Hair Salon Industry in Halden: A Comprehensive Analysis

Halden has a relatively stable and small-scale hair salon industry with 16 registered companies in the municipality, of which 12 are AS (limited liability companies) and 4 are ENK (sole proprietorships). In 2025, the industry employs 35 people, indicating a gradual stabilization following a decline between 2018–2020. Sales have been highly variable, with a 36.6% drop from 2017 to 2018, but a gradual increase since 2022. EBITDA margins vary significantly, ranging from 41% at Halden Hud Og Laserklinikk As to -9% at Lumi By Therese As. The industry includes a mix of traditional salons and specialized clinics, but several companies report zero sales or negative results.

Sales and Employees Over Time

Sales:

• 2016: NOK 19.7 million
• 2017: NOK 19.7 million
• 2018: NOK 12.5 million
• 2025: NOK 11.0 million

Employees:

• 2016: 46
• 2017: 44
• 2025: 35

Sales have been marked by a sharp decline from 2017 to 2018 (36.6%), but have since stabilized with a 2.3% increase from 2023 to 2024. Employees have shown a more gradual development, with a decline from 2016 to 2018, but stabilization at 34–35 employees since 2022. EBITDA margins range from 4% (Snø Miljøvennlig Frisør As) to 41% (Halden Hud Og Laserklinikk As).

Registered Companies in the Industry

Most companies are AS entities, but there are also sole proprietorships (ENK) such as Afrodite Frisør Ingunn Larsen Stiansen and Anne Christine Bergstrøm. Some companies report negative EBITDA or zero sales, indicating economic challenges for certain actors.

Distribution of Activity in the Municipality

All 16 companies in the industry are registered in Halden, with a focus on central areas such as Festningsgata, Storgata, and Violgata. There is no activity in sub-municipalities or areas outside Halden. The distribution shows a clear concentration in the municipality's center, which could be an advantage for new entrants seeking to establish themselves in a well-known and accessible area.

Dynamics and Risks in the Industry

• Bankruptcies: None of the 16 companies are registered as bankrupt, indicating a relatively stable industry.
• Economic Challenges: 5 companies (Go Cut As, Hårgleder As, Parken Frisør Halden As, Anne's Frisørstue As, Frisør Magne Langsholt As) report zero sales or negative results. This may signal that some companies struggle to maintain operations or compete effectively.
• Establishment: 3 companies (Halden Hud Og Laserklinikk As, Snø Miljøvennlig Frisør As, Vakker Stil Katrine G As) have positive EBITDA and higher margins, which could be a good starting point for new entrants.

Outlook for New Entrants

For founders considering establishing themselves in the hair salon industry in Halden, the following factors should be considered:

1. Market Size: The industry employs 35 people and generates NOK 11 million in sales in 2025, indicating a stable but not very large market size.
2. Competitiveness: The industry includes a mix of traditional salons and specialized clinics. New entrants should consider differentiating themselves through specialization or eco-friendly offerings (such as Snø Miljøvennlig Frisør As).
3. Economic Challenges: 30% of companies have negative EBITDA or zero sales, indicating potential challenges in achieving profitability. It is important to carefully plan costs and pricing strategies.
4. Location: All businesses are concentrated in Halden, which can be an advantage for reaching existing customers but also a challenge for standing out in a competitive market.

Comparison with the Broader Salon Sector

• Number of Companies: The broader salon sector has 85 companies in Halden, while the hair salon industry has 55 companies. This shows that the hair salon industry is an important part of the broader sector but not the only one.
• Sales and Employees: Sales development and number of employees are identical for both the hair salon industry and the salon sector, indicating they share the same market development.
• Peer Companies in the Salon Sector: There are 30 companies in the salon sector not registered in the hair salon industry, including beauty salons and skincare salons. This shows potential customers and competitors in adjacent sectors.

Examples of peer companies:

• 7th Heaven Negler (beauty salon)
• Anine Seifert Skjønnhet & Velvære (skincare salon)
• Faraon Beauty (beauty salon)

These companies can be both competitors and potential partners for new entrants in the hair salon industry.

The hair salon industry in Halden shows a stable but not very dynamic development. With 35 employees and NOK 11 million in sales in 2025, it provides a solid foundation for establishment, but it is important to be aware of the economic challenges some companies face. New entrants should consider differentiating themselves through specialization, eco-friendly offerings, or innovation in services. SmartGrunder can help founders find optimal locations and analyze market opportunities in Halden.