The Hairdressing Industry in Trondheim

The hairdressing industry in Trondheim is an important part of the local economy with 289 registered companies and over 700 employees. The industry has shown variations in sales and employees over the years, with a sales increase of 3.7% from 2023 to 2024. Trondheim itself is the most active area with 85 companies and 495 employees, while other districts such as Heimdal and Tiller have smaller but prominent activity. EBITDA margins vary between 1% and 15%, showing variations in operational efficiency. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Trondheim for this industry.

Sales and employee development:

• Sales: Sales for the hairdressing industry in Trondheim have grown from NOK 374.3 million in 2016 to NOK 403.2 million in 2025, with an increase of 3.7% from 2023 to 2024. There was a decline of 2.7% in 2025, but there is a positive trend over time.
• Employees: The number of employees has decreased from 963 in 2016 to 672 in 2026, with a decline of 29.9%. There was a short increase of 4.5% from 2022 to 2023, but generally there has been a decline.

Financial indicators:

• EBITDA margins range between 1% and 15%, with an average margin of 5%.
• Sales growth has been most pronounced in 2023 (5.3%) and 2024 (3.7%), while there was a decline in 2020 (-7.6%) and 2025 (-2.7%).

Conclusion: The industry has shown stable sales growth over time, but with variations in employees and operational efficiency.

Organizational forms:

• AS: The most common organizational form, with 112 companies and 654 employees.
• ENK and NUF: Less represented, with 4 and 1 companies respectively.

Key companies:

• H2 Frisør As (Olav Tryggvasons gate 28): 20 employees, sales of NOK 48.4 million, EBITDA of NOK 3.0 million.
• Betty Frisør As (Brøsetvegen 177): 17 employees, sales of NOK 9.4 million, EBITDA of NOK 1.0 million.
• Stas Hår & Bryn As (Jomfrugata 5): 15 employees, sales of NOK 9.6 million, EBITDA of NOK 992,000.

Bankruptcy safety: Most companies are not in bankruptcy, but some have negative EBITDA values, such as Chilli Frisører As (EBITDA: -NOK 260,000) and T Grande Frisør As (EBITDA: -NOK 307,000).

Distribution of activity in Trondheim:

Conclusion: Trondheim is the most active area with 85 companies and the highest sales (NOK 303.5 million). Heimdal and Tiller also have significant activity, but with fewer companies and employees.

Bankruptcy and operational results:

• Most companies are not in bankruptcy, but some have negative EBITDA values, such as Chilli Frisører As (EBITDA: -NOK 260,000) and T Grande Frisør As (EBITDA: -NOK 307,000). This may indicate operational challenges or low operational efficiency.
• Equity and debt: Equity varies from NOK -2,000 (Bosberg) to NOK 33.5 million (Trondheim). Debt ranges between NOK 1.2 million (Jakobsli) and NOK 88.2 million (Trondheim).

Conclusion: The industry has relatively stable operations, but some companies face challenges. It is important to assess operational efficiency and financial health before investing.

Outlook for Entrepreneurs

Growth and opportunities:

• Sales have increased by 3.7% from 2023 to 2024, indicating a positive trend. This can be a good indicator for entrepreneurs considering starting a hairdressing business.
• EBITDA margins range between 1% and 15%, showing variations in operational efficiency. Entrepreneurs should consider locating in areas with higher margins, such as Trondheim (5%) and Flatåsen (14%).
• There is a decline in the number of employees, which may indicate automation or smaller salons. Entrepreneurs should consider adapting to this by focusing on efficiency.

Conclusion: The industry has growth potential, but entrepreneurs should consider operational efficiency, location, and competition before starting a hairdressing business in Trondheim.

Comparison with the salon industry:

• Number of companies: The salon industry has 523 companies in Trondheim, while the hairdressing industry has 289 companies. This shows that the salon industry is broader and has more companies.
• Sales and employees: Sales for the salon industry have grown from NOK 398.1 million in 2016 to NOK 444.7 million in 2025, with an increase of 3.5% from 2023 to 2024. The number of employees has decreased from 1,019 in 2016 to 760 in 2026, with a decline of 25.4%.
• Peer companies: Key companies in the salon industry include Salong Karma As (sales: NOK 7.4 million, EBITDA: NOK 1.2 million) and Stas Hår & Bryn As (sales: NOK 9.6 million, EBITDA: NOK 992,000). This shows that the salon industry has companies with higher sales and EBITDA.

Conclusion: The salon industry has higher sales and more companies, which can provide competitive challenges for entrepreneurs in the hairdressing industry. It is important to consider locating in areas with high operational efficiency and competitive companies.

The hairdressing industry in Trondheim has shown stable sales growth over time, with an increase of 3.7% from 2023 to 2024. Trondheim itself is the most active area with 85 companies and 495 employees. EBITDA margins vary between 1% and 15%, showing variations in operational efficiency. The salon industry has higher sales and more companies, which can provide competitive challenges for entrepreneurs in the hairdressing industry. SmartGrunder can help entrepreneurs find suitable locations in Trondheim for this industry.