How do you become a hairdresser in Denmark?

Foreword

It is not necessary to train as a hairdresser to open your salon or to call yourself a hairdresser. 'Hairdresser' is not a protected title. However, many choose to train both to get help on how to become a better hairdresser and because the "4-year" hairdresser education is considered a validation stamp by many.

Should you take an education?

That is entirely up to you. Do you need the education? Would it make your working life easier? If yes, then take the education.

The 4 paths into the 4-year vocational education as a hairdresser

Have you decided to take the education? Great! Below we explore the four different paths into the 4-year vocational education as a hairdresser, and how you can find the right one for you.

First path: Start with Basic Course 1 (GF1)

Basic Course 1 is for those coming directly from 9th/10th grade. If you just needed a short break, don’t worry—you just need to have completed 9th or 10th grade less than 14 months before the school start for GF1. Now you’re in—exciting! GF1 takes 6 months and consists of both practical and theoretical teaching.

Some can actually skip GF1 entirely. For example, if you have a signed apprenticeship agreement before school starts and have passed your 9th/10th grade exams, you can skip GF1 completely.

Second path: Start with Basic Course 2 (GF2)

When you have finished GF1, you can continue to GF2. GF2 takes 20 weeks and focuses on the subjects that give you a fundamental understanding of the hairdresser industry.

Third path: Start as a new master apprentice

If you start as a new master apprentice, you replace both Basic Course 1 and 2 with an apprenticeship in a hairdresser salon—does it get any cooler? You still need to have passed your 9th/10th grade exams and must also pass three theory subjects to continue the education. If you worry about the theory subjects, it might be a good idea to consider GF1 and GF2 to get ready. Just because you can skip some basic courses doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone. Is it the right choice for you?

Fourth path: EUX

Last but not least. The hairdresser education can be taken as an EUX, where it is combined with a high school diploma, which also gives you access to other higher education programs. The EUX program lasts 5 years and 6 months but gives you a broader understanding that you can use if you later find out that life as a hairdresser is not for you after all.

Hairdresser schools in Denmark

1. NEXT Copenhagen
2. EUC Zealand, Næstved
3. South Denmark Vocational School (SDE) in Odense
4. TechCollege in Aalborg
5. Hansenberg in Kolding
6. Rybners – EUD in Esbjerg
7. EUC South in Aabenraa
8. Aarhus Tech
9. Tradium in Randers
10. Herningholm EUD in Herning
11. Struer State Gymnasium

Your first year at school: What can you expect?

The first year of the hairdresser education is a journey into both theoretical and practical disciplines. You will not only get the scissors in your hand but also build a solid understanding of design principles within the hairdresser profession and develop your skills in color theory. This first year of the hairdresser education is the foundation for your journey to becoming a trained hairdresser. From theoretical knowledge to practical skill training, you are well on your way to shaping your own path and style.

Design understanding and styles through time

The teaching covers different styles through time, so you gain a deep understanding of design, trends, and the history behind the industry. From classic to modern trends, you will learn to identify and create different looks that suit every customer’s unique style and face shape.

Color theory

Colors are an important part of hairdresser work. You will learn color theory and techniques to apply and mix colors for the best possible result. Additionally, you will receive guidance on the safe handling of various products to protect both the customer and yourself. Remember, you are working with real chemicals.

Practical training in cutting, coloring, and perming

Your first practical training includes cutting, coloring, and perming. You will gain hands-on experience in adapting techniques to different hair types to achieve professional results.

Main course in the hairdresser education

Here you alternate between apprenticeship and school courses, and the journey toward technical expertise and independence really begins now. Let’s explore how this stage shapes you into a skilled hairdresser—and person.

More than just cutting - human understanding

The best hairdressers are not only technically skilled; they are also experts in people. In this part of the education, you will be taught psychology, giving you insight into how people think and act. Some believe this is perhaps the most important point in the entire education.

Service subjects and business understanding

Besides psychology, you will also learn other service subjects that provide you with business insight and knowledge of life in a salon. This includes understanding what it takes to run a successful business and give your customers an exceptional experience.

Examination

Your hairdresser education concludes with an exam that tests your skills and knowledge. It is the moment when you show that you are ready to step out as a fully trained and competent hairdresser.

Is there anything you don’t get taught?

The practical aspect—actually being a hairdresser—is expected to be learned through your apprenticeship. You need to be good at asking your master questions to improve. A big part of being in practical training is also just getting the chance to work in a real salon—maybe for the first time?

You also don’t necessarily receive practical knowledge about starting a business, VAT reporting, bookkeeping, etc. That is actually why I write posts like this—to make you wiser about all the things you might not learn at school or in your apprenticeship.

Final words

If you feel that you can use the education to improve your cutting techniques and maybe social skills around customers, then sign up. Even if you just do it for the title, sign up. You need peace of mind when you go to work, and if an education can give you that, then sign up.