Master Craftsman Requirement in the Hairdressing Trade: Is It Still Necessary?

What is meant by “Meisterpflicht”?

Meisterpflicht is a mandatory legal requirement in certain crafts (zulassungspflichtige Handwerke), based on § 1 and § 7 of the German Crafts Code (Handwerksordnung – HwO). It means:

A craft may only be practiced independently and under one’s own professional responsibility by a person who holds a Meisterbrief (master craftsman’s certificate) in that trade.

Is hairdressing (Friseur) included?

How can you open a hair salon if you are not a Meister yourself?

• Employ a Meister (not just on paper, but in reality):

  • This person must be registered with the Handwerkskammer (Chamber of Crafts) as the Betriebsleiter (technical manager).

  • He/she must work full-time in the business (not merely pro forma).

• Apply for an exemption (§ 8 HwO – Ausnahmeantrag):
  This is possible in the following situations:

  • You have many years of professional experience (usually at least 6 years, of which around 4 years in a leading/managerial role).

  • You have completed solid technical or advanced training.

  • But you have not completed the Meisterbrief.

• Open a branch on behalf of another Meister (e.g. franchise):

  • You act only as the administrative/general manager.

  • The technical responsibility lies with the franchise owner or another person who holds the Meisterbrief.

Is an Ausbildung (vocational training) alone sufficient?

No. A completed vocational training as Friseur/in (even with good or very good results) does not entitle you to open your own salon on your own responsibility.
You are only allowed to work as an employee, not as an independent business owner.

What happens if you open a salon without a Meister?

• It constitutes a violation of § 1 HwO.

• The Handwerkskammer and the Ordnungsamt (public order office) can immediately prohibit your business activities.

• You may face a fine of up to €50,000.

Is there any difference between men’s and women’s hairdressing?

No. Both are subject to the same legal provisions – the hairdressing trade includes, for example:

• Cutting hair

• Dyeing and treating hair

• Shaving (e.g. beard and facial shaving)

• In some cases, basic skin-care services

The editorial team of the website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors may occur or certain details may remain uncertain. Please consider the information in this article as an initial point of reference and always consult the relevant authorities or professional advisors for binding and up-to-date guidance.