Hair Salon Industry in Sarpsborg: A Comprehensive Analysis

Overview of the Hair Salon Industry in Sarpsborg

Sarpsborg has an active hair salon industry with 125 registered companies in the municipality, but only 16 of these are detailed in the report. The industry has been marked by a decline in both sales and number of employees over the past few years. Although there are variations in certain years, the data shows a general decline in activity. This may be due to economic challenges, competition pressure, and changes in customers' preferences.

The hair salon industry in Sarpsborg has a mix of company types, with AS being the most common (25 companies) and ENK (3 companies). Some companies have not reported sales or are newly established, which may indicate a dynamic, but also unstable sector.

SmartGrunder can help founders find suitable locations in Sarpsborg for the hair salon industry, based on data and market outlook.

The industry has experienced a continuous decline in sales and number of employees over the past few years. From 2016 to 2025, sales have fallen by 7.7%, from NOK 46.3 million to NOK 38.0 million. The number of employees has also fallen from 159 to 94, a decline of 4.1% from 2025 to 2026.

EBITDA margins vary greatly between companies, with some companies achieving high margins (e.g., 20% in Borgenhaugen) and others with negative margins (e.g., Hafslundsøy). This shows that there is a large variation in operating results and efficiency within the industry.

It is important to note that these figures may be influenced by specific circumstances of individual companies, such as recent establishment or decline in activity.

In Sarpsborg, there are 125 companies registered in the hair salon industry, but only 16 of these are detailed in the report. The key companies include:

• Fem Små Stuer As (Sarpsborg): 15 employees, high sales volume (NOK 8.8 million), but low EBITDA margin (13%).
• Hårstua Skjeberg As (Skjeberg): 8 employees, high EBITDA margin (13%) and positive operating result (NOK 573,000).
• Alfakrøll Frisør As (Sarpsborg): 7 employees, but no sales or operating result.
• Frisør 1 Saga (Sarpsborg): 6 employees, low EBITDA margin (1%) and low operating result (NOK 42,200).

There are also several companies that are newly established (e.g., Grimsøybua, 2025) or have no sales (e.g., Dahl Studio, 2020). This shows that the industry has both stable and unstable companies.

The hair salon industry is distributed across several areas in Sarpsborg, with the following distribution:

Sarpsborg is the most active area with 19 companies and 75 employees, but Skjeberg and Borgenhaugen have higher EBITDA margins (13% and 20%). Grålum and Hafslundsøy have lower margins, which may be due to small sales volumes or high operating costs.

The industry has been marked by a general decline in the number of employees and sales over the past few years. There are also variations in the operating results, with some companies achieving high margins and others with negative margins. This may be due to variations in costs, price levels, and customers' preferences.

There are no reported bankruptcies in the industry, but there are several companies with no sales or that are newly established. This may indicate an unstable sector with both stable and unstable companies. It is important to note that these companies may have specific circumstances that affect their operations.

Outlook for Founders

For founders considering establishing themselves in the hair salon industry in Sarpsborg, it is important to be aware of the general declining trends in sales and number of employees. This may indicate a competitive market, where it is important to differentiate and offer special services.

It is also important to consider the location, as areas such as Skjeberg and Borgenhaugen have higher EBITDA margins. This can be an advantage for new companies seeking to achieve higher operating results. It is also possible to utilize the newly established companies in the municipality, which can provide inspiration and opportunities for collaboration.

The broader hair salon sector in Sarpsborg has 202 companies, showing that the hair salon industry is part of a larger sector. Sales in this sector have also been declining, but with a smaller decline than in the hair salon industry. The number of employees has also fallen, but with a smaller decline.

It is also possible to compare the hair salon industry with other companies in the hair salon sector, such as beauty salons and skin care salons. These companies also have lower sales and operating results, which may indicate a general challenge in the sector.

It is important to note that these companies can provide opportunities for founders seeking to establish themselves in a broader sector, but it is also important to be aware of the competition and operational challenges.

The hair salon industry in Sarpsborg has been marked by a general decline in sales and number of employees over the past few years. This may be due to economic challenges, competition pressure, and changes in customers' preferences. There are also variations in the operating results, with some companies achieving high margins and others with negative margins.

For founders considering establishing themselves in the industry, it is important to be aware of the general declining trends and competition. It is also important to consider the location and opportunities to differentiate. SmartGrunder can help founders find suitable locations and develop strategies to achieve success in the industry.