Hair Salon Industry in Askøy: A Comprehensive Analysis

Hair salons in Askøy form an important part of the municipality's service sector. With 40 registered companies in the industry, including both established businesses and new players, the data shows a mix of stability and dynamism. In recent years, sales have shown variations, with a strong increase in 2021 followed by a decline in 2022–2025. The workforce development has been more consistent, with a gradual decline over time. The broader hairdresser salon category in the municipality has more companies, which may indicate a larger market share or a more diversified sector. For entrepreneurs, this could be an interesting market opportunity, especially in areas with high competition and established customers.

Sales and Workforce Development

Sales in the hair salon industry reached their peak in 2021 at 40.7 million NOK, but have since declined. In 2025, sales stood at 30.1 million NOK, representing a 3.6% decline compared to 2024. Workforce development has been more gradual, with a decline from 95 in 2016 to 74 in 2026. The most significant change in workforce numbers occurred between 2021 and 2022, with a recorded decline of 12.2%.

Registered Companies and Organizational Forms

In Askøy, 16 hair salon businesses are registered, with most being AS (limited liability companies). Some companies have positive EBITDA, such as Classic Frisør As (66,000 NOK) and Saxen Frisør As (225,000 NOK), while others have negative or zero EBITDA, such as Think Hair Wear Askøy As (-384,000 NOK) and Hacico As (0 NOK). This shows a mix of businesses with varying financial stability. The most active companies are located in Kleppestø, where Vibe Askøy As and Am Frisør 2 As are among the newer players in the area.

Distribution of Businesses in the Municipality

Kleppestø is the most active area with 8 companies and 44 employees, but Strusshamn and Kjerrgarden have negative sales growth rates of -18% and 9%, respectively. This may indicate that businesses in these areas have been affected by economic challenges or competitiveness.

There are no official bankruptcy filings registered for the hair salon industry in Askøy, but several companies have negative EBITDA, which may indicate economic challenges. For example, Think Hair Wear Askøy As has an EBITDA of -384,000 NOK, and Xo Frisør As has an EBITDA margin of -10%. This shows that some businesses must adjust costs or improve efficiency to achieve profitability. However, there are no registered bankruptcies, indicating that most companies have managed to cope with financial challenges.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs in the hair salon industry in Askøy, there are both challenges and opportunities. The gradual decline in sales and workforce numbers over time shows that market conditions are dynamic, and it may be necessary to focus on differentiation, customer satisfaction, and cost efficiency. Areas such as Kleppestø, with a higher number of employees and established companies, can be attractive for new players looking to leverage existing customer bases. At the same time, it may be beneficial to analyze competitors and identify niches not fully covered by existing businesses.

Comparison with the Broader Hairdresser Salon Category

The broader hairdresser salon category in Askøy has 80 companies, showing that the hair salon industry is part of a larger sector. Sales in the hairdresser salon category had a higher value in 2021 (44.1M NOK) compared to the hair salon industry (40.7M NOK), but have also been declining since. Workforce development shows a similar trend, with a decline from 100 in 2016 to 76 in 2026. Peer companies in the hairdresser salon category include skincare salons and beauty salons, such as Din Hud Askøy As and Beauty By Christel Nordnes, which may represent potential competitors or partners for hair salon businesses.

The hair salon industry in Askøy shows a mix of stability and challenges. With 40 companies and a gradual decline in sales and workforce numbers over time, it is important for entrepreneurs to carefully analyze market conditions. Areas such as Kleppestø have higher activity, while other areas such as Strusshamn and Kjerrgarden show negative sales growth rates. The broader hairdresser salon category has more companies and can provide a broader perspective on market development. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find optimal addresses and strategies to establish themselves in this sector.