Marlies Möller: Germany's last star hairdresser before ruin!

Marlies Möller: Germany's last star hairdresser before ruin!

Marlies Möller, widely known as Germany's last big celebrity hairdresser, is currently causing a stir after filing for bankruptcy. Known in Hamburg as “MM”, Möller has built a flourishing business empire over 60 years, which includes four salons in Hamburg and others in Düsseldorf and Palma de Mallorca. Is she heading towards the end of a chapter?

On June 12, 2025, the Hamburg District Court initiated insolvency proceedings for “Marlies Möller Holding GmbH”, and the Hamburg law firm Reimer Rechtsanwälte was appointed as insolvency administrator. Möller, who is considered a pioneer of dry cuts and has done hairstyling for many celebrities, is supported in her crisis by her son Christian, who has been managing the company for almost 30 years. However, the two have not yet been available for comment.

A gem in the beauty industry

Möller opened her first salon in 1962 in Rotherbaum, Hamburg, and quickly became a trendsetter in the beauty industry. During her career, she has not only won several awards for her own hair care range, but has also accompanied and beautified countless women in their careers. But the last few years have been challenging for the hairdresser.

After the death of her husband Manfred, to whom she was married for 63 years, Möller had to overcome many private and business hurdles. Their salons were dependent on government aid during the corona pandemic, and an annual loss of around 300,000 euros was recently reported.

Challenges in the industry

The fate of Möller's company reflects a worrying trend. According to that Federal Statistical Office The number of insolvency proceedings for hairdressing salons in Germany increased sharply between 2008 and 2024. Many salons are struggling with financial constraints and outstanding receivables, which is putting the industry under pressure.

According to reports, Möller's company, which employs more than 100 people, had almost two million euros in outstanding receivables at the end of 2021, but only around 430,000 euros in real estate and inventory. The situation is getting worse and not only Möller, but also many others in the industry are facing massive uncertainties.

Although the price of a women's cut including advice and styling is up to 116 euros, this does not seem to have been enough to overcome the company's financial difficulties. However, Möller remains confident in her abilities and is convinced that she can make women look younger. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop for the iconic star hairdresser.

How this development affects the turbulent fate of Möller and the entire hairdressing industry will be of interest in the coming weeks and months. The next chapter in Marlies Möller's story is about to begin.

Picture reports on this dramatic turnaround. To find out more about the background, take a look at Focus over.