Hair Salon Industry in Drammen: Analysis of Companies, Statistics, and Outlook

Hair salons represent a vital part of Drammen's service sector, with 248 companies registered in the municipality. The industry has shown mixed performance over recent years, with sales peaking at NOK 141.8M in 2019 before declining to NOK 82.8M in 2025. Employee numbers have also decreased steadily, from 351 in 2016 to 251 in 2026. Notably, the industry faces challenges with one reported bankruptcy case, but overall remains a significant employer in the area. SmartGrunder can help founders explore potential locations in Drammen for this industry where natural (especially outlook) is favorable.

The hair salon industry in Drammen has experienced fluctuating growth over the past decade. Sales reached a peak of NOK 141.8M in 2019 before declining to NOK 82.8M in 2025, reflecting a compound annual decline of approximately 14.3% since 2019. Employee numbers have similarly decreased from 351 in 2016 to 251 in 2026, a decline of 28.5%. The most significant drop occurred between 2021 and 2022, with sales falling by 24.4% and employee numbers decreasing by 9.1%. This trend suggests a need for strategic adaptation in the industry.

The hair salon industry in Drammen is composed of 248 companies, with the majority organized as AS (49 companies) and Enk (6 companies). Key players include:

• Nye Salong Hage (Øvre Torggate 4, Drammen): 11 employees, NOK 8.9M sales, 7% EBITDA margin
• Salong Ninett (Professor Smiths alle 58, Drammen): 11 employees, NOK 8.0M sales, 7% EBITDA margin
• Haarcompaniet Mjøndalen As (Møllergata 4B, Mjøndalen): 9 employees, NOK 5.9M sales, 11% EBITDA margin
• Puro Stylister As (Grønland 41, Drammen): 7 employees, NOK 6.6M sales, 10% EBITDA margin

Notably, several companies have reported zero sales and operating income, indicating potential challenges in the sector.

The hair salon industry in Drammen is distributed across multiple locations within the municipality:

Drammen is the primary hub for the industry, hosting 40 companies and 160 employees, while Krokstadelva and Svelvik show mixed performance with one company and three companies respectively.

The industry has faced challenges, with one reported bankruptcy case:

• Drammen Cryoklinikk Og La Femme Salon As (Rådhusgata 2, Drammen): 5 employees, zero sales, zero EBITDA

While this represents a small fraction (0.4%) of the total industry activity, it highlights potential risks in the sector. Other companies show varying degrees of financial health, with some reporting negative EBITDA margins (e.g., Cutshim Frisør Og Spa As in Svelvik with -5% EBITDA margin).

For founders considering entering the hair salon industry in Drammen, the data suggests both challenges and opportunities. While sales have declined by 14.3% since 2019 and employee numbers have decreased by 28.5%, there are still 248 companies operating in the municipality. The industry shows resilience in certain areas, with companies like Nye Salong Hage and Salong Ninett achieving EBITDA margins above 7%. However, the decline in sales and employee numbers indicates a need for innovative business models and cost management strategies. SmartGrunder can help identify optimal locations and business strategies for new entrants.

The broader frisørsalong industry in Drammen (which includes hair salons and other beauty services) has 477 companies, compared to the 248 hair salons. Sales for the broader industry peaked at NOK 154.5M in 2019 before declining to NOK 91.3M in 2025, a decline of 40.8% since the peak. Employee numbers have decreased from 380 in 2016 to 283 in 2026, a decline of 25.5%. Key peer companies in the broader industry include:

This broader industry shows similar trends to hair salons, with declining sales and employee numbers, but includes additional services like nail salons and skincare clinics.

The hair salon industry in Drammen shows a complex picture of growth and decline. While the sector has faced challenges with declining sales and employee numbers, it remains a significant part of the local economy with 248 companies. The industry's performance varies by location, with Drammen being the primary hub. Founders considering entering this sector should carefully analyze the market trends and consider innovative strategies to address the challenges identified in the data. SmartGrunder can provide further analysis and support for potential new ventures.