, Tampa has a robust beauty industry that caters to its residents and tourists. The city's warm climate and active lifestyle encourage a focus on fitness and appearance. The city's residents, who range from young professionals to retirees, take pride in their looks and well-being. 

7. Pasadena

Miss California, finally! Nestled just outside Los Angeles, Pasadena offers a serene yet sophisticated environment that appeals to those who value aesthetics and wellness. The city's picturesque neighborhoods, adorned with well-maintained homes and gardens, reflect the residents' commitment to beauty. Institutions like the Pasadena City College Cosmetology Program train future professionals, contributing to the city's thriving beauty industry. Remarkably, Pasadena ranks third in the U.S. for the number of facilities offering plastic surgery and permanent makeup per 100,000 inhabitants. That a lot of famous reality TV stars live around here helps the beauty score as well. It's the most secret hideaway for post-procedure vacations happening in ultra-luxurious resorts.

8. Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is a unique metropolis that blends natural splendor with a strong emphasis on personal wellness. Encircled by the majestic Wasatch Mountains and breathtaking scenic landscapes, the city offers an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. The city's high altitude and clean air contribute to a healthier complexion and overall skin health, making it an attractive location for beauty aficionados. 

9. Birmingham

Known for its rich history and culture and a vibrant arts scene, Birmingham, Alabama, offers a mix of traditional Southern charm and contemporary amenities. The presence of renowned cosmetology schools, such as the famous hairdressers Paul Mitchell School Birmingham, ensures a continuous influx of skilled beauty professionals. Birmingham frequently hosts events like the Southern Women's Show, which features beauty, fashion, and lifestyle exhibits, drawing enthusiasts from across the region. Additionally, the city's revitalized downtown and trendy neighborhoods create an inviting atmosphere for beauty and fashion businesses to thrive. 

10. Atlanta

Atlanta, Georgia, is another bustling Southern metropolis celebrated for its cultural diversity, dynamic business hub, and vibrant social scene. Known for its affluent neighborhoods and thriving entertainment industry, Atlanta has a strong demand for top-tier beauty and wellness services. The city regularly hosts high-profile beauty and fashion events, including the Atlanta International Fashion Week, attracting designers, models, and beauty experts from around the world. Atlanta's commitment to maintaining its glamorous image and fostering innovation makes it a premier destination for beauty aficionados and industry leaders alike.

What's up with the big city players in the beauty-score?

If you were wondering all this time: When do New York, Los Angeles or Chicago finally enter the beauty game? You are not alone. A glance at the beauty-score rankings reveals that the largest cities in the United States only rank very low, with beauty scores of 12, 7, and 14, respectively. But why is this the case?

While all three metropolitan areas boast trendy, chic, and affluent neighborhoods overflowing with beauty facilities, they also have extensive suburban areas and densely populated residential zones with fewer beauty services available. The high population density in these cities means that the number of beauty facilities per capita is lower compared to smaller cities. Additionally, the vast geographic spread and socioeconomic diversity within these cities contribute to a more uneven distribution of beauty services. This results in the largest U.S. cities lagging behind smaller cities in terms of beauty facility density per resident.

The winner takes it all: Beauty Hotspot Florida

When examining the distribution of beauty facilities on a state level, Florida stands out as the clear leader, boasting five out of the top 10 beauty hotspots. This high concentration can be attributed to the state's warm climate, which encourages year-round attention to skincare, haircare, and wellness. Florida's vibrant tourism industry also fuels demand for beauty services, as visitors seek pampering and rejuvenation. 

While California also ranks high in overall beauty scores due to its image-conscious population and robust economy, its top cities don't feature as prominently. Overall, Florida remains the ultimate beauty destination in the U.S.

Rise of cosmetic procedures in the U.S.

Over the past decade, the cosmetic enhancement industry in the U.S. has transformed. While surgical cosmetic procedures have seen only a modest increase, the rise in nonsurgical procedures is nothing short of astounding, with an increase of over 250% since 2015. This dramatic surge highlights a growing preference for less invasive methods to achieve beauty and aesthetic goals. Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, such as hair removal, skin treatments, neurotoxins, dermal fillers and body contouring, have become increasingly popular due to their minimal downtime, lower risk, and often immediate results. Shine bright like a diamond in 48 hours!

Argentina leads in surgical procedures

The United States leads the world with the highest number of nonsurgical cosmetic procedures per capita, with 1,741 procedures per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. Conversely, surgical procedures are more prevalent in other countries, with Argentina emerging as the leader in this category.

Around the world: The U.S. as leader of the beauty industry

The U.S. leads the global beauty industry with a total revenue of $97.8 billion in 2023. Even when considering revenue per capita, the U.S. ranks fifth, following affluent nations like Japan, Iceland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. The U.S. also dominates the beauty industry in terms of innovation. American brands are renowned for their cutting-edge products and trends that influence beauty standards worldwide. The country's diverse population fuels a wide range of beauty needs and preferences, driving constant growth and evolution in the market. 

Sources and methodology

To compile the data on the number of beauty facilities in U.S. cities, Parfumdreams utilized Google Maps to identify all relevant establishments and counted all beauty facilities across the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Population data for the cities were sourced from the 2023 U.S. Census. The facilities were weighted according to population size and the type of service provided.

These weights were used to develop the Beauty-Score, which was scaled from 0 to 100. This index provides a ranking of cities based on their beauty facilities.

Additionally, the facilities were categorized into the following groups:

1. Care: Hair removal studios (general, as well as those specializing in laser or waxing) and nail salons
2. Cosmetics: Beauty studios, beauticians, eyelash extensions, eyebrow treatments
3. Aesthetic Clinics: Clinics for plastic surgery (including private practices) as well as facilities specifically for permanent makeup, and skincare clinics and practices
4. Stores: Shops for cosmetics and perfumes

Data on the number of nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic procedures in the U.S. between 2015 and 2022 were sourced from The Aesthetic Society's Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank Statistics (2022).

Data on the number of nonsurgical and surgical cosmetic procedures in 2022 comparing 10 different countries were sourced from the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). 

For the international survey on aesthetic/cosmetic procedures, data was
weighed by the population of the counties in 2022.

Data on the global map of the revenue of the beauty market in 2023 were sourced from Statista Market Insights and weighed by the population of these counties in 2023. 

This story originally appeared on Parfumdreams, was produced in collaboration with DataPulse, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.