The number of hairdressers in Belgium who are turning to independent status continues to increase, in particular to gain flexibility and to be closer to their clients. Faced with unfavorable salon salaries, many see independence as a better financial opportunity.
Covid continues to have an impact several years after its appearance, and hair salons are no exception. According to the latest data, there are now 3,567 employers in this sector, compared to 3,795 in 2020. On the other hand, the number of independent hairdressers without employees has continued to increase, from 19,336 in 2020 to 20,165 in 2024 , although it is unclear how many of them are working from home.
As a matter of course
For many, becoming independent is above all a way of working for yourself, rather than for a salon. This also offers greater flexibility in terms of schedules, as well as better contact with customers. Alice, hairdresser since October, made this choice. For her, this became obvious: “I really wanted to be independent. It allows me to better balance work and private life. And as a customer, that’s what I prefer. We are in a bubble at home.“Alice only sees advantages in this situation:”The relationship with the customer is completely different. There is definitely more privacy.“
Fewer and fewer employees are satisfied
However, for Patrick Dumont, Vice-President of the National Federation of Belgian Hairdressers, the main reason is economic. Today, an employee in a salon sees a big difference between the 5,000 euros paid by his employer and the 2100-2200 euros he receives at the end of the month. Being independent allows you to better control your finances and significantly reduce taxes. “Fewer and fewer employees are satisfied with salary conditions. In addition, those who worked during confinement realized that the complementary self-employed status was more advantageous,” adds Patrick Dumont.
The sector now has more than 20,000 independent hairdressers without employees in Belgium.
Hairdressing sector
