Between craftsmanship and high fashion
Hair Ambassador Jörg Oppermann on his career, icons and trust.
Jörg Oppermann is one of Germany's most renowned hairstylists and is the creative mind behind many red carpet looks and iconic glossy hairstyles in leading fashion magazines. As a Niche Beauty Hair Ambassador, he brings his extensive expertise and passion for hair care and health to Niche Beauty.
You are considered one of the most sought-after hairdressers in Germany. How did your journey begin?
It actually all started when I was a child. My mother had her hair styled two or three times a week and I still remember those moments well - they were full of energy, fun and joie de vivre. Nevertheless, my path initially took me in a completely different direction: I started studying pharmacy and at the same time earned my living as a dancer and model. This brought me into contact with the fashion world early on - and I quickly realized that I wanted to be part of this creative industry. My interest in hairstyling grew more and more - so I finally completed a crash course at a French hairdressing company. They placed a surprising amount of trust in me and opened my first salon with me in Hamburg 26 years ago. From then on, everything happened pretty quickly.
What did you actually want to be when you were a child - and did you think you would become a star hairdresser?
I actually planned to take over the sixth generation of the family business - a bakery. I therefore began my career in the traditional trade; becoming a hairdresser was hardly imaginable back then. I am all the more grateful today that my path led me in a creative direction - and that I was able to gain all this experience.
Starting out on the crash course and my time in Paris really sharpened my eye for aesthetics and craftsmanship. A new chapter began with my own salon and later a TV show. Working with personalities from all over the world - which often resulted in real friendships - has had a lasting impact on my view of style and individuality. My self-confidence has also grown through my work as a brand ambassador for various brands. Product launches and prestigious appearances in particular give me great pleasure and have significantly shaped my career.
Was there a moment when you knew: this is more than just a job - this is my passion?
The first fashion shows and working with top-class hairstylists in Paris were particularly exciting. From then on, I knew that this was my world - a place where it was all about people, personality and aesthetics. And a place where I can fully develop.
Every career path has highs and lows. What have been your personal highlights - and which challenges have had a particular impact on you?
One of the biggest highlights for me has been getting to know so many fascinating personalities and growing with them. Every encounter, every new task has challenged me - and at the same time driven my own development. I learned to rediscover my desire and passion again and again, wishes were fulfilled and I was able to experience constant personal and professional growth.
At the same time, the challenges were always present: developing the salon in a stable way, keeping the business on track and, above all, my team - the heart of every successful job. The higher you fly, the thinner the air becomes. You have to be able to endure this experience in order to survive in the long term.
For me, it's always about making a person's personality visible. It is also important to me to implement current trends so that every customer is in tune with the times. Hair can tell a lot about someone, it has a big influence on charisma and self-esteem. At the same time, trust plays an important role in the salon because very personal conversations often take place there. In a way, this profession is therefore also a very human job. I often say that sometimes you also have to be a bit of a therapist (laughs).
You work with celebrities. Is there an experience from this time that you particularly remember?
Oh, there are countless moments. I particularly remember my first meeting in the salon with Bill Kaulitz. We were both still so young and unsure of ourselves - and yet we made an instant connection. We understood each other almost without words - a feeling that has stayed with me for years.
Then there was the incredibly fun day with Hollywood legend Linda Gray: hair and make-up, then the shuttle to the event - we laughed, sang and celebrated, walked the red carpet together and she told everyone that I had done her the best make-up in decades. Moments like that, combining work and pleasure, are unforgettable.
I also had special encounters with Iris Berben in Paris or the Kaulitz family and Heidi Klum at Soho House in Berlin - always full of energy and authenticity. There are so many stories that have shaped these years - every day, every encounter has left its mark in its own way.
My friend Kim Fisher always said during our collaboration: "It's like being a little bit in love when I'm with you...." That's exactly what it feels like - an excitement, like being newly in love. All I can say is: I can't remember how many times I've been freshly in love in these decades (laughs).
I see a clear trend towards healthy, natural-looking hair. Extreme styling is taking a back seat, while care and quality are becoming more of a focus. Haircare is now taken just as seriously as skincare. This holistic view of beauty is a very sustainable trend for me.
What are the most important lessons you have learned in the course of your career - both professionally and personally?
Very important: listening to your own instincts. Many decisions in my life just felt right - and then I followed them. I've also learned how important trust and discretion are when dealing with people. In the end, this profession is always about relationships.
What role does healthy hair care play in your work today compared to the past?
It plays a much bigger role today. Many customers are more informed and are more interested in ingredients and long-term care. Beautiful styling always starts with healthy hair - that's why haircare is now clearly at the beginning of every treatment for me.
You are an ambassador for Niche Beauty. What convinced you about this collaboration?
I was particularly impressed by the curated selection: Niche Beauty brings together brands that focus on innovative products and high-quality ingredients - completely in line with my own quality standards. I particularly appreciate the fact that beauty is consciously and differentiated here and at the same time offers great versatility - there is a suitable solution for every hair and beauty need.
Finally, which haircare products do you consider to be real perennial favorites?
Products that combine care and styling. Good leave-in products, high-quality oils and formulas that provide structure are among my absolute essentials. They work just as well in everyday life as they do for shoots or big events.
Jörg’s product recommendations:
