Deshalb sind überall Barbershops

Report Overview

The report investigates why barbershops have spread across Austria, drawing on a new dataset assembled from more than 10,000 business records. Researchers estimate that Austria has about 1,000 barbershops—roughly one in ten of the country’s 10,600 hairdressing businesses.

Their numbers have risen sharply in recent years. However, the figures are estimates and may be affected by incomplete or inaccurate records.

Why Barbershops Appeal

Barbershops appeal especially to young men because they offer more than inexpensive haircuts: they can serve as social meeting places and sources of community. Barber culture has also become more visible online, and hairdressing has become an attractive career for some young people.

Business Requirements and Oversight

A key factor in the growth of barbershops is the role of the legally required, commercially qualified managing director. Someone without the required hairdressing qualification can own a shop if they employ a qualified person as managing director for at least 20 hours a week, and that person genuinely works there.

The arrangement is lawful, but the investigation found cases in which individuals were listed as managers at multiple businesses, sometimes far apart. Authorities differ on how many simultaneous appointments they consider acceptable. They usually check whether managers are actually working only when there are specific indications of a problem.

Industry Concerns and Inspections

Traditional hairdressers and the Chamber of Commerce raise concerns about inadequate training and unfair competition, including possible breaches of labor rules or opening-hour requirements.

The report also examines allegations of undeclared work, missing cash-register records, and money laundering. Authorities describe hairdressing businesses as a high-risk sector and say most inspections focus on barbershops. They report recurring employment and record-keeping violations.

However, the investigation found no concrete evidence or known Austrian conviction for money laundering linked to barbershops. It cautions against treating the entire industry as suspect.

Presenters and Contributors

The presenter/reporter is not named in the subtitles. Contributors include:

• Marcel Katzlinger, researcher and colleague
• Alper Taskin, Vienna hairdresser and shop owner
• Lena, identified by first name and associated with the financial police
• Unnamed interviewees, officials, and industry representatives, including a deputy guild master