Frequently Asked Questions about the Hairdressing Profession

Is it hard to be a hairdresser?

Yes, more so than people on the outside think. You stand up for most of the day and repeat the same movements hundreds of times, and your body feels it before you notice it yourself. The good news: with a proper professional stool, the correct table height and a little discipline around taking breaks, you can avoid most of the strain. See our hairdressing chairs if your current chair is part of the problem.

How much does a hairdresser earn?

A newly qualified hairdresser typically earns between DKK 17,000 and 24,000 gross per month. Pay increases with experience and skills, and if you are self-employed, it depends entirely on your customer base and operating costs, so it can go either way. If you want to see the full picture, we have a complete post about hairdresser salaries.

Is hairdressing a good job?

Most hairdressers I talk to say yes. Creative freedom and daily contact with customers matter a great deal to most people. It is physically demanding, but for the vast majority, the joy of seeing a customer leave happy makes up for it.

What is it like to be a hairdresser in practice?

Varied. You cut, colour, style and prepare people for everything from everyday life to weddings. Some days it is scissors and a comb; other days, straighteners and makeup for a party. If you are self-employed, an entire layer of operations and administration comes on top—it is not all done at the chair.

What grades do you need to become a hairdresser?

Not many, actually. You need to have completed primary school or 10th grade, but what schools are really looking for is interest and practical ability, not top grades. See the complete guide to hairdressing training if you are considering applying.

Is there a shortage of hairdressers?

Periodically, yes, especially in smaller towns and rural areas, where demand is typically greater than supply. In the major cities, competition is tougher in return.

How long can you work as a hairdresser?

It can easily be a lifelong career, but only if your body can keep up. The average age in the industry is around 28, so the earlier you take ergonomics seriously, the longer you will last.

How much does it cost to become a hairdresser?

The training itself is vocational education, so most costs are limited to your own equipment, scissors, combs and styling tools. If you later plan to fit out a salon yourself, I recommend setting aside a realistic budget for furniture alone. It is often the expense people underestimate the most.

Final words

If you have a question I have not answered here, write to me directly. I usually reply myself.